Club gives ‘hope’ to those related to cancer Friday, February 12, 2010 Jon-Paul Wimer, senior journalist 10:55 AM - “Never give up…there’s always hope.” This tagline for Club Hope, a Lincoln High School club originating last year to raise money for those affected by cancer, fully explains their attitude towards this difficult ailment. Club Hope was established by Lincoln High School Special Education teacher Cara Nardone last school year, and has thus far raised over $9,000 for those closely related to cancer. “I wanted to do something for people in our community who are struggling financially due to a cancer diagnosis,” said Nardone. “I never want to hear that someone, especially in our community, could not get a treatment because of the amount of money it would cost.” Last summer, Nardone had her own experience with cancer when she found out that a nodule on her thyroid was cancerous. In order to remove the cancer, half of her thyroid needed to be removed through surgery. “I felt like my life had stopped for a little after hearing the word cancer,” said Nardone, “but I was very blessed only to have that one surgery and no additional surgeries or treatments. The experience made me think of all those people who are not so lucky.” She immediately wanted to do something to take some of the financial burden that people are faced with away – and that’s when Club Hope evolved. Club Hope has raised a significant amount of money for numerous families and individuals through enjoyable charity events. One such event will take place next week to raise money for a Lincoln High School teacher who is currently fighting the battle of cancer. A Corn Hole Tournament will take place Wednesday, February 17 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Lincoln High School cafeteria, and all proceeds will be donated to the LHS teacher. The event is open to the public and the cost is $5 per person, but must consist of a team. Those who do not want to actually play in the Corn Hole tournament are still encouraged to come and donate. There will be the always tasty hot dogs donated by Red Hot Restaurant, as well as baked goods and other snack items to consume. Club Hope has incorporated a number of unique events in order to raise as much money as possible for those involved with cancer. Some of the events Club Hope has participated in include: • An “All School Talent Show” took place at Lincoln High School, and students had the chance to perform their talents on the high school stage, in the process raising over $1,200. This year’s talent show will be at Lincoln High School on April 16. • “Jump Rope-A-Thon” was a fun charity event where students jump rope for 10 minutes and people donate per jump or give flat donations. • A trip to Shadyside Hospital's Cancer Unit where the club put on a Christmas party for patients stuck in the Hospital during the holidays.