Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2025

COAST NOTE
The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) fundraiser, Shuck Cancer, is tailor
made for the Gulf Coast. It takes place November 6, 6 to 10 p.m., at Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.
“Shuck Cancer Gulf Coast is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event for South Mississippi,” says Heather Bradley with the American Cancer Society. “It brings together more than 400 community members for an evening of oysters, cocktails, music, and shared purpose.”
The goal is $250,000 for the Cancer Society’s sole event in South Mississippi. “Shuck Cancer provides vital funding for transportation grants, free lodging
at Hope Lodge, screenings, and life- saving cancer research,” she said. “Shuck Cancer supports all cancer patients
story by Lynn Lofton and families. Funds raised go toward
programs and services that assist people regardless of their diagnosis.”
Also working with the event is Jesse Sunderman. “As the American Cancer Society’s only South Mississippi event, this is our community’s night to stand together because here on the Coast, we take care of one another,” he said. “I got involved because it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, connect with old friends,
and get out into the community all while raising money for a great cause.”
“With Mississippi Aquarium as our backdrop, culinary excellence from local restaurants, the generosity of oyster farmers, and the excitement of
a silent auction, we’re turning the best of our Coast into hope and help for our neighbors,” Bradley added.
Mississippi has the highest cancer mortality rate in the U.S. Key facts and Mississippi statistics include:
American Cancer Society, Inc. | 800.227.2345 | www.cancer.org
16 | October 2025 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 2 | December 2020 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
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More than 17,000 Mississippians are diagnosed with cancer each year, and nearly 6,500 die from the disease.
The most common cancers in the state are lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal.
Lung cancer alone causes nearly one in four cancer deaths in Mississippi.
All 82 counties are medically underserved, making ACS programs like transportation and lodging essential.
In 2024, ACS invested $400 million in cancer research nationwide, including projects in the South.