The community in Arcadia came together on Saturday to show their love and appreciation for Desta Grimes, a healthcare worker battling double stage 3 breast cancer.
“Its been amazing. Arcadia is amazing though when it comes to helping each other. They really come together for the people of their own,” says Grimes.
The community hosted a fundraiser that included a yard sale, bake sale, and furniture sale to help with Desta’s medical costs. Desta says there was a massive amount of support and donations.
“Overwhelming and amazing…I have been very blessed.”
“Unbelievable the stress it lifted from the worries of everyday,” says community member Janet Preston.
She says The community of Arcadia has helped her immensely through her journey with cancer. Especially, Janet Preston, founder of Strollin 4 a Cure, who helps Desta and others in the community fighting cancer.
“We keep our money is DeSoto and Harding County to help people with assistance for anything cancer. We do a lot of gas cards to get you out of the county because you have to chemo, radiation, doctors appointments, hospitals.. but we do other things. If cancer causes a problem, we’ve made house payments, we’ve fixed cars, we do school supplies in the fall, Christmas, co-pays, mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds.”
She says the community in Arcadia is tight knit and those battling cancer need community assistance.
“In DeSoto especially, if you need to go see an oncologist, or you need chemo or radiation, you have to go to port charlotte, Lakeland, Lakewood ranch, Sarasota.. you are going. You don’t have a local doctor. You can have all the insurance in the world… you are not going to get gas money.”
Both Desta and Janet emphasize the importance for routine check-ups.
Check your boobies. Routinely.. and I don’t even think you should have to wait like they say till 40. Check them. Its worth it. Save your life because I had no idea,” says Grimes.
“It’s just so important. Early detection…in any kind of cancer but it is so important,” Preston says.
Strollin 4 a Cure is hosting a walk against cancer on Saturday November 6th in Desoto County. Funds raised there go towards helping people like Desta in Arcadia.