OAKHURST — The Oakhurst Community is uniting for an evening of support, love, and generosity to honor Megan O’Cana. Helping One Woman (HOW) Oakhurst has chosen Megan as their February recipient, recognizing her resilience and the challenges she faces. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 19th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst.
About Megan O’Cana
Join the Oakhurst Community in supporting Megan O’Cana at this special event on February 19th. (Click to Enlarge)
To begin, for nearly 15 years, Megan O’Cana and her family have been part of the mountain community. However, their journey has included significant struggles. Her husband, Greg, has a permanent disability due to severe seizures, leaving Megan as the primary caregiver for him, their autistic son, and their two daughters, who also experience chronic health issues. Megan manages all medical appointments and transportation for her family, making it difficult for her or Greg to work.
Recently, their difficulties have intensified. In May 2024, they had to leave their rental home and have since struggled to find a stable, affordable place to live. Thanks to supportive family and friends, they currently reside in an RV at a local campground while searching for an apartment.
In addition to these hardships, Megan received devastating news. After discovering a painful spot in her breast, she was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer, which has spread to her bones and caused severe pain. She is nearing the end of chemotherapy but will require targeted treatments indefinitely. Despite facing these challenges, Megan remains strong and devoted to her family. The HOW community is rallying to support her during this difficult time.
A Special Night of Giving
Moreover, this event, sponsored by Leah Guadagnini, allows the Oakhurst community to show their love and solidarity for Megan. Attendees must purchase prepaid dinner tickets at MYSOSEvent.com.
Additionally, a minimum $10 monetary gift is required at the door, payable in cash, check (made out to Megan O’Cana), or Venmo. Every dollar collected will go directly to Megan.
The evening will feature a dinner catered by North Fork BBQ, with the following meal options:
North Fork BBQ
- Brisket Sandwich: w/ pickles, lemon poppy seed slaw, and Mrs. Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Chips ($19.77)
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: w/ slaw on top, choice of BBQ sauce, and Mrs. Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Chips ($17.66)
- Southwest Salad: w/ local greens, sweet corn, black beans, red onion, tortilla strips, cherry tomatoes, and choice of dressing ($15.55)
- All meals include tea or lemonade.
In addition to dinner, attendees can participate in a raffle, silent auction, and live auction, with all proceeds benefiting Megan. Community members are encouraged to donate prizes or auction items by contacting a HOW leader for arrangements.
HOW You Can Help
Community involvement is essential to making this event a success. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Attend the dinner by purchasing a prepaid ticket and making a monetary gift.
- Donate raffle or auction items to help raise additional funds for Megan.
- Spread the word and invite friends, family, and colleagues to participate.
For more information, contact HOW Oakhurst Chapter leaders:
- Sue Higgins (661) 205- 6791
- Kim Morris (661) 304-6046
- Jennifer Snyder (818) 314-9168
- Email: howoakhurstchapter@gmail.com
Why This Matters
Helping One Woman (HOW)
Helping One Woman is built on the belief that small acts of kindness can create a significant impact. The HOW motto emphasizes:
- One woman with $10.00 can buy another woman lunch
- Ten women with $10.00 can buy another woman’s groceries
- One hundred women with $10.00 can make a real difference in another woman’s life.
For more information about HOW, visit here.
Event Details
- RSVP Deadline: Sunday, February 16th at noon.
- Event Date: Wednesday, February 19th at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
- Where: Sierra Senior Center in Oakhurst
- Cost: Purchase a dinner ticket- prices vary based on meal choice (details above)
- Additional Gift: A minimum $10 monetary recipient gift for Megan will be collected at the door. All proceeds go directly to Megan.
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR, SO MAKE SURE TO RSVP AHEAD OF TIME.
Join HOW Oakhurst in showing Megan that she is not alone in this fight.
