It seems as if the whole community has banded together to help one of their own fight cancer.
It’s a tough way to start a new year, but on New Year’s Eve, Pam Burch learned the cancer she had fought and overcome in her breast 9-1/2 years ago has returned and has invaded her tailbone.
On top of that, Pam has had ulcerative colitis for several years, but has recently developed Crohn’s disease. She said doctors are reluctant to treat the cancer because of the added complication of treating the Crohn’s. She has been told she is facing surgery at Emory Hospital in Atlanta to deal with the Crohn’s so that they can address the cancer in  her bones.
As word spread quickly throughout the community about her renewed illness, many were calling her to find out what was happening. She decided to post her situation on Facebook, where she asked for love, support and prayers from her friends. Out of the blue, she began getting the sweetest messages and hearing of the many fundraisers being planned.
This has prompted several groups and individuals to plan fundraisers to help Pam and her husband Greg with medical expenses, especially the travel expenses associated with going back and forth to Emory.
At this time there are four events planned by Pam’s friends. An ongoing raffle sponsored by CARE Chiropractic’s Dr. Landin Marzolf and staff will hold a drawing on February 26, where they will be giving away an assortment of gift certificates. On February 28 there will be a Trail Ride being organized by Mel Lovering at the Circle Oak Farm, 3236 Vada Road.
March 7 is the date for a barbecue supper being planned by Jack and Kim Zillis, to be held at First United Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and donations of items are being sought for a community yard sale to be held March 14 in the parking lot of Mane Tamer Beauty Salon on Scott Street. Anyone having items to donate are asked to contact Faye Fletcher or Katrine Ward.
“These fundraisers are just amazing to me, to think that people will take time out of their lives to help. It’s amazing,” repeats Pam. She has also received a love offering from her church and daily gets cards from well-wishers, many of whom enclose checks. She tears up with emotion when she talks about it.
Pam continues to work as a dental hygienist at Port City Family Dentistry where she has been since 1984. She has had to make some adjustments to her schedule and comfort at work, but is thankful for the cooperation she receives from the doctors and her patients. She fears she may be facing disability in the future and that makes her sad as she enjoys her work so much.