The Niles-Buchanan YMCA and Lakeland Health Foundation-Niles will host the third annual Hope Grows fundraiser at noon Thursday, May 5.

This initiative began in 2014 as a partnership to deliver a continuum of care to thousands of patients and families impacted by cancer in the Niles-Buchanan Community. Hope Grows 2016 continues to raise funds to support cancer screenings, treatment, follow-up care and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

Rebecca Byers will serve as Honorary Chair at the May 5th luncheon at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

“It is very humbling to be asked to be the first honorary chair for the Hope Grows event. Cancer is an equal opportunity illness, it affects all ages, races and income levels, Myers said. “It impacts not only those stricken with the disease but their entire family. Being involved with this committee has been so fulfilling knowing that every dollar raised goes to help someone affected by this crippling disease.“

Those interesting in sponsoring Hope Grows, purhcasing tickets to the luncheon or making a donation of support should contact the Lakeland Health Foundations at (269) 927-5145. Several sponsorship levels are available. Individual tickets are $50. Tables of eight are available with sponsorship levels of $500 or more.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA strengthens the foundations of the community through well-being and fitness, camps, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. Officials say the Y is more than just a place to work out. At the Y, the goal is to help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.

For more information about the Niles-Buchanan YMCA or LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, call (269) 683-1552 or visit www.nb-ymca.org.

Established in 1984, the Lakeland Health Foundations have raised millions of dollars in gifts over the years to help fund new and updated facilities, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, provide educational scholarships for hospital employees, and sponsor a wide array of community benefit and outreach programs. The Foundations receive gifts from individuals, businesses, institutions, and other foundations.

To learn more about the Lakeland Health Foundations, call (269) 927-5143 or visit www.lakelandhealthfoundations.org