Childhood Cancer Support and Fundraisers

We were truly blessed to hear from Amy Meinch recently in Bible Study. She shared her family’s struggle with childhood cancer and the loss of their daughter, Kalina. It was convicting, moving, sad, informative, and inspiring. She said, “Your church is different. You are a light. You are all beautiful people. Thank you for becoming advocates!” We learned how we can show love to families in that situation: be with them, cry with them, ask them about their child. And we learned about treatments for childhood cancers: there’s not many. To see the slides Amy used during her talk, click here.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Weaverville is getting involved. Gold is the color, since children are more precious than gold, so everyone is encouraged to show their gold. Amy says, “Are you in Weaverville and want a gold mailbox? I’ll come spray it!” The Fire Department is wearing supportive t-shirts this month and have sprayed the fire hydrants gold. There are QR codes around the hydrants for people to scan and donate money to fund childhood cancer research that is more effective and less toxic.

The Police Department is helping organize a 2nd Annual Childhood Cancer Research Fundraiser for the Art in Autumn Festival next Saturday on Main St. They will have great raffle prizes from local businesses at their booth during the festival. 100% of raffle monies go to funding research.
 
Also, Melinda Knutson is a local photographer whose family has battled childhood cancer. She will have a tent in front of our church during Art in Autumn and offer photography sessions, then give the proceeds to childhood cancer research.

AND if you go to Blue Mountain Pizza this month and donate money to childhood cancer research, they will double it! Then, on Thur., Sept. 21, Blue Mountain will donate 25% of its proceeds that day.

If you have any questions about these events or childhood cancer in general, you can e-mail Amy Meinch here.

Guest Speaker for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. One Weaverville mother, Amy Meinch, lost her daughter Kalina to cancer when she was 5 years old. Amy’s mission is to spread awareness and share opportunities to help families in the trenches of childhood cancer, adding that “once it enters your life, you will be forever in the trenches.” She will share her family’s story during the Bible Study time this Wednesday (6:00 pm). Everyone is invited to come, listen, and learn.

Childhood Cancer Awareness

September was Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Gold is the color used for childhood cancer, since children are far more valuable than worldly gold. People and businesses were encouraged to "Go Gold" during September and any month to show support. Once it affects your family, it changes you forever. We offer prayers, presence, kindness, and whatever support can help families know they are loved.

One Weaverville mother, Amy Meinch, lost her daughter Kalina to cancer when she was only 5 years old. Amy says, “This year I am now another year further from holding my precious daughter Kalina’s hand, but thanks to having faith in Christ, I know this won’t be the end. I only wish more people knew this hope that I have. I don’t feel like it can be completed without believers adding to the mix. And in such special ways!”

People can donate to childhood cancer research here. To learn about what’s involved, statistics, and how to support families, you can go to the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer website here.

At-Home Vaccination Program

In an effort to reach people who may have difficulty leaving their home to get a vaccine, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has set up a call-in number and online form for anyone to request medical personnel come to their home and provide a free Covid vaccination. (For more information about the at-home vaccination program, click HERE.)

• To schedule an at-home vaccination appointment, call 1-866-303-0026 or sign-up online HERE.

• If you can get out, you can find a place to get easily vaccinated for free HERE.

• To learn about the different vaccines available—what they do and how—go to this helpful FAQ from NCDHHS.

Vaccination Event - Tue., May 18, 12-3pm

First Baptist will host the Buncombe Co Health Department with a pop-up vaccine clinic event. Both the single-dose and double-dose vaccine types will be available, whichever you prefer. Everyone age 12+ can be vaccinated at no cost, and no appointment is needed. (If you have a health insurance card bring it with you.) Park behind the church. Spanish translators will be available.

To view, download, or print a flier to help spread the word, click HERE.

To view and share the event on Facebook, click HERE.

Encouragement & Awareness through Dance

The dance ministry of First Congregational Church Asheville has put together a video that focuses on mental health and shines a light on challenges for those with mental illness. They use the song “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice to illuminate these struggles. One of the dancers and choreographers is Smitty Dotson-Smith, daughter of Howell & Jeanette Smith. Let the dance and song cause you to think about the light of your candle and others’.
To watch and listen, click HERE.

Be Ready to Get Vaccinated

More vaccines are being made and shipped everyday. We’re so thankful that many in the church have already gotten theirs, and we look forward to everyone else getting one too in due time. To find out when you’re eligible, where you can get it, and more info about the vaccines, go to North Carolina’s vaccine website HERE.