East Central Reporter

As Sarah Bush Lincoln plans to expand its Regional Cancer Center, the SBL Health Foundation has announced that the 2025 Holiday Festival will support a new Capital Campaign called "Expanding Hope." This campaign follows a previous effort, "Building Hope," which was launched over ten years ago to help fund the construction of the cancer center.

The current facility is 21,500 square feet and was originally designed for 17 oncology infusion chairs and ample waiting space. However, patient visits have nearly doubled since 2020. The increase is attributed to an aging population as well as a national trend of more young people being diagnosed with various cancers.

Amy Card, director of the SBL Health Foundation, stated, "When someone gives to Expanding Hope, they are directly touching the lives of friends, neighbors and family members who are fighting their journey. It's a way for all of us to remind our patients they are never alone in their journey."

Jessi Bergfeld, Administrative Director of Practice Management at Sarah Bush Lincoln, added: "In 2020, we had about 25,000 visits annually to the Cancer Center. This year, we are on track for nearly 47,000 visits. While we wish there wasn't such a great need for cancer services, we are honored that more people are choosing Sarah Bush Lincoln for the care they trust. That growth means we now need more space, more infusion bays and a larger waiting room to serve our patients comfortably."

The Holiday Festival begins at 8 am on Thursday, November 13 with an online auction featuring over 100 holiday items created by employees and community members. The auction will close at 5 pm on Monday, November 17.

On November 13 from 5 to 7 pm, Friends Night Out will take place in the SBL Lumpkin Education Center. For $10 attendees can enjoy a signature drink and preview festival offerings. There will also be opportunities to shop at the Pop-Up Holiday Boutique and order festival T-shirts.

Santa Claus will arrive on Friday afternoon when doors open again from noon until 7 pm.

Those unable to attend can still contribute by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win a week-long trip to Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando plus $1,500 spending money.

The weekend concludes with a Gala and Live Auction on November 15 featuring Meteorologist Jacob Dickey as emcee and including thirty live auction items. Although tickets for this event are sold out, individuals can buy raffle tickets for $100 each; if selected during the Gala at 7 pm their name allows them to choose one live auction item before it goes up for bid.

Further information about tickets or donations is available at sarahbush.org/holidayfestival or by calling the SBL Health Foundation.