45 F
Wrightsville Beach
Friday, March 29, 2024

Cancer support group opens home base in WB

Must read

By Joshua Shelton

Contributing Writer

When Connie Hill and her best friend Renee Ballard were both diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, they agreed to take on the battle together with God’s grace and guidance.  It was this dedication to each other — and dedication to their faith — that inspired them to support other women who might be facing the battle alone. For 11 years, Hill said, Lump to Laughter has supported women in the New Hanover County area as they faced the trials and challenges of breast cancer, and they did it from kitchen tables, garages, living rooms and clinical waiting rooms. Until now.

Lump to Laughter is moving to a permanent location at the Landing, at 530 Causeway Drive in Wrightsville Beach. The goal is to provide women facing the many challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis a place to meet, pray and support each other. As the group’s mission statement mandates, it is “A Christian ministry dedicated to supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer and sharing their stories.”

Hill, co-founder of Lump to Laughter and cancer survivor, is happy to provide women with a place to find the support they need. The space at the Landing is more than just a physical location, it’s a solidification of the dedication to these women and this community, she said.

“We now have a place to give women what they couldn’t find somewhere else,” she said. “We can provide these women with the emotional and spiritual support they need. These women need each other as much as they need the medical support of the hospital.”

Nikki Simpson, survivor and head of the Lump to Laughter outreach since 2007, said she is very excited to have a central place for women to meet and from which the organization can operate.

“We survive on volunteers so a permanent location will help both the volunteers and the women diagnosed with breast cancer,” she explained.

Breast cancer impacts one in eight women in the United States. In New Hanover County, that amounts more than 12,000 women. Hill and Simpson said this number will increase as individuals continue to relocate to New Hanover County, and those individuals frequently have no local familial support system.

Lump to Laughter has drawn many supporters; one of its strongest is Dr. Charles Kays of Wilmington Plastic Surgery, who has completed many breast reconstruction surgeries.

“These women are providing a genuine service to those in need,” Kays said. “Connie’s excitement has never waned, even as she overcame her own diagnosis. … It’s hard to fight cancer and keep your life intact.”

Lump to Laughter needed somewhere to do more than simply talk. The Hope Packages program is one of the growing reasons for a physical location. They are, as Hill said, a “pink box of joy.” Since 2005, more than 450 women have received a Hope Package, a care package containing scripture-themed items Hill and Ballard found helpful and comforting when undergoing cancer treatments.

The Hope Packages serve as glimmers of hope, of perseverance, of comfort and ultimately they remind these women that they are not facing this journey alone, Hill said.

- Advertisement -spot_img

More articles

- Advertisement -spot_img

Latest articles