A diagnosis of cancer can be one of the most devastating announcements in a person’s life. And yet, a positive attitude is said to be of the utmost importance when fighting the disease.

Rolla’s own Caroleen Ferrell was faced with just that situation when she received a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2006. “I’ve always been the most positive person that I’ve known,” she said. “My cup is always half full, no matter what the challenge.”
Caroleen had surgery, followed by chemo and radiation treatments. Her granddaughter Morgan Phipps wrote a letter and presented it to her grandmother this Christmas stressing how much of an inspiration Caroleen had been to the 14 year old youngster.
“She even smiled the entire time that she shopped for wigs,” her granddaughter penned, “and the cute shirts she needed to wear to cover her incision for the port.” The port is a device implanted by surgeons to allow chemo to be infused more conveniently for some patients.
It was during this ordeal that Caroleen decided that she wanted to do something for others facing the same challenges. “I wanted to help a lot of people who were fighting cancer and the annual cancer gala here in Rolla was a perfect way for me to contribute.”
Caroleen joined the gala committee last year while taking treatment. She continues to work with the group this year even though she is cancer free. The gala raises money each year to help fund research, transportation to treatment, wigs, educational programs, support groups and many other services for cancer patients and their families. The goal this year is to raise $28,000.
The Phelps County Unit of the American Cancer Society (ACS) will host the Annual Cancer Gala on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Havener Center. Chilled complimentary champagne will be served at 6 p.m. Drinks will be available at the cash bar. A seated dinner will be served at 7 p.m.
The theme is “P. S. I Love You”. The event is dressy and black tie is optional.
A silent auction will be held throughout the evening where guests will have opportunities to bid on original works of art, sporting event tickets and gift baskets filled with items donated by individuals and businesses.
A specially designed piece of jewelry will be created and donated by Kent Bagnall, owner of Kent Jewelry. “Kent does such a great job designing just the right piece for our gala,” said longtime gala committee member Robin Kordes. “Cancer touches so many of our lives that people generously give to our event so that we can in turn help in the fight against cancer.”
Chartwells also gets involved in creating a special dinner menu for the event. The gala menu committee works closely with Chartwells to select dinner items which lend to the theme each year.
Guests this year will be served appetizers of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. An array of cheeses, breads, nuts and crackers will also be featured. The seated dinned will begin with a salad of mixed greens with dried apples, cranberries, walnuts topped with feta and an apple cider vinaigrette. The entree will be a beef tenderloin medallion topped with stuffed shrimp and a saffron sauce. Candied baby carrots and duchess potatoes will complete the plate. A dessert trio of dark chocolate covered strawberries, tiramisu and chocolate tarts will finish the meal.
Guests will dance to the music of Travel Tunes. Mark Eudaly and longtime gala committee member Sue Eudaly provide the music each year as a gift to the event. “The music is geared to the tastes of the people who attend,” said Kordes. “The Eudalys take requests and we have a great time. Our guests really enjoy celebrating our effort to help those who need our help.”
Reservations are $60 per person. For sponsorships, donations, reservations or information, contact Ivana Harris at (573) 426-4900 or Lonna Sowers at (573) 364-8600. Checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society and mailed to Harris at Town and Country Bank, 1804 North Bishop, Rolla, MO 65401.