Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast supporters love to showcase their new event as a fun party with a purpose.
     And it’s a fitting description as Gulf Coast residents go the extra mile to raise funds for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Money collected this spring in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties will support transportation needs of cancer patients traveling to the region’s two facilities for treatment.
     ACS supporters saluted 17 honorees during a Meet the Shuckers Kick-Off Patron Party on May 6 at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi. Special guest Kevin Fish of Half Shell Oyster House, a main sponsor of this year’s Shuck Cancer fundraising campaign, was also in attendance.
     During a memorable May 21 evening, several honorees hosted a Spring Fashion Show as part of their efforts to collect cash. The entertaining Gulfport event featured Aloha Glamour apparel and accessories along with nice prizes for audience members. Gulf Coast men and women definitely made fashion statements on the runway that night at the Isiah Fredericks Community Center.
     But most importantly, the show’s guests felt the joy knowing the south Mississippi event joined the fight against cancer. In Mississippi, an estimated 17,190 people will discover they have cancer this year. In 2020, there were about 1.8 new cancer cases and more than 606,000 cancer deaths across the nation, reports show.
     On May 7, honoree Bobby Gillon hosted a Fun Ride and Raffle at Biloxi’s Downtown Block Party.
     On May 23, honoree Misty Stevenson raked in campaign funds with her Dinner Under the Stars event.
     And on June 3, honoree Angela Singletary is hosting a Hamilton Sing-A-Long to benefit the cause. The kid-friendly event will take place at The District Green opening at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee is a donation only.

     There are more big Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast activities coming soon. There will be a June 11 party at the Barksdale Pavilion. The event runs from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. that Friday and will feature beer, wine, delicious oysters, live music and other treats. The event will also recognize the honoree who has raised the most campaign funds as “Shucker of the Year.” Tickets are $75 and online sales close June 4, with the price rising to $95 at the door. Key party sponsors include the Half Shell Oyster House and the Chandeleur Brewing Company. Other major sponsors are WLOX-TV in Biloxi and radio station Magic 93.7 on the Gulf Coast.
     LaWanda Jones, who’s helping orchestrate Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast activities, is a dedicated ACS employee in the non-profit’s South Region. Her position as a senior development manager is clearly her passion, not a job. LaWanda first volunteered with the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer as a high school student. She’s stepped up her involvement to make Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast a success. The fundraising goal is $100,000.

     For sure, Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast supporters are doing their part in 2021. “No cancer patients should miss a treatment due to transportation issues,’’ LaWanda said.
     The event involves business professionals raising dollars to benefit the Mississippi Community Transportation Grant Program assisting cancer patients at Memorial Hospital, and Singing River Health System.
     Jones joins event honorees, sponsors and friends quite familiar with the devastating impact of cancer. She served as the caregiver as her mother battled three cancers. So many others share similar experiences. “Many of us had to watch family, friends and neighbors deal with this dreaded disease.’’
     Raising thousands of dollars for Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast, one of the 17 honorees is Cale Merrill. Sadly, he had to watch a dear friend battle cancer. “It had a profound impact on his life as he saw what she and her family had to go through. A sales agent at United Risk Agency, Inc., the Gulfport resident doesn’t want families to struggle during these stressful times, LaWanda Jones said.
     As the May fashion show neared and folks purchased tickets for the June 11 Barksdale Pavilion party, Merrill is listed among the top four fundraisers targeting cancer patients. He’s a former insurance producer at State Farm.
     Cale Merrill utilized social media to go all out to raise cash for Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast activities. On his Facebook page, Cale plugged his efforts to sell $75 tickets to the Barksdale Pavilion party. “I have a few more tickets I need to sell to move back into first!’’ he declared. “Beer and oysters is never a bad time and live music to top it off!’’
     With COVID-19 cases dropping dramatically nationwide as millions of shots getting in the arms of Americans, many in-person events like this one on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are happening in all 50 states.                         
     Another stellar Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast honoree is Abra L. Taylor, an ardent believer in supporting good causes. As late May rolls into June, he’s helping the American Cancer Society raise funds. It’s a big part of his life.
     Taylor is the founder of Gulf Coast Outreach & Leadership in 2015. The group of Gulf Coast men, all friends, mentor Black youth. The thriving non-profit is based in Gulfport. The organization extended its mission to assist senior citizens, too.
     Getting showcased at the Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast fashion show and raising thousands of dollars for ACS is a huge deal for Abra Taylor.
     “This event is important to me because it gives me an opportunity to make an impact to so many cancer patients,’’ Taylor says. “So many people have been impacted by cancer and I want to do my part helping cancer patients.’’
     An employee at BancorpSouth and son of a pastor, the William Carey University graduate is the author of “Empowering Black Youth Through Mentoring.’’
     Each of the 17 Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast honorees deserves a round of applause.
     They are all determined to make this inaugural 2021 event fabulous and the one in 2022 even better. They come to the cause with personal stories to tell.
     “I’ve lost several women in my life to cancer,’’ says honoree Amanda Compton-Ortiz of Long Beach, the founder and publisher of Seaside Social News.
     Other honorees include Alexis Williams of Aloha Glamour, Gulf Coast author Ashley Robertson of Ashley Robertson LLC, Christian Hartley, Johanna King, Ryan Bradley, Amanda Bray, Hunter Easterling, Jourdan Hartshorn, Mary Acklin, Ravin Nettles, and Rita Green.
     LaWanda Jones says all of the honorees and others supporting the American Cancer Society are committed to finding resources making treatment easier for cancer patients. From supporting research to cure cancer to being advocates for laws ensuring medical coverage for cancer patients, they are deeply involved. “I think we each support certain causes because we want to make a better future for all.’’

On the Cover: Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast 2021 Co-Chair Annie Sanders; Kevin Fish, Half Shell Oyster House, oyster sponsor for the inaugural Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast 2021 event; LaWanda Jones, American Cancer Society, Sr. Development Manager; and Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast 2021 Co-Chair Nicole Martz.

Andy Kanengiser

Mississippi College’s university news coordinator, Andy Kanengiser, spent three decades as a newspaper reporter. For much of his career, the New Jersey native worked at “The Clarion-Ledger.” Andy also serves as the advisor to the “Mississippi Collegian,” MC’s student newspaper. Pearl residents, he and his wife, Sunuia, stay busy with their five adult children and 10 grandkids! An avid table tennis player, Andy captured gold and silver medals at the Mississippi Senior Olympics, (and State Games). He’s in his 13th season sponsoring the MC team, national collegiate champs in 2015 and No. 2 in 2019.