Community Comes Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser in Hillsboro

Local leaders, friends, and families rally behind Councilwoman Lori Arons in a night of support, awareness, and hope

By The Jefferson Review Team

In a time when division often dominates headlines, a recent event in Jefferson County showed something different: community, compassion, and unity.

On Sunday, April 19, residents gathered at the Hillsboro Civic Center for a breast cancer awareness fundraiser hosted by Councilman Bob Tullock and Councilwoman Lori Arons. What began as a simple idea quickly became something much more meaningful: a night that brought people together not just for a cause, but for one of their own.

A Community Steps In

The inspiration for the event came during a deeply personal moment in Arons’ life.

“Having a great team behind you is so important,” Arons said. “Bob Tullock had the room already, and he said one of the best ways we could support you is to do a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.”

From there, the idea took on a life of its own.

Arons, who was preparing for surgery at the time, said she didn’t have to carry the burden of organizing the event herself. Instead, Tullock, along with Tim Whitney and others, stepped in and handled everything, from decorations and logistics to door prizes and setup.

“They just took the idea and ran with it,” she said. “All I had to do was show up.”

That support, she said, made all the difference.

“It gave me peace of mind heading into surgery,” Arons explained. “When you’re facing something like this, it’s the fear of the unknown that’s the hardest part. Knowing I had people behind me allowed me to get into a better place mentally.”

A Night of Support and Awareness

The event drew a strong turnout, with more than 75 people filling the room. For Arons, seeing that level of support firsthand was overwhelming in the best way.

“To stand up and see a room full of people there for you, it’s humbling,” she said. “That’s the best word I can use.”

The fundraiser raised more than $3,000, with proceeds going toward breast cancer awareness efforts through the Susan G. Komen foundation. Arons specifically chose to direct the funds toward awareness, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

“It really comes down to early intervention,” she said. “We’re supposed to get our screenings every 12 months, but I ended up waiting 14. Maybe if I had gone sooner, things could have been caught even earlier.”

That message resonated with attendees.

During the event, organizers asked how many people in the room had been affected by cancer in some way. Nearly three-fourths raised their hands.

“It’s not an isolated thing,” Arons said. “It touches almost everyone.”

Beyond the fundraising and awareness, the night also served as a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community sets aside differences and comes together.

“In today’s climate, especially politically, there’s a lot of division,” Arons said. “But events like this remind us—we’re all just people. We’re not separate from the community. We’re part of it.”

That perspective is something Arons believes is important for elected officials to demonstrate, particularly outside of formal government settings.

“We’re just normal people who have volunteered to serve,” she said. “We still go through the same things everyone else does. We still face challenges like cancer. This is about showing that connection.”

While the future of the event itself is still uncertain, Arons said the experience has changed her perspective on advocacy.

Rather than starting something new from scratch, she is considering becoming more involved with existing organizations and local chapters focused on cancer support and awareness.

“You hear about all these events and marches,” she said. “But when it touches your life personally, it gives you a whole new level of respect for the people who have been doing this work all along.”

As for her own journey, Arons is now facing the next phase of treatment after learning the cancer had spread to a lymph node, moving her diagnosis from Stage 1 to Stage 2.

While her surgery was successful, chemotherapy is now part of the road ahead.

“The hardest part is the waiting,” she said. “You know you need treatment, but you don’t know exactly what it will look like yet. It’s the unknown.”

Still, she remains grounded in both faith and community support.

“The prayers of others, you really feel them,” she said. “It’s very humbling to know people are praying for you, especially when sometimes it’s hard to pray for yourself.”

Her message to others facing similar battles is simple but powerful: lean on that support.

“Your head knows what to expect, but your heart takes longer to catch up,” she said. “That’s where the community comes in.”

For one night in Hillsboro, that community showed up in full force, reminding everyone in the room that even in the hardest moments, no one has to face them alone.

Stay informed on the stories shaping Jefferson County.

The Jefferson Review delivers local news, government coverage, and community stories directly to your inbox.

Subscribe to The Jefferson Review

Community Comes Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser in Hillsboro

Community Comes Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser in Hillsboro

A Community Steps In

A Night of Support and Awareness

Keep Reading