Lasagna to raise money for cancer

By AMY FOSTER / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Multi-County Cancer Support Network representative Kathleen Shelton, left, and Jill Palmer of Tennessee Oncology show a recent fundraising T-shirt. A lasagna, bread and dessert cook-off will be held Sept. 19 in the River Park Hospital lobby.

If living with cancer isn’t hard enough, patients and their families are often forced to deal with monetary issues due to medical bills.

The non-profit organization Multi-County Cancer Support Network has made it easier for these local families since opening its doors in 1992. The support network aids cancer patients in eight area counties, including Warren County. To help raise money for this organization, River Park Hospital and Tennessee Oncology have teamed up for a lasagna, bread and dessert cook-off Sept. 19.

“They have never turned one of our patients down,” Jill Palmer of Tennessee Oncology said. “This will be the first time Warren County has raised money for this organization and they have been helping our county for years.”

Palmer added that the Multi-County Cancer Support Network has helped with over $17,000 in funds for Warren County cancer patients.

River Park will be accepting submissions for the categories of lasagna, breads and desserts until 10 a.m. in the lobby of the hospital. After 10 a.m., judging of the entrees will begin in each category.

“This is pretty much for the bragging rights in McMinnville,” Palmer said. “It is to see who the best cook in the county is.”

At 11 a.m., all the entrees will be served to the public for the fundraising side of the cook-off. All money collected from the $5 plate lunches will be donated directly to Multi-County Cancer Support Network.

“There are so many unexpected expenses they are going through,” Palmer said. “They help with electric, groceries, rent, dental work or anything that makes their lives easier while they are going through this with cancer. They just do a great job. They help if they can’t work or even if they can.”

Multi-County Cancer Support Network receives no funds from the American Cancer Society and operates completely from donations.

Aside from the cook-off, the support network is always accepting donations. To make donations, or for more information, call Kathleen Shelton at 1-800-497-4322.

Entrees will be accepted all morning Sept. 19 in the main lobby of River Park Hospital. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. with a $5 donation accepted per plate. For more information, call Jill Palmer at 815-0032.