Elmos and the band Speedwell will host a benefit on November 14 beginning at 4 p.m. to assist Chris Killough with her ongoing cancer treatment. There will be food, music, raffles, auctions and door prizes.

Limited edition Morris breast cancer T-shirts, featuring Elmos and Speedwell on the back, will be on sale while they last. There will also be a guest appearance by Rough and Ready from Spartanburg, which heard about the event and asked to participate.

Killough is a native of Landrum, the mother of two boys, 12 and 9, godmother of a 14-year-old girl (whom she is raising) and the wife of high school sweetheart Joe. She is loved and respected by families, residents and co-workers at White Oak of Tryon, where she has been a nurse for 17 years.

In May, Killough was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal cancer which is very aggressive. Because of the type of cancer, she decided to have the BRCA2 gene test which turned out to be positive. Based on the test results, her doctors recommended a double mastectomy, which she has undergone.

She will have a hysterectomy early in 2011 and a tumor removed from her leg following the hysterectomy. Currently, Killough is undergoing chemotherapy, after which the doctors will determine whether or not she has to undergo radiation therapy.

While Killough has the support of her relatives, her work family and her church family, the cost of her treatment continues to increase and insurance does not cover much of her cancer medication.

When Pam Johnson, owner of Elmos, heard Killoughs story she was determined to help out. She contacted White Oak of Tryon to see what kind of help they would provide if she got the ball rolling and she says the staff was ready, willing and able.

Johnson said, When someone is going through what Chris is going through they should not have to worry additionally about hospital and drug bills. In addition to donating the venue, 10 percent of Johnsons sales that day will go directly to Killough&bsp; as well as all of the small admission charge.

Mary Lance, administrator of White Oak of Tryon, said, We are so pleased Pam Johnson is hosting this benefit to help Chris. The merchants of Tryon and Landrum have given prizes, auction items and door prizes. Its overwhelming to see what everyone is doing to help Chris and her family.

In addition to Speedwell and Rough and Ready, there will be a number of local bands dropping by to jam during the afternoon and evening. Marie Hooper said, The call has gone out to the bands in the area and many have responded. We have done this several times at Elmos and it works really well. We were pleased that Pam asked us to participate. Speedwell, Rough and Ready and all the musicians are willing to do anything we can to help.