ALLENTOWN, Pa. — For years, Beth Braithwaite has volunteered her time and efforts throughout the community to fight cancer.
Now, unfortunately, the fight also is at home.
“My husband was recently diagnosed with stage 2 bladder cancer,” Braithwaite said at the 49th annual Boutique for Hope cancer fundraising sale at St. Luke’s SportsPlex on Thursday.
“He starts chemo at the end of June and then will ultimately lose his bladder and prostate.
“But they didn’t give him a death sentence; he knows he’ll still be here.”
Braithwaite sat adjacent to two spacious rooms in which crowds of folks shopped for new and gently used donated items such as clothing, household goods, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, toys and sporting equipment and more.
Money realized from the four-day event, which began Wednesday and concludes Saturday, benefits the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s Cancer Center and St. Luke’s Hospice.
“The support is here. It’s nice to know that I can talk to somebody who's been through it, that knows. They can tell you there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”Beth Braithwaite, volunteer, Boutique for Hope
The event was held as Boutique at the Rink at Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink for years before moving this year to St. Luke’s.
Last year’s event raised $360,000. Organizers are hoping to eclipse that figure this year, to help patients and families dealing with cancer.
Like Braithwaite’s.
“The support is here,” she said. “It’s nice to know that I can talk to somebody who's been through it, that knows.
“They can tell you there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
'That care starts with funding'
That light of hope at the Boutique of Hope was reflected in the serpentine line of people waiting to enter the building, already overflowing with shoppers.
Patricia Rindell of Allentown used a hand to flip through a circular rack of blouses while two dresses were hanging over her other arm.
“Events like this show the Lehigh Valley cares.”St. Luke’s Cancer Center Vice President Mary-Kate Cellmer
“Places like this are the best of all worlds,” Rindell said. “The prices are so great, the clothing is wonderful and you get to help fight cancer — all at the same time.
“We’ve all had or know people who fought cancer. It’s personal for me because I’ve had two cousins who had it and survived because of the great medical care they got.
"That kind of care starts with funding.”
A portion of the funding benefits St. Luke’s Cancer Compassion Fund that helps alleviate the daily financial burden for patients during their cancer journey, St. Luke’s Cancer Center Vice President Mary-Kate Cellmer said.
“It helps families with cancer pay some bills, help with transportation to and from treatment and also funds a support group.
“Events like this show the Lehigh Valley cares.”
'Many you don't even know'
One shopper stacked five different types of Monopoly boards on a cart.
But fighting cancer and the money and services required to attack it is no game.
“This is our largest fundraiser. We provide emotional support programs for patients and their families. We offer counseling, wellness, art therapy and even have a wig salon — all at no cost. That’s why donations are so important.”Gina Stano, executive director of the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley
“This is our largest fundraiser,” said Gina Stano, executive director of the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
“We provide emotional support programs for patients and their families. We offer counseling, wellness, art therapy and even have a wig salon — all at no cost. That’s why donations are so important.”
The remainder of the Boutique for Hope schedule:
Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., all items half price.
Saturday: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., Bag Day, patrons can buy a small bag for $15 or a large one for $40 and fill it with as many items as fit.
Five years into volunteering at Boutique for Hope, the mission has come to mean a bit more to Braithwaite.
“When I retired, one of the people on the board asked if I’d like to volunteer,” she said.
“I immediately said sure. It’s been absolutely amazing and incredible to be able to help people, many you don’t even know.”
And some you do.
