By JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — What started as a fun idea for a Hutchinson woman to hang out with her friends, turned into the Colors of Cancer photoshoot fundraiser, taking place at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Hutchinson on Nov. 25.
“I just wanted to get my friends together and all of a us have a good time without anyone acting a fool,” lead organizer Mysterie Nusser said. “We’re all up in age now, and everyone has their own families.”
The original idea for Colors of Cancer stemmed from Nusser’s friend group and their desire to hold photoshoots with each other every so often.
“It turned into a cancer fundraiser this month for a few loved ones we have that were diagnosed with cancer,” Nusser said. “And we just wanted to make them feel like they were still beautiful to us, even if they feel like they're never going to heal, or they're always scarred. We just want them to know that they’re always loved no matter what happens, whether they’re here with us or not.”
The fundraiser’s name, Colors of Cancer, comes from the fact that every cancer diagnosis has an associating color. Examples include pink for breast cancer, lung cancer is white, and bone cancer is yellow.
Nusser wants the event to support those battling all kinds of cancer. The benefits for the fundraiser will be donated to a cancer charity drive. While Nusser herself has not personally been impacted by cancer, her passion for the fundraiser stems from her friends who have. She said she has met several people who have been limited in their lives because of cancer.
“It’s hard on them, because a lot of them feel like they are burdens to their family,” Nusser said. “Especially those with teenagers and kids, it can seem burdensome, but in all reality, they don’t understand and you’re really not [a burden]. It’s just a miscommunication on knowledge on that part.”
Nusser’s drive also comes from her desire to be a part of something bigger and her sense of community.
“I want to give back,” Nusser said. “I don’t want to just sit here and watch the world pass me by.”
Nusser has booked a meeting room at the Fairfield Inn and Suites and photographers for the event.
At the Colors of Cancer, people and families will be able to pose in front of backdrops for their photos. People who have their pictures taken will receive their photos.
Additionally, people are encouraged to bring photos or memorabilia of their friends or family affected by cancer to join them in the photos taken at the event. The fundraiser venue is also pet friendly.
Nusser said she would at least like people to donate to the cause even if they do not participate in the photoshoot. She has set up a gofundme for the Colors of Cancer fundraiser to accept donations.
“You don’t have to bring a photo or memorabilia,"Nusser said. “If you just want to come out and get regular photos of you and your family and donate to the cause, that is fine.”
The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is located at 1111 N. Lorraine St. in Hutchinson.
For more information about the Colors of Cancer, Mysterie Nusser can be reached by phone at 620-833-5238.
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