The chatter and laughter of friends gathered in a home in Chester was broken by the greeting of “Hello Angels!” No, the response wasn’t “Hello Charlie!” because this story isn’t about three little girls who went to the Police Academy. This is the story of Angels right here on Kent Island. The Cancer Comfort Angels.

Presently, the Angels are organizing a walk and dinner to be held on Sunday, October 30th to raise funds for both research and for the “Comfort Kits” they provide. Each kit includes a homemade blanket (for comfort), a cross (for support) and words of prayer (for encouragement).

In 2008, founder Laurie Rasinski was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Early on, she received a homemade blanket from a young family friend and was inspired to pass on that act of comfort and kindness to others who need love and support during their journey with cancer.

“We’re really excited about this walk which will start at Love Point Park and followed by a dinner at Kentmorr Restaurant with a Silent Auction,” Laurie explains. “This committee of dynamic friends is so impressive. It’s amazing to watch it all come together!”

So far, committee member Sue Baxter has been able to line up donations from the business community such as jewelry from Paula’s Fine Jewelry, certificates from several local restaurants, rounds of golf from Prospect Bay Country Club and a real favorite amongst these friends, “Pies by Pajak! Toni Pajak has agreed to bake one pie a month for six months for the highest bidder!” announced Sue.

Committee member, Connie Beasley, has been busy working with local business, Chesapeake Graphics, to come up with many items that will be for sale during the walk and at the dinner. According to Connie, “We have fleece vests, stickers for your car, bandanas, and of course t-shirts that will be given to any walker that raises $50 and registers before October 15th!” The shirts are pink camouflage with the CCA logo on the front, a “Survivor” logo on the back along with the name of sponsors.

Brenda and Mike Olds have stepped up as Walk Logistic Chairs and noted that the “Survivor” theme will be present along the trail. “Along with sponsorship signs, there will be signs of encouragement decorated to imitate the show Survivor!” explained Brenda. While she gets to be creative with the trail, her husband, Mike, who is an Anne Arundel County Police Officer is focused on water, rest stops and safety.

Darlene Ruggerio has been hard at work coordinating the dinner at Kentmorr. “Tammy Harper is definitely one of our Angels!” According to Darlene, “She is going above and beyond with the dinner and has helped line up tents from Ebb Tide Catering!”  Committee member Arlene Reading chimed in with the news that her husband, Bob, has agreed to step up and volunteer as the DJ the event. After the ladies were finished cheering at the good news regarding “DJ Bob”, Darlene pointed out that, “every business involved has either donated their services or offered a generous discount. We are blessed to be surrounded by such giving residents and business owners!”

Anyone interested in participating in the walk can visit the new Cancer Comfort Angels website that was created by committee member, Jane Tayman who encourages everyone to “visit www.cancercomfortangels.org and under events, you can download the registration form along with a form to collect donations from those who sponsor your walk!” The registration form also includes information for the dinner. Of course, Auction Committee Chair, Sue Baxter reminds us that “even If you don’t walk, you can always support this cause by coming out to the dinner and participating in the Silent Auction!”

As a non-profit agency affiliated with the Foundation for Community Partnerships, Cancer Comfort Angels is a Christian based organization that has a mission to inspire and encourage beyond the clinical prognosis of cancer to help someone both in body and spirit.  “It amazes me that while fighting cancer, Laurie’s concerned about others who might need comforting. I have no doubt that angels exist. I’m good friends with quite of few,” committee member Linda Aus says with a wink.

For more information on the Cancer Comfort Angels, visit www.cancercomfortangels.org or “like” them on Facebook. If you know of anyone that might appreciate a “Comfort Kit” please contact this group via email at cancercomfortangels@gmail.com.