ASHLAND — Ashland County Cancer Association is there in the dark times for any Ashland County resident with a cancer diagnosis.
But the organization also wants to be there to celebrate the lives of its clients, and that’s what the association’s inaugural Survivors Dinner Thursday was all about.
“The Ashland County Cancer Association has never done an event for survivors, and I think it’s important to celebrate life,” said executive director Angela Woodward.
Approximately 140 cancer survivors and their loved ones gathered at University Hospitals Samaritan on Main to enjoy food and fellowship.
Each of the honored guests was a current or former client of the association, which provides local residents with financial, educational, nutritional and emotional support throughout their cancer journey.
The evening also featured live music by the Ashland University Jazz Combo Band and entertainment by local magician “Magic Mike” Cantanzarito, as well as the debut of the association’s new promotional video. The video was funded by a grant from Ashland County Community Foundation and created by Vinyl Marketing in an effort to raise awareness about the association.
To wrap up the evening, Ashland County Cancer Association board president Jane Roland led the survivors in singing “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.”
University Hospitals provided the venue at no charge. Buehler’s Fresh Foods donated salad and Jake’s Steakhouse donated soup. Loko Bean provided dessert and Tim Hortons provided coffee. The event was staffed by volunteers.
In its 72 years serving Ashland County, the association has helped about 15,000 people and given away more than $5 million, according to Woodward. The association provides about $95,000 in assistance each year, and all of the money comes from local sources and stays local. The organization is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society.
“We couldn’t do this without the people of Ashland County,” Roland said. “We are funded by United Way and personal contributions from people.”
Among the guests at Thursday’s dinner was Marcia Fratz, who has survived skin cancer and breast cancer and is currently battling colon cancer.
Fratz said she is grateful for the help of the association, which has provided her with hats and Boost nutritional drinks and helped pay mileage for her travel to and from doctor’s appointments. She only wishes her daughter had known about Ashland County Cancer Association while she was being treated for breast cancer several years ago.
Fratz appreciated the camaraderie of the survivor’s dinner, where she was surrounded by people who had shared a similar experience.
One of the most important things for people with a cancer diagnosis is to have the support of community, Fratz said.
Family, friends and church members have been there for Fratz in good times and bad, offering a listening ear or a tray of food.
“I hope I can help others as much as I have been helped,” she said.
The association is currently accepting donations for its annual rummage sale fundraiser. Donations may be brought to the Ashland County Cancer office at 1011 East Main Street, Suite B.
For more information about Ashland County Cancer Association, visit www.ashlandcancer.org or call â419-281-1863.
