By Rhonda Pharr
The local Cancer Support Group got its beginning in 1993 when Juanita Pharr, battling cancer at that time, was approached by her pastor, Steve Caraway at the First United Methodist Church about the need for a support group for community members battling cancer. With the support of the church, Juanita (although never having led any group like this) decided that it was an important need and agreed to getting one started in our community.
The group started small, but through the years has grown. They began meeting monthly in the parlor at FUMC and shared their celebrations, fears, and concerns with each other. The members were there for each other whether it be sending cards of encouragement or staying on the phone counseling each other through difficult news. They found that this group allowed them to share the fears that they were leery to share with their family members. It allowed them to lay it all on the line with others who were experiencing the same thing and through this they found much needed comfort and peace. Family members and caregivers also attended the meetings and were able to interact with others who faced their fears and concerns which gave them support and comfort as well.
In 1998, Juanita Pharr lost her battle with cancer. To honor her memory the group of survivors at that time decided to rename the group The Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group. At that time, her husband, William Pharr, had become very active in the support group, continuing the group meetings with the help of Maxine Godman and the other members. They would meet monthly at different locations and have lunch, discuss treatments, new grandbabies, etc. They became a second family to each other. William was later diagnosed with skin cancer and was not only able to view the meetings from the standpoint of a caregiver, but also as a patient. He continued his work with this group until he passed away in 2015. This group also became very active in the local Relay for Life at that time.
In 2025, Juanita and William’s daughter, Rhonda Pharr, approached the administrative board at FUMC, with a dream of starting the Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group back up for the members of our community. With the overwhelming support of the church, the group began meeting again. “Our goal as a support group is to let cancer patients know that they do not fight this battle alone. They are constantly in our prayers and we are only a phone call away from any help we can give,” stated Rhonda. We are very blessed to have several members of the Relay for Life committee from years ago as part of our group. They have dedicated themselves to this fight for years and we are so happy to have them back fighting this battle with us.
Our group meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall of the FUMC. We have food, fellowship, words of encouragement, games, speakers, activities, celebrations, prayers…anything we can think of to make our patients fight bearable. We laugh together, cry together when needed, celebrate the joys and most of all cherish the time we all get to spend together.
Through donations from local churches and citizens we have created a fund to help those current cancer patients who are traveling for treatments, etc. We also have homemade soup available for current patients who just do not feel like cooking after treatments thanks to support group member Pat Thurmon. At this time, we are compiling a list of volunteers who would be willing to drive patients in need to local appointments (Natchitoches, Alexandria, Ruston, etc.). We, as a group, strive to help those facing this daily battle in any way we can.
Our meetings are open to anyone whose life has been affected by cancer, whether a patient, friend, family member, caregiver….we invite you all and would love to have you. For more information or to volunteer please contact Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group on Facebook, by email, juanitapharrcsg@gmail.com , or call 318-332-4713. We would love to have each of you.