Special tea for cancer patients

A tea party held Friday in Imperial County was unlike any other as it honored women fighting cancer. It’s called the “Beautiful Fabulous Friends Tea Party”.

Almeda Callahan, who is in the final stages of her cancer treatment, has been looking forward to the tea party so she can share her experience with other cancer patients and survivors. “It’s awesome because you can meet somebody and you don’t know. And maybe they can give you more support also and help,” said Callahan.

The event gives Callahan a connection to those who have experienced what she’s been through. Callahan said, “It’s very important because you’re not alone. You can learn a lot from them and they give you strength.”

The patients were treated to live music, had their makeup done and received massages from volunteers. Pioneers Memorial Hospital Cancer Institute Director Alicia Ortega said, “Their compassionate heart makes it come all together and give of their time and their product to our patients without even asking.”

Even with the side effects of chemotherapy, all attendees are reminded that they’re still beautiful. “And for them to come and someone to beautify them, and make them feel good again, and make them feel special I think that’s extremely important for them. And it just gives them another way to show how valuable they are and how beautiful they are,” said Imperial Valley Cancer Support Executive Director Oreda Chin.