Fund-raising event supports H.U.G.S., Northwest Brain Tumor Support Group

The publicity and national focus on this area in recent months has certainly brought on a new awareness and perspective of the problem. Unfortunately, brain tumor numbers are on the rise nationally and we are seeing the affects of that rise on a personal level. It becomes the topic of conversations, the worry of parents and the devastation of those being diagnosed. Recent news coverage of town hall meetings in Cameron has changed the perspective of those who thought this was an isolated problem for the Cameron area alone. This perspective of a greater geographic area opened a wider scope of awareness, and the need to have a support group increased.

Help Us Give Support (H.U.G.S.) Northwest Missouri Brain Tumor Support Group was formed in Cameron in October, 2008, in response to the increase in families affected by brain tumors. H.U.G.S. serves brain tumor victims, families, friends and caregivers from Northwest Missouri within a 50 mile radius of Cameron. H.U.G.S. meets the first Thursday night of each month at the First Baptist Church in Cameron at 7 p.m. Anyone who has been touched by brain tumors are invited to attend.

H.U.G.S. is a member of the American Brain Tumor Association and the National Brian Tumor Society and a partner with Be Headstrong.org., a brain tumor support group from the Greater Kansas City area. Our involvement and partnership with local and national organizations supply a network of resources and professional speakers who address a variety of issues. Our goal is to raise public awareness of H.U.G.S. and provide a wider range of support to those in need.

H.U.G.S. will be holding a fund-raising event on June 12-13 at McCorkle Park in Cameron, which includes an "Almost American Idol," dance and cheerleader contest. All ages and range of talents from the surrounding area are invited to participate. H.U.G.S. In The Park day will have something for every age group. A whole hog roast and dinner theatre and performing bands follow on Friday. Bands and singing groups will be performing throughout the event and we invite those with an interest in participating to call 660-663-3179, 816-632-1776, 816-583-7722 or 816-632-6052 for details and entry forms. There will be kids games, bike show and train rides, horseshoe pitching, quilt show and raffles, demonstrations, pie eating contests, golf games, motorcycle raffle run and much more. We are seeking volunteers, sponsors and door prizes from area merchants and service providers in order to raise awareness and build partnerships throughout the area. All benefit proceeds support H.U.G.S. brain tumor victims and their families.

Join with us to support this very worthy cause.