Cancer center celebrating 5 years with food, music

Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Foundation is inviting the public to Hopefest, a community fundraiser in honor of the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center's fifth anniversary, that will feature food and live music.

The event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of the Cancer Center, on the Carson Tahoe Medical Campus. All proceeds from Hopefest will directly support local cancer patients.

The free event is open to the public and features food, drinks, dancing and music. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and help celebrate the Cancer Center's fifth anniversary. Food, beer and wine will be donated by Firkin & Fox and High Sierra Brewery.

Two live bands also will performing, including The Cutters, which is made up of several Carson Tahoe physicians.

For the fourth year in a row, area car dealer Dick Campagni has donated a new car to be raffled off at the event. Raffle tickets are on sale now for $20 apiece or six for $100.

Additionally, guests will be invited to plant a flag in the Healing Flag Garden in honor of a loved one touched by cancer.

"We are looking forward to celebrating five years of hope and healing with the community who helped make the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center a reality," said Kitty McKay, foundation director. "All proceeds from Hopefest will go towards providing local cancer patients with needed support during a trying time in their life."

Over the past five years, the cancer center has had more than 125,000 visits, providing resources, treatment and support, all under the same roof.

Funds raised through events such as this help patients like Christy Parish, mother of three, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 32.

"No words can express how grateful I am that the cancer center was there for me," Parish said. "The resource center helped me with housing during treatment and holds a special place in my heart."

Since 1998, the Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Foundation has been encouraging and accepting gifts of all types that contribute to the health and well-being of the community.

Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is part of Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare, a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)3 corporation that has been serving patients since 1949. It offers chemotherapy and radiation oncology treatments, patient housing, educational resources, a staff of volunteer survivors and financial resources.

The Foundation was instrumental in the construction of the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center and housing for cancer patients through the Merriner Cottages.

For more information call 775-445-5161 or visit www.carsontahoe.com.