Submitted photo
Latisha Long, second from left, is pictured with her son, Deegan Long, from left; Ben Love, her fiancé; and Ben’s son, Ruxin Love.

LEWISTOWN — When 36-year-old Latisha Long first noticed something unusual last August, she didn’t wait. She contacted her doctor immediately, and within weeks she had a diagnosis — stage 2 breast cancer — and a treatment plan that would change the rhythm of her life.

“It all happened fast,” Long said. “I noticed it, got in touch with my doctors, and within a month I had answers.”

Since late September, Long has been undergoing chemotherapy, a demanding process that she has faced with determination and a quiet sense of hope. Her doctor remains optimistic about her progress, and although she won’t undergo further testing until treatment is complete, she takes comfort in one encouraging sign: she can no longer feel the lump.

Long has managed to continue working through much of her treatment, something she considers a blessing. She works in psychiatric rehabilitation, helping individuals navigate mental health challenges — a job she loves and one that gives her purpose even on the hardest days. “Luckily I’ve been able to work a fair amount through it,” she said. “Helping people is what I do. It keeps me grounded.”

But with two rounds of chemotherapy left, Long knows she will soon have to step away from work to focus fully on her health. Her sick time is nearly exhausted, and the uncertainty of how long she’ll be off the job weighs heavily. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be out,” she said. “Thank goodness I had a fair amount saved, but it’s almost gone.”

Her family and friends have stepped in to help however they can. Her mother organized donation boxes and even a sandwich fundraiser to help ease the financial strain. Now, the community is coming together in a larger way — with a benefit bingo event designed to support Long as she continues her fight.

A community steps up

The Bingo Benefit for Latisha will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Brookmere Winery Barn, located at 5369 Route 655 in Belleville. Doors open at 11 a.m., and bingo begins at noon. Tickets are $30 and include one book of 20 games plus an entry for door prizes.

“The idea came about after one of our friends was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year, and we wanted to find a way to help ease the financial burden that comes with treatment,” organizer Kali Hobbs said.

Organizers say the event will feature a wide range of prizes, including YETI and Stanley merchandise, Kate Spade purses, gift cards and other items donated by local businesses and supporters. Additional bingo books, raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets and rip tickets will be available for purchase, along with food, beverages and alcohol.

The event is being coordinated by friends who want to make sure Long feels supported as she enters the next phase of treatment. “I’m not someone who typically plays bingo; I win at work sometimes,” Long joked. “I’m hoping I feel well enough to be there.”

For Long, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. She is not someone who seeks attention, and she admits it feels strange to be the focus of a fundraiser. But she is grateful — deeply — for every gesture, every message, every act of kindness.

“It means so much,” she said. “You don’t realize how many people care until something like this happens.”

Looking ahead with hope

As she prepares for her final rounds of chemotherapy, Long is focused on staying positive and taking each day as it comes. She knows the road ahead may be difficult, but she also knows she is not walking it alone.

Of course, Long is counting on her family — including fiancé Ben Love; her son, Deegan Long; and Ben’s son, Ruxin Love — and friends.

“We know stress can have a negative impact on healing, so we chose to do something fun that would bring the community together and get people excited about participating,” Hobbs shared. “Our group of friends has organized similar events in the past, so when the idea was pitched, everyone was immediately on board.”

The Benefit Bingo is more than a fundraiser — it is a reminder of the strength of community, the power of compassion, and the way neighbors show up when one of their own needs help.

“The response from the community has been incredibly encouraging. Local businesses have been extremely generous with prize donations, and even those who are unable to attend have reached out to donate money or raffle baskets,” Hobbs added. “Our goal is for everyone to have a great time while raising as much support as possible for her and her family during a very difficult time.”

For more information, contact Hobbs at kalihobbs87@yahoo.com. A Facebook event page titled “Bingo Benefit for Latisha” includes additional details.