Before I was born, my nanny and pappy, Beverly and Joseph Mengel, separated. When I was in elementary school, I grew very close to a woman named Diana, who was dating my pappy at the time. While the two of them were together, Diana was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, she passed away from the disease. A few years later, my pappy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He stayed strong - stronger than I ever thought possible. But I woke up one morning during my sophomore year at Lebanon Valley College to a phone call from my younger sister. Through her tears and shaky voice, she told me our pappy was gone. Our nanny passed away from ovarian cancer no more than a year after him. It all happened so quickly.

For as long as I can remember, I've been aware of how cancer can affect not only those who have the disease, but also the friends, co-workers, and family members around them. Lynda Charles, founder of Help The Fight, understands what I mean.

Located at 143 Oakridge Drive, Mountville, Help The Fight is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals living with breast cancer. The organization has provided funds to buy groceries and tires, pay rent and mortgages, and cover day care fees and medical bills. As a nonprofit, the organization can help anyone regardless of where they live, but Lancaster County and surrounding counties are its prime focus.

On Saturday, Oct. 2, Help The Fight will host its annual Benefit Banquet and Auction. The event will take place at Spooky Nook Sports, 75 Champ Blvd., Manheim, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. There will be giveaways, silent and live auctions, and games. Dinner will be included with the purchase of a ticket, and there will be a cash bar. The event will be casual, and Melanie Gardner from Warm 103.3 will serve as the master of ceremonies.

"It's a fun, fun, fun event," stated patient coordinator Susie Dailey.

"Almost no one leaves our event empty handed," said Charles. "People should attend to support us and because it is fun. It's the community helping the community."

Preregistration, which is required, will close on Friday, Sept. 10. To preregister, call 717-455-7095.

"I'm excited that we are able to have the event!" exclaimed Charles. "The October event is our biggest fundraiser of the year."

Sponsorships are available. Help The Fight is in need of donations for the banquet, whether in the form of gift baskets, artwork, or monetary gifts. Those interested can contact Help The Fight's office at helpthefightnow@gmail.com. For more information, call 717-455-7095 or visit http://www.helpthefight.org. Help The Fight is also active on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.