Sock Hop to raise funds for cancer support group
Date: 9/26/2012
By Lori Szepelak
lori@thereminder.comCHICOPEE — A Sock Hop fund-raiser will transport area residents back to the 1950s and 60s all for a great cause the Gift of Light campaign at Mercy Medical Center, which benefits the hospital's Cancer Support Group.
The event is planned Oct. 6 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Elks Lodge, 431 Granby Road.
Several members of the Cancer Support Group, including Ruth and Dave Makowicz and Lucille Searleman, are spearheading the endeavor, along with support from Sister Madeleine Joy, S.P., who has served as facilitator of the group for 23 years. Joy also works closely with the monthly Caregivers' Support Group and the weekly Grief Support Group at Mercy.
"We love to dance and we hope others will join us for an evening that promises to bring back fond memories of one's youth," Ruth Makowicz said during an interview with Reminder Publications.
Ruth Makowicz lost her first husband, Harold Rice, to cancer in 2005, the same year that Dave Makowicz lost his wife, Adele, also to cancer.
"Support group members have been very supportive to both of us over the years," she said.
The Makowiczs were quick to point out that the weekly Cancer Support Group "isn't just for caregivers" but also for persons who are living with cancer.
"We are a very welcoming group to new members," she said.
For Searleman, the support group has felt "like a second family" to her after she lost her husband.
"We need to help raise funds to ensure this support group continues to help others in the community," Searleman said.
Highlights of the Sock Hop will include a contest for the best dressed in 50s attire and a trivia contest, hosted by DJ Mad Max. In addition, a host of raffle prizes will be up for grabs, as well as a Lottery Tree. A 50/50 Raffle is also planned. Patrons attending the event are encouraged to bring their own munchies for the evening.
Since the Elks hall seats 275, early registration is advised. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased by calling Makowicz. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 30 — no tickets will be available at the door.
"We hope to raise at least $1,000 from the event," Makowicz said.
Funds raised from this event will help support the activities of the Cancer Support Group, which includes flowers, gift baskets and outings.
Joy thanked Makowicz and Searleman for being on the front lines to help create such a warm and welcoming event for the fall.
"It makes me feel great to share some of the responsibility for the leadership of the group," she said.
For 23 years, Joy has conducted weekly meetings to help others cope with illness, trauma, loss, and even death. As a clinical member of a holistic health care team, Joy's role as a chaplain plays a vital role by journeying with people searching to make meaning of such life events.
"Social activities are also an important part of life to balance the pain that many experience," she explained.
On average, Joy estimates there are 80 people who are part of the Cancer Support Group.
"Some people become too ill to attend so other members have reached out and visited them and have delivered flowers and fruit baskets," she said, adding, "I'm not alone, a lot of people help out."
For the Makowicz family, the support group has meant a great deal over time to them especially since that is how they met each other.
"It's a real community of people and many friendships are created over time," Dave Makowicz said.
For more information on the Sock Hop and to purchase tickets, contact Ruth Makowicz at 213-0152. Businesses interested in donating a raffle prize can also contact Makowicz for details.
For more information on the Mercy Medical Center weekly Cancer Support Group, contact Joy at 748-9453.
