Recognizing that cancer treatments can result in lighter purses for the victims of this disease and their families, a church in downtown Suffolk is working to provide a little financial help by holding, fittingly, a purse sale.

The purse sale at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, which starts on Saturday, will raise funds for the Nobody Fights Alone cause through the Louise Obici Auxiliary. All of the proceeds will be used to benefit cancer patients who live in Suffolk and surrounding areas and for those who work with the Sentara Obici Hospital Oncology Nurse Navigator to assess their financial needs and hardship.

The fundraiser was the brainchild of Juel Carr, whose own diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer two years ago gave her special insight into the hardships faced by those fighting cancer.

St. Paul’s, Carr said, was instrumental in helping her through her own fight.

“The church was a big part of my recovery,” Carr said. “I want to give back and to not forget the kindness this church has shown me.”

Nobody Fights Alone is dedicated to supporting locals who cannot afford the commute to their cancer treatments by purchasing gas cards for them. The organization also has purchased gift cards to local grocery stores for those who cannot afford to buy groceries for their families as a result of their cancer treatment expenses.

The auxiliary, which has been around for 70 years, will donate all the proceeds from its fundraising event to the Nobody Fights Alone organization.

The church will be collecting gently used purses to be sold at a reduced price until Tuesday. Volunteers are also needed for the event. The church office can be reached at 539-2478 for anyone interested.

There will also be a bake sale during the event in support of St. Paul’s food pantry that is hosted every Monday night.

Take this opportunity to open up your own purse (or wallet) and support a worthy cause.