Today is "Night of Hope Friday" in Sidney

SIDNEY - The Night of Hope isn't going away anytime soon. They're here for you. That's according to Organizer Brenda Noel.

The 2020 Night of Hope Walk for Cancer, scheduled for Friday in Legion Park in Sidney, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers said the event has people that are at high risk for the novel coronavirus. They say they felt the risk was too great to leave to chance.

However, that isn't stopping the organization from raising money for cancer patients and families.

Noel says shirts, yard signs and window posters are still available at the Insurance Store in downtown Sidney. 

The Luminary readings, slideshow and a tribute dance from the Sidney High School Danz Team have been posted on the Night of Hope Facebook page. 

"We encourage everybody to, as you celebrate Night of Hope today, and you celebrate the life and honoring those who have cancer or those who have passed, leave us a picture or a comment in the "comment" section (on Facebook) and show us how you are celebrating today," Noel said.

Since this year's walk was cancelled, Noel has fielded questions about where the money will go.

"90% of the funds we raise during the walk, and all year-long, stays within our community," Noel said. "We offer financial assistance to cancer patients who are receiving either chemo or radiation, or are under hospice care."

Even though hospice care is no longer available in Sidney, Noel says they still offer that assistance to cancer patients. 

10% of the funds go towards administrative fees and expenses. 

For more information or to donate to the Night of Hope, email [email protected] or call (308) 249-1081.