LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Consider this: Where would you turn for advice on assisting a loved one affected by Alzheimer's? How will your basic needs be met should your child become ill with cancer? What kinds of chemicals and additives are in your food -- and how is it affecting your health?

Do you know where to go to even get these answers?

Earlier this spring I was able to attend an event at War Memorial Stadium called "Little Rock Serves," which is sponsored by Create Little Rock, an arm of the Little Rock Chamber.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – If you think it’s tough cleaning out your garage, imagine trying to get rid of outdated medical supplies, obsolete equipment and slightly damaged surgical goods. It’s not an easy task but the Sisters of Mercy Health System is committed to keeping these items out of the landfill and getting them into the hands of people who need them.

“Co-workers really made this happen,” said Julie Jones, Mercy’s executive director of mission and ministry. “Out of their desire to help others and reduce waste, a number of people began investigating what Mercy could do with extra resources.”

ROi, Mercy’s supply chain division, spent two years looking for an outlet for supplies and equipment that could not be resold or repurposed. Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach fit the bill with a worldwide distribution network.

“They have a team of volunteers that sorts all the donations into usable and unusable.

WHO: Our Promise Cancer Resources, Central Park Fusion Cuisine

WHAT: Our Promise Kick-Off

WHEN: 5:30 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2011

WHERE: Central Park Fusion Cuisine, 200 Park Ave., Hot Springs, Arkansas

People fighting cancer and the people who love and care for them now have a place to go when they need assistance in coping with all aspects of the disease.

Our Promise Cancer Resources, a new nonprofit organization providing financial assistance and resources to cancer patients in south central Arkansas, will officially open at its Kick-Off event from 5:30-7 p.m. at Central Park Fusion Cuisine at 200 Park Ave.