LAPLACE — In an effort to find a cure of cancer, one local church is hosting a benefit concert to raise money for cancer research.

Living Way Church in LaPlace is holding the concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at the church, located at 810 Walnut St. The concert will feature gospel-recording artist Cody Holley. General admission is $15, and tickets can be purchased at the door.

Assistant pastor the Rev. James Rider said 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Stand Up to Cancer campaign, which has a mission to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking, translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives.

“It’s so wonderful to be able to give back to such a worthy cause,” Rider said. “We are excited about the possibilities. We are trying to raise $10,000. With the concert, we will be asking for donations. There will be avenues to donate during the concert, as well. Cancer is something that has probably touched every family. Everyone knows someone who has been touched with this disease. We are hoping to help eradicate or find a cure. We also want to help support people who are going through this.”

Rider said church organizers have received positive feedback, adding the excitement is growing as the concert nears.

Church pastor the Rev. Michael Day first reached out to Stand Up to Cancer six months ago.

“It’s a very real situation for us, because my wife has cancer,” Day said. “She is under chemotherapy, and we are dealing with all the issues a lot of people are dealing with. We just thought we would do something to help someone else in the midst of this.”

Day’s wife Nora was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer four years ago.

“As the support person in someone’s life, it’s scary, it’s stressful and there are a lot of what ifs,” Day said. “But at the some time, in the Christian journey, it’s a lot of hope, a lot of faith and a lot of trust in the Lord.”

Day said Living Life Church holds 400 people, and a full house is expected for the concert.

“Children are dealing with cancer, and I think it’s going to take a community effort to combat this disease,” Day said. “That’s what we’re trying to do. If you aren’t dealing with it now, chances are you will deal with it in the future.”

Day said the church’s next project would benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which will be in the spring.

“We are really focusing on cancer research,” Day said. “That’s our passion, to help find a cure and help people recover. Everyone is welcome to the concert. It’s something we all need to pull together for. It is a common enemy of our community.”

Those wishing to donate can log onto lwclaplace.com. There are different levels of sponsorship based on the amount of money donated. For donating $25, bronze level, residents can attend a meet and greet with the artist and celebrities in a VIP reception prior to the concert.

For donating $50, silver level, the donor’s name will be listed on the program and in advertisements. For donations of $75 or more, gold level, donors receive everything in the bronze and silver level and will be publicly mentioned during the concert.

— By Raquel Derganz Baker