History of the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation

Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation located on the Outer Banks

The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation was founded in December, 2000, by Laney Howell.

Laney, who was born and grew up in Scotland Neck, N.C., moved to Hatteras village in 1996. Shortly after she arrived here, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery in early 1997, she went through 4 1/2 years of chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell replacement therapy.

During her treatment, her new friends on Hatteras pitched in to bring her meals, clean her house, care for her family, and drive her to medical appointments in Elizabeth City and Norfolk. She was amazed and awed by the manner in which folks on the island rallied around her -- a newcomer. She decided she had to do something to repay her new friends in her new home, and she settled upon the idea of a foundation that would help cancer patients on the island.

Laney Howell

In November, 2000, Laney called some friends together, and she explained her vision for the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation.

By early 2001, the all-volunteer group had a board, officers, by-laws, and was ready to start raising money.

The goal of the foundation was simple -- to help island cancer patients pay their medical bills and prescription drug bills that are not covered by insurance and help them pay travel expenses for treatment.

The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation’s first fundraiser was a dance in March, 2001, featuring the Embers band. It was a huge success. Shortly after that triumphant beginning of the organization, Laney had a recurrence of her cancer. She died on July 5, 2001, surrounded by her family and friends. She was 48 years old.

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