Tonight’s Event to Raise Funds to Assist Cancer Patients

Post a Comment » Written on March 23rd, 2007     
Filed under: News
VANCOUVER, WA (March 23, 2007) – Cascade View Covenant Church hopes that a fundraising event it is holding for the first time tonight will spread nationally, as the church seeks to help people with cancer.

The “Evening of Hope and Faith” to be held at 7 p.m. will benefit patients who cannot afford cancer treatment. Already, the event is drawing attention from people in other states.

“Our goal is for 1,000 people, and we want to raise $10,000,” says Pastor Jim Sequeira. “We have learned since setting this goal that an individual from California heard about this event and is planning on attending and has committed to match our goal with another $10,000.”

The church, which has an average attendance of about 110 people, has lost two longtime members to cancer over the past year, says Sequeira. Several other congregants are struggling with the disease.

Cascade View is working with the First Church of God, where the event is being held, and City Harvest Church, to hold the benefit. The congregation also is working in conjunction with Providence Medical Center and Foundation.

Four worship bands will present a free concert, and several oncologists will share information. A local minister also will share how people can keep hope and faith strong while a person is battling illness, says Simon Luthi, who proposed the idea for the fundraiser. An offering will be taken.

“There’s so much money going into cancer research, which is great, but we have to remember the people who are struggling to pay for their treatment,” Luthi says. He adds that some studies suggest that roughly 50 percent of all personal bankruptcies are due to medical bills.

Luthi has never had cancer, but was close to the church members who died. His wife, Jennifer, is an oncology nurse. “She has been a tremendous inspiration to me,” he says.

A Hope and Faith website has been established for people to donate funds. Funds will be distributed to patients who submit a financial needs application at the hospital.

“I hope the website can become a portal,” Luthi says, explaining that other churches and organizations that decide to support the same cause could use the website to direct funds in their communities.

Cascade View already has been involved in the fight against cancer. The church worship team will provide music during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for the third consecutive year in 2007.

For more information, email Hope and Faith or call 360-901-4530.

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