By Pete Woody

The Ladies of the Lake Cancer Support Team provides support to cancer patients in several counties in Virginia and North Carolina surrounding Lake Gaston, including those who receive services from VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) and the hospital’s Hendrick Cancer and Rehab Center. Several times a year, the nonprofit donates to various individuals and organizations to clear financial hurdles that can sometimes stand in the way of cancer treatment.

The Ladies of the Lake Cancer Support Team holds multiple fundraising events, some taking place monthly and others annually. These events help group members form and strengthen their bonds with each other while they work together to raise money that directly supports cancer patients in their communities. Members of the group were on hand during a ceremony in February 2024 to celebrate that support and deliver a check to CMH as part of their charitable giving.

“It is amazing and humbling to see the hard work and dedication that the Ladies of the Lake Cancer Support Team shows to cancer patients in our community,” said Kayla Trask, director of radiation and medical oncology at CMH. “These ladies are amazing.”

Several members of the group have battled cancer themselves, making their support for the Hendrick Cancer and Rehab Center even more personal.

“It is an honor for Ladies of the Lake Cancer Support Team to assist anyone fighting cancer,” said Sue Williams, publicity chair for the Ladies of the Lake Cancer Support Team. “We’re committed to supporting the health of our communities in any way we can.”

Williams explains that funds raised and donated by the group in the past year have gone to help patients and their families with costs for travel, lodging, clothing and grocery items while undergoing treatment. In some cases, funds have also been used to cover costs for medical procedures and equipment. An upcoming fundraiser will be dedicated to a patient diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, to assist her as well as her husband and four children.

“We know our support helps all cancer patients, no matter what type of cancer they have,” Williams added.

“VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital was built by the efforts and generosity of community members. Today that spirit of giving continues with the support of groups like the Ladies of the Lake Cancer Support Team,” said Brenda Palmore, interim director of the CMH Foundation and vice president of practice management and business development for CMH. “Thanks to their kindness and philanthropy, we are able to continue meeting the health needs of all people in our community, especially those battling cancer.”

To make a donation to the cancer care fund or other funds at the CMH Foundation, visit the CMH Foundation website or call (434)-447-0857 to learn more.