Laurel High School

The Cancer Resource Center inside of OncoLogics in Laurel is a unique partnership with the clinic and the American Cancer Society. The partnership exists to provide cancer patients with a place to find support and assistance with the emotional and financial demands of treatment. "We are here for the folks of this area, and we are proud to be a resource," said Dr. Cameron Pimperl of OncoLogics. "We want people to feel welcome to utilize our services, and contact us when they need help or information." The services at the Cancer Resource Center range from the availability of information on various cancers and how to cope to wigs and prosthesis. The center also has financial resources available to help patients with travel expenses relating to treatments. OncoLogics Radiation Therapist and Jones County Relay For Life Survivorship Chair Kelley McKee said the center is open on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and is located inside OncoLogics at 127 South 13th Avenue. "The center is staffed by volunteers, most who are cancer survivors or have family members that have had cancer, " she said. "The center is open to any cancer patient, not just patients of OncoLogics." ACS Senior Community Representative Paige McCardle said the clinic's ability to see the needs of patients firsthand is helpful in knowing how to provide for the needs of those who visit the center. The center has been a success since the doors opened, and continues to provide support to those who seek its help. "We've seen patients come out of the center in tears, because they are so thankful that there is someone willing to provide assistance through this difficult time," McKee said. The center is not the only partnership between the American Cancer Society and OncoLogics. Recently, for their sponsorship of the American Cancer Society's Jones County Relay For Life Survivors' Reception, the employees of OncoLogics were awarded the ACS Mid South Division Celebration of Survivorship Award. Prior to each Relay For Life event, the ACS hosts a reception designed to honor survivors, encourage patients and thank caregivers, and OncoLogics has been sponsor of the Jones County Relay for five years. "We were very honored to receive the award," McKee said. "At OncoLogics, we love our job, and love what we do every day to help people fight cancer. That acknowledgement was a pat on the back for us." This year's Survivors' Reception will be held at the Laurel Fairgrounds Art Building beginning at 6 p.m. on Aril 27. Following the reception, all survivors present will kickoff the Relay For Life event at 7 p.m. by walking the first lap, known as the Survivors' Lap. Survivors are invited to attend, and should contact Kelley McKee by phone at 601-425-2999 or email [email protected]. Without the help of local businesses, churches, schools and clinics such as OncoLogics, the education, support and research provided by the American Cancer Society would not be possible. Dr. Pimperl said he has been impressed with the enthusiasm of the community in their support for the ACS and Relay For Life, and encourages everyone to get involved. "Despite a relatively small population in this area, there are a lot of people who have cancer," he said. "I think the basic reason to support the American Cancer Society is all us know someone who has cancer. It touches so many people and touches them in such a profound way. Relay is just another way to get involved in the community. The resources that are received and the advances that are made are being plugged back into this community." The Jones County Relay For Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will be held at the Laurel Fairgrounds on Friday, April 27, beginning at 7 p.m.