By Michael Motes

Friday, October 8, marked a red-letter day in the history of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home, the 31-year-old institution at 760 Washington Street, SE, which has served as one of seven free cancer homes in the Untied States operated by the Sisters of St. Dominic.

With Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell and other dignitaries on hand, Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan broke ground for the new $2 million home for incurable cancer patients which will be erected directly behind the site of the present home.

Following completion of the new structure, patients will be moved from their former home and the old building will be razed.

All of the work at the home is supervised by Sister Marie Cordis, Sister Superior and Administrator. With the aid of 11 other nuns, Sister Marie carries on in the tradition of Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, daughter of Nathaniel Hawthorne, who founded the first of the free cancer homes.

The Auxiliary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home, one of the primary benefactors of the institution, will sponsor the Fifteenth Annual Champagne Luncheon and Fashion Show on Wednesday, October 20, at the Regency Hyatt House beginning with a champagne reception at 11:30 a.m.

All proceeds from the auxiliary's annual benefit will be used for the purchase of medication for the Home, which is supported entirely by contributions from interested organizations and individuals.