Few of life’s battles can be as gut-wrenching as a diagnosis of cancer. My wife Sandra entered that battle when a biopsy report confirmed she was at Stage 3B. Only one in five survived the type of cancer she had.

The longest, and in some ways the loneliest, year of our lives together began early January in 1998. During that year, she endured four rounds of standard chemotherapy, surgery, high dose chemotherapy with stem-cell replacement and 33 radiation treatments. We kept the roads hot between our home in Kinston and the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center.

Despite the demands of the incessant battle against cancer, Sandra emerged victorious and has remained cancer-free for more than 20 years. We count ourselves blessed.

On Saturday, Aug. 17, the Hair M Porium Salon is hosting its first “An Evening with the Stars: Cancer Survivors Gala” from 6-8 p.m. at the Kinston Community Center on Vernon Avenue. The gala is free for any cancer survivor in the region, and caregivers may attend the festivities for $20.

“According to the National Cancer Institute, ‘a person is considered to be a survivor from the time of diagnosis until the end of life,’” said Meagan Evans, a Certified Oncology Patient Navigator and Social Worker at UNC Lenoir Cancer Care.

Attendees may be newly-diagnosed, currently in treatment or just finished with treatment. Attendees also include those who are in remission even if they have been in remission for 20 years or more. Since fighting cancer requires a team effort, caregivers are also welcome.

The gala is the latest effort Hair M Porium Salon has done for cancer survivors. The salon, 128 W. Lenoir Street in Kinston, offers a free program titled “Redemption. Recovery. Restoration.”  This program teaches beauty techniques to women in active treatment or who have recently completed treatment. The program offers comprehensive education about appearance-related side effects of cancer treatments. A few of the topics of instruction include facials and skincare, steps in applying makeup, and an overview of nail care.

 “An Evening with the Stars: Cancer Survivors Gala” will offer culinary delights especially prepared for the occasion by celebrity chef and Kinston native Antonio Phillips. He graduated from South Lenoir High School and studied at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta.

Those who attend will also have the opportunity to “get down” to music provided by Soul Movement Band. The band specializes in Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Blues and Classics. So when you come to the gala, be sure to wear your boogie shoes.

Several speakers will be on hand to provide uplifting messages of hope. One is Dr. Charmin Anderson; she has overcome cancer, stroke and domestic violence. She has turned her struggles into a rich source of practical encouragement in her role as an author and motivational speaker. She has dedicated her life to helping other discover their inner strength during the most difficult experiences life throws at us.

Other speakers include Carolyn Little of the Department of Social Services in Kinston, and Pastor John D. Ward of Kings Chapel Church of Christ Disciples Of Christ.

Survivors and caregivers can obtain tickets by visiting Hair M Porium Salon or calling the salon at 252-527-1010.

“This should be a great event for our cancer community,” Ms. Evans said. “We are hoping this event will allow our survivors to connect with others in their community.”

Mike Parker is a columnist for The Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.