COVID-19 has forced cancellation from the NBA to schools. But technology is filling in the gap to keep some events scheduled as planned, including the fundraiser for Cancer Support Community, which is celebrating 25 years of serving cancer patients, their families and caregivers. 13News Anchor Andrea Morehead explains how this virtual "Comeback" is helping even more people!
INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — While cancer patients and caregivers typically utilize services at their building locations during this time of quarantine, Cancer Support Community is still engaged virtually with support groups, counseling, yoga, cooking classes and educational programs.
13News' Andrea Morehead asked if that was tenuous for some people who prefer to have a one-on-one personal interaction.
"Yeah, ... the response we’ve had is overwhelmingly positive in terms of gosh, you know, I’ve seen notes from some of our staff they’ve sent out to the rest of the staff, and things like, you really do care about us," Eric Richards, president and CEO of Cancer Support Community said. "I can’t believe you’re there. This is amazing. Thank you so much. The thanks that we receive has just been overwhelming.”
The services are absolutely free.
“In fact, ... I think the silver linings in all of this, I think is serving even more people," Richards said. "We’re able to get more people because if there’s an issue with transportation getting to the building or geographic limitation there, people can actually tune in."
Cancer Support Community's annual fundraiser Laughing Matters has featured national comedians like Jay Leno. Martin Short was scheduled to be part of the celebration this year. While the social gathering is canceled, the show will go on this year online.
“We’re going to offer up 30-minute standup routine by our friend Dave Dugan and host a mission moment and show some videos created," Richards said. "One our other friends, Autumn Carter who I think you know, she’s been utilizing services of Cancer Support Community. We have video of her, and we’re going to have a live auction."
Morehead highlighted Carter's story in October 2019 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She was diagnosed in the summer of 2019. She has Stage 4 breast cancer.
The hope is that this year's fundraiser will reach more people and raise even more money to help more patients and their families.
“Normally able to get 650 people in our VIP room, right? Now we hope we can get thousands, if not more, and people from all over the state, all over anywhere that has internet access, really can tune in and take part in our evening," Richards said.
How to participate:
You can bid on silent auction items a week before the Laughing Matters virtual event on April 25.
The event starts at 7:25 p.m. representing the 25 years of Cancer Support Community's service to our community.
To watch live, visit www.cancersupportindy.org or WTHR.com.
13News is a very proud sponsor of Laughing Matters.
To contact Cancer Support Community directly: 5150 West 71st St., Indianapolis, IN 46268; Phone: 317-257-1505
"The Comeback" series airs two times a week. If you have an inspirational story to share that you believe will help all of us get through this time, reach out to Andrea at andrea.morehead@wthr.com.