News Summary
Cancer Support Services in Augusta is set to host its annual Step Up Against Cancer walk on September 13. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for essential services provided to cancer patients. With over 2,100 free housing stays and 2,900 transportation trips facilitated in 2023, local families have benefited greatly. Community involvement is crucial to ensure that no one faces the journey of cancer alone, as emphasized by the executive director and local advocates.
Augusta – Cancer Support Services, a non-profit organization based in Augusta, will host its annual Step Up Against Cancer walk on Saturday, September 13, at 8 a.m. at Doctors Hospital of Augusta. This event aims to raise awareness about the services provided by the organization, which has been an essential resource for cancer patients over the past 20 years.
The annual walk not only serves as a fundraiser but also highlights the support offered by Cancer Support Services to those battling cancer. The organization provides crucial assistance including housing, transportation, and financial help for patients who may otherwise struggle to access necessary treatments. In the year 2023 alone, Cancer Support Services has facilitated over 2,100 free housing stays and coordinated more than 2,900 transportation trips for individuals receiving treatment.
One local couple, Billy and Belinda Mullis, exemplifies the need for such services. Married for over 40 years, the Mullis family has built a second home in Augusta due to Billy’s ongoing battle with a rare form of leukemia, known as BPDCN, which has limited treatment options. They reside just outside of Albany, Georgia, which lacks the facilities required for specialized treatments such as stem cell transplants. As a result, Billy’s treatment is conducted in Augusta, where he has also been referred to Cancer Support Services, allowing him and Belinda to stay near the medical facility at no cost.
Due to the frequency of Billy’s visits to the doctor—twice a week—returning home becomes unmanageable because of his fatigue and the significant distance involved. The ability to stay close to treatment facilities has been a critical lifeline for the Mullis family and others in similar situations.
Michele Canchola, the executive director of Cancer Support Services, emphasizes the importance of the upcoming walk. The event not only seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cancer patients but also provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the resources available to them. Community involvement is vital to ensure that those in need can continue to receive assistance.
Belinda Mullis has expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by the staff and volunteers at Cancer Support Services, who provide essential support to families undergoing the hardships of cancer treatment. Their dedication significantly alleviates the stress related to moving to a new city for medical care, offering a sense of community in a challenging time.
In addition to Cancer Support Services, state representatives such as Tanya Miller are working on issues pertinent to the community. Representative Miller is currently pursuing the position of the first Black female attorney general in Georgia, an endeavor that has captured the attention of local residents and further emphasizes the importance of advocacy in the region.
As Cancer Support Services prepares for the Step Up Against Cancer event, they encourage community members to participate and spread the word. Together, they aim to combat the loneliness and isolation often felt by cancer patients and their families while raising awareness about the available resources.
The annual walk promises to be a gathering not just for fundraising but also for creating connections among individuals affected by cancer and fostering community support to ensure that no one faces this journey alone.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Step Up Against Cancer Walk
- Wikipedia: Cancer Support Group
- WFXG: Lung Cancer Survivors Support Group
- Google Search: Cancer Support Services Augusta
- WJBF: Augusta Agency Helps Cancer Patients
- Google Scholar: Cancer Patient Support
- WHSV: Breast Cancer Awareness Navigators
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer Awareness
- Post and Courier: North Augusta Cancer Support Group
- Google News: Cancer Support Augusta
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
