An Evening of Hope to benefit the HOPE Fund at the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research was held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center.

A strolling dinner and silent auction kicked off the evening followed by inspirational video testimonials featuring McLeod Cancer Survivors Leroy Blackwell, Joe Bibbo, Lynne Head, Daryn Sasser, Helen Gooden and Michael Branham. Entertainment for the event was provided by Fran Coleman and the Emerald Empire Band with celebrity guest performances by McLeod Oncologist Dr. Rajesh Bajaj, Sharmeika McDuffie, The Shirelles and The Drifters. 

Proceeds from the evening benefit the HOPE Fund. Gifts made in support of the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund benefit oncology patient support services and provide oncology staff with improved access for immediate assistance needs for their patients. Since its establishment in 2014, the HOPE Fund has helped nearly 15,000 patients with needs such as transportation, medications, nutrition and unique personal financial challenges.

To watch the videos shared featuring our survivors from An Evening of Hope, click the links below:

Helen Gooden and Daryn Sasser

Lynne Head and Leroy Blackwell

Joe Bibbo and Michael Branham

Caption: During the finale of An Evening of Hope, the celebrity guest performers, Sharmeika McDuffie, Dr. Rajesh Bajaj, The Shirelles and The Drifters joined Donna Isgett, CEO and President of McLeod Health, the featured cancer survivors and the band on stage for the song, “Don’t Stop Believing.”