Night of Hope set for Aug. 9

Cancer patients and their families face the unknown daily. Beyond the disease and its ravages, there are mounting expenses for treatment, endless paperwork from insurance companies—some families must even make the choice between groceries or medication.

The Night of Hope was established in Sidney nearly a decade ago. The program supports those in Cheyenne County who have been diagnosed with cancer, raising funds and showing that the community cares. The group's Walk for Hope is held every year in August collecting donations to help with medical expenses.

This year's Walk for Hope will be held at Legion Park on Aug. 9, starting at 6:00 p.m. With music and food, the event will also have a guest speaker and feature the walk through candles at dusk.

Luminaries for the walk, as well as entries for the slide show, can be purchased from any Night of Hope member or at the Dorwart Cancer Center. Pictures for both can be dropped off at the Cancer Center or given to Kim Phillips at the Sidney city office.

Slide show photographs are due by Aug. 1. Those purchasing a candle for the Walk of Hope are asked to bring a canned food item, which will be used as a weight then donated to local food pantries.

The event will include a raffle of two items—a blanket, donated by the family of Kyle Jessen, and a quilt from an anonymous cancer survivor. There will also be a silent auction and other fundraising efforts.

Proceeds for all of this go to assist cancer patients in this area, and their families. All patients living in Cheyenne County and receiving treatment in local and regional facilities are eligible. Ten percent of funds support the Eppley Cancer Research Center in Omaha.