In 2017, we lost our 1st Treasurer, Delores Dock to Lung & Breast cancer. She happened to be my mom and a major reason why we started this fight for social and food justice. She always had a garden when I was growing up and loved to help with ours once she was too sick to remain in her own home. She unfortunately knew firsthand the challenges of finding healthy, affordable food and the impact it had on her health and those in her community.

In 2020, her granddaughter Alexis decided to crochet hats (a skill she learned from her grandmother) for cancer patients and made 11 to represent the day her granny was born. However, with a national pandemic and additional restrictions, we decided we would auction them off and donate 100% of the proceeds to support Breast & Lung Cancer patients. Alexis still treasures Maggie, a handmade doll her grandma (received during her first battle with cancer) left to her. We raised $1,000 and were able to aid 5 cancer patients/survivors with funds to purchase healthy foods to equip their bodies for the fight of a lifetime.

This year, we will hold our 4th annual - 2024 Cancer Support Auction. Last year we awarded 8 cancer patients/survivors with $250. This year we would like to double the awards to $500. Also instead of auctioning just hats, we have a variety of handmade items made with love to honor the memory of Delores Dock. We are all under a tremendous amount of stress, our worlds have been torn upside down and while many of us are struggling with the high costs of everything on top of all the uncertainties each day seems to bring; I hope you can find it in your heart to help us support others struggling with the added challenge of battling cancer!!

3 Nights in the Smokies!