Emil Zahrany of Wilkes-Barre speaks with his wife, Mindy.Federal Adams | For the Times Leader
WILKES-BARRE — A fire and ice festival in support of the NEPA Cancer Wellness Center was held Saturday night, where more than 100 area residents enjoyed a meal in an elegant setting.
The event’s theme was the brainchild of co-chair Barbara McCulloch, who envisioned a ballroom decorated in bold red and silver, with attendees also dressed in themed colors.
McCulloch’s vision became reality as attendees walked into Westmoreland Great Hall, greeted by illuminated trees and dozens of candles.
Co-chair Lyssa Brian-Smith called it McCulloch’s “dream theme.”
Center Director Thomas Lasky said the first annual event aimed to raise about $100,000 for the cancer center, but smashed that goal by raising more than $200,000.
Mr Lasky said the funding would be put to good use to provide free services to adult cancer patients and their carers.
These services include yoga, personal training, meditation, tai chi, and support groups.
“A large part of our facility focuses on spa-like relaxation therapies for cancer patients,” he said. “These include massage therapy, vibroacoustic therapy, reflexology, and acupuncture.”
The center also provides wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair to chemotherapy, a service that is typically not covered by insurance.
Lasky said the most important aspect of the center is to provide hope and encouragement to cancer patients.
The organization also launched a program through the Department of Veterans Affairs to encourage veterans with cancer to take advantage of the center’s benefits.
“We focus on positivity and hope,” Lasky said. “Some of our patients are coming to our clinic for the first time, and we will do everything we can to help them with all their non-physician needs.”
Brian Smith said the center accepts patients with all types of cancer.
“It’s important that people know that men and women, with any type of cancer, are welcome,” she says.
Board Chairman Jim Hilscher noted that there is no other organization in the area that provides services similar to the Cancer Wellness Center.
The center provides a comfortable environment even after spending a lot of time at doctor’s appointments and in the hospital.
“It’s a homely atmosphere for cancer patients,” he says.
Jamie and Jenny Smith enjoyed a night out for a good cause.
Jamie Smith said the initiative was heartfelt because her sister Natalie died of cancer in 2019.
She relied on the center’s support and activities while undergoing treatment.
He said it gave her an opportunity to focus on health and balance.
The couple, who recently moved to downtown Wilkes-Barre, said they enjoy the venue, a former church, with its high ceilings, intricate woodwork and stained glass windows.
They said the event was a great night out in the city and had a great theme and decoration.
