Henry Co., VA -- A Henry County woman is fighting back against cancer. She and her family have been plagued with the disease through generations. But now, she is living out her dream of helping cancer victims with their fight.
Pat Via has started a local foundation in honor of her mother who lost her battle to cancer. It kicked off in November and already has raised thousands of dollars and helped several people.
More than a decade after her mother received a cancer diagnosis, Via heard the same terrifying words.
"It was devastating. Like the average person, the first thing you think of is death," said Via.
But Via held strong through her fight and even discovered she carries the 'cancer gene'.
"When I looked at the word cancer, I saw the word C-A-N, can. So I said this word can I am going to take this to the bank because I can survive, I can fight this," said Via.
Three years later, and now cancer free, Via isn't done fighting the cancer battle.
"I wanted to start a foundation in memory of my mother," said Via.
With her sister and daughter's help, Via kicked off MLC, a foundation named from her mother's initials.
"This organization is a three fold program, direct and indirect financial support, counseling, and also the genetic testing," said Telesa Via, Pat Via's daughter.
"If she can, I can," said Cynthia Hairston, cancer patient.
They surprised Hairston with some much-needed cash.
"I just sat there and cried. I couldn't say thank ya'll for me being a recipient because when they called my name I covered up my mouth and I just started crying," said Hairston.
And Via promises to help many more people, just like her.
"I believe within my heart that this my ministry. I really believe that," said Via.
Pat Via says the benefit of this local foundation is that she can meet everyone she helps and can work with them.
If you want to help the foundation or be part of it, you can contact them by:
Email: MLCCancerfoundation@gmail.com
Address: P.O. Box 3582, Martinsville, VA 24115
Telephone: 276-546-7MLC (7652)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLCCancerFoundation (donations can be made via facebook page by selecting the "Give" Button)
Website: www.mlcfoundation.com
