In insurance, there is a saying that we are all one major medical event away from financial trouble. A cancer diagnosis can put an individual in debt before treatment even begins. According to the National Cancer Institute, the average cost of treatment can range from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the location of the cancer. On top of being physically sick, patients then face the dilemma of how to maintain everyday life bills with the added burden of the cost of treatment. The ripple effect of a cancer can be felt throughout the patient's entire life, from family, to friends, to work, every part of their life is affected by the sickness. North Carolina residents are fortunate enough to receive some financial relief if they are treated at the UNC through Charity Care (https://www.unchealth.org/records-insurance/financial-assistance-programs). Charity Care is a financial assistance program that helps eliminate or reduce the amount residents pay for treatment at the hospital. This does not cover transportation, lodging, or household bills. That is where organizations and nonprofits come in to fill in the gap by providing resources, services, and offering monetary help.
The Karen Chandler Trust is a local nonprofit with a mission to help alleviate some of the financial stress. “The Mission of The Karen Chandler Trust is to support cancer patients and their families and promote community awareness.” Those who serve on the board are 100% volunteers, and 100% of all funds raised are given directly to patients through Cape Fear Valley Hospital for expenses such as gas, rent/mortgage, food, and utilities. The organization uses its fundraising events to not only raise money but to educate the community on the economic hardship that a cancer diagnosis causes. The Karen Chandler Trust doesn’t just fundraise and educate. They are also a resource for patients, connecting them with agencies that can provide long-term assistance. Mike Chandler, the founder of the nonprofit, is the brother of the organization's namesake and has been the figurehead for almost two decades. Recently, he stepped down, and the reins of Director were handed to the capable hands of local comic book store owner and Fear State frontman, Bernie Mangiboyat.
Normally, the nonprofit puts on a weekend-long beach music festival, but has scaled back this year, but scaling down doesn’t mean that the fun will. This year’s annual concert fundraiser will be held at Louie’s Sports Pub located at 2417 Robeson St., on Sunday, Aug. 17 from noon to 7 p.m. The goal is to raise more or at least match the fundraiser's record-breaking amount of $6,000, more than quadrupling the inaugural year of $1,300.
The concert will feature a full lineup of some of the best rock bands and a deliciously catered meal by Ragin’ Rooster (Bobby Jackson/owner). Kicking off the event is Southern rock band, Harely and Big Country. Performing from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. is local fan favorite, award-winning, and concert alum, Reflections ll. At 3:30, Rivermist hits the stage with their smooth vocals and electrifying energy. Headlining the event is The 3rd Crush Band, jamming the stage from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Come out, enjoy good food, good music, and raise money for a cause. The entry fee for the event is a $5 donation or more at the door. Advanced tickets will not be sold.

(Photo: Karen Chandler was a local musician and mother of two who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her brother, Mike Chandler, started the Karen Chandler Trust in her honor. The trust has donated over a million dollars to cancer patients and families in the over 20 years since the start of the charity. Bernie Mangiboyat is the new president of the KCT and is continuing the legacy. Photo courtesy of Karen Chandler Trust Facebook page)