Gala raises $150,000 for American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society's Gala on Saturday raised about $150,000, American Cancer Society development manager Cheryl Ellis said.

About 550 people attended the event in the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport hangar, Ellis said. The theme of the gala was "Destination Cure," and private jets and luxury cars were featured around the main room.

"This was the biggest cancer gala we've ever had," Ellis said. "It was the most unique event we've seen."

A portion of the $150,000 raised will be a direct gift for programs and services for the local American Cancer Society, Ellis said.

Local programs include a wig room, wig boutiques at Southeast Hospital and Saint Francis Medical Center; Hope Lodge, where the cancer society will help patients receiving treatment find housing accommodations; Road to Recovery, where rides are provided for patients; and Look Good, Feel Good, where local cosmologists help patients as they are undergoing treatment.

The closest Hope Lodge is in St. Louis, but the local cancer society helps patients with hotel stays at other hospitals, Ellis said.

Any money raised not included in the direct gift will be used on national programs that may include research or a nationwide service line.

Direct gifts can go to research efforts, but research conducted in Southeast Missouri is limited, Ellis said. Dr. Rebecca Lobb conducted a cancer-detection study for patients in 10 Southeast Missouri counties, including Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger and Scott, in August. Lobb conducted the study out of Washington University in St. Louis, however.

bkleine@semissourian.com

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