Local Teen Hosting Spaghetti Dinner for Cancer Research

Jo-Ann Richard is a local breast cancer survivor. She reached out to tell us about an important event coming up in the community.

Richard's mother is also a breast cancer survivor and her sister, Shelli Knox is currently fighting breast cancer. Knox's granddaughter, Samantha Tavares is 14-years-old and is holding a spaghetti dinner in her grandmother's honor, donating all proceeds to benefit various types of cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

"One of the unique ideas she has come up with for this event is using colored tablecloths to represent the different types of cancer," Richard explained. "She created and printed the tickets on her own instead of having them published. She is taking great pride in all of her efforts to raise as much money as she can to donate to research."

Sam will be holding the spaghetti dinner at the Bayside Lounge in Fairhaven on Saturday, February 9 from 4 to 7 pm. Tickets are $10/person and can be purchased at the door.

Samantha’s mother, Jenny Tavares is moved beyond words to see her daughter working hard to bring awareness and support the research.

I couldn’t be more proud of my daughter for hosting this event. The money that is being donated to research is so critical in finding a cure for this awful disease. It has affected many of our close family members. - Jenny Tavares

Sam hopes for a world that another child will not have to see his or her loved ones go through this fight.