Fort Worth Beer Event Benefits Cancer Patients
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Can beer help cure cancer?
Well, maybe not directly. But Rahr and Sons Brewing Company certainly hopes that beer can have an impact on the lives of cancer patients. The Fort Worth brewery is hosting the Cowtown Cowboys Showdown on Thursday night, and the event benefits the American Cancer Society.
"When I first found out I had cancer, it was initially a shock," said Sally King. She and her husband, Jeff, are the honorary chairs of Thursday's event. "My attitude was, 'Okay, what do I do next?'"
"We were devastated when we got the news," said Jeff.
Sally's breast cancer diagnosis three years ago has given the Fort Worth wife and mother a new perspective on things. She and her family no longer take life for granted, and Sally is thankful for every passing birthday.
"Cancer changes your attitude toward life," Sally said.
Sally served as a nurse for the Cook Children's teddy bear transport for 16 years, and has helped numerous kids who were battling cancer. But after her own diagnosis, Sally found herself on the other side of the fight. "I transported lots of children who had cancer, and watched them battle it, and lost several patients, and knew how devastating it was," Sally said. "Then, when you're diagnosed, it's a little bit of a blow."
Although Sally had her husband and two children by her side during the battle, the Kings said that it was actually her strength that got them through this difficult time. "She went to every TCU game in 2009, while she was on chemo," Jeff said. "So, what are the rest of us going to complain about?"
Now cancer-free, the Kings are using their family's experience to help others struggling against the disease. "Sally and Jeff are wonderful examples of people who've been affected by cancer, but then turn around and give back to the community," said Joy Donovan Brandon with the American Cancer Society.
The Kings agreed to be the honorary chairs at the Fort Worth brewery's event as another way to spread their message – hoping to make a better future for those who are fighting a battle that their family has already won. "This is another way, I think, to continue to raise awareness for cancer and cancer research," Sally said. "Any way I could be a part of the solution, I would be."
The Cowtown Cowboys Showdown kicks off at 6:00 p.m. Thursday night at the Rahr and Sons Brewing Company, located at 701 Galveston Avenue in Fort Worth. The event includes live music, food and plenty of beer. Money raised at the event will support American Cancer Society patient services, educational programs and a 24-hour information hotline.
