There have been a variety of fundraisers for the Shepard Cancer Foundation over the past couple of months, including the Hope and Heroes Walk, Let’s Tee It Up for a Cure and Darleen’s Flamingo 5K on Saturday.

The money raised makes it possible for the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center in Washington to continue its work fighting cancer right here at home.

In operation for more than 10 years, the Cancer Center has grown into a state-of-the-art facility that cares for a patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs. At the Shepard Cancer Center, patients are known by who they are, not by the illness they have.

It is an undeniable blessing to have such a facility so close by. Thanks to the Cancer Center, patients no longer have to travel long distances for treatment. In Washington, there is access to almost all types of cancer treatments with a 12-chair chemotherapy infusion bay and radiation center, as well as holistic treatments such as yoga, massage therapy and meditation garden — all under one roof.

Not only that, the staff members are passionate about their work and take the time to get to know patients, which makes them much more comfortable when they come in for treatment.

The Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center is an invaluable gem in Beaufort County. With the fundraisers throughout the year, the community is able to see the kind of work the center does on a daily basis and how many lives it changes.

As eastern North Carolina has some of the highest cancer rates in the state, it’s likely cancer will affect everyone in some way — whether one is a cancer survivor, is caring for a loved one or knows someone with the disease.

Don’t hesitate to show support for the Cancer Center. Participate in some of the fundraisers and donate funds to help the center continue its mission. If you spot someone who works there, even a simple “thank you” is long overdue.

Giving back just a little will pay it forward tenfold to the community.