EASLEY — Friends, family and fellow musicians are banding together to help a local woman in need.
After being tested for gallstones and other stomach issues, Hope Winchester was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Doctors said that her entire stomach needed to be removed. Just prior to surgery, the doctors discovered the cancer had spread and surgery was not necessary. Her diagnosis is a terminal form of cancer called “adenocarcinoma.”

She currently flies to Oklahoma every two weeks for chemotherapy treatments. After 27 years of service, Hope’s husband lost his job on January 13. The family has no medical insurance to pay for the medical bills.

A benefit singing for Hope will be held Saturday, March 5, at Arial Baptist Baptist Church in Easley, located at 618 Rice Rd. The benefit will begin at 10 a.m. and will last until 5 p.m. that day.
Deborah Day of Pickens is one of the organizers for the benefit.

“My goal is to help her with the medical expenses that she will incur through her treatments,” Day said. “We hope the community will come out to support this event.”

The local music community is coming to Hope’s aide and providing bluegrass, country and gospel music throughout the benefit event.

Amanda Gossett, Four Him, Cane Creek, Rowdy Mountain Boys, Family Harmony, and The Atkins Family are all set to perform during the benefit singing.

Hot dog plates, including hot dogs, chili, chips, baked beans or coleslaw and a drink will be available at the benefit for $5 for adults, $3 for children. Take-out will also be available.

Several prizes have been donated by local merchants for auction during the event. Cakes and baked goods will be sold as well as auctioned during the event.
All proceeds will go toward helping Hope with her medical expenses.