Surviving breast cancer is a feat that should be celebrated; that's why Newton Medical Center is hosting an uplifting concert Sunday in honor of those survivors.

The Sounds of Hope Concert will incorporate local food vendors along with the big band sounds of Mack McKibben and Drive Time to bring family and friends together of survivors and those currently battling the disease.

"I think everyone has been affected somehow by this horrible disease in one way or another," McKibben said. "This is just a way to cheer on these ladies and say we love you, we admire you and we really want to support you."

McKibben, who owns McKibben Music in Covington, said he wanted to do something for the Breast Cancer Foundation and brought the idea of having a concert on the downtown Covington square to the Newton Medical Auxiliary.

"My wife had breast cancer, and I thought why don't we do something on the square and see if we can jump start it (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and do a fundraiser," he said. "These women are such champs and my heart goes out them."

National Breast Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research.

Admission is free and the event begins at 6 p.m. Sunday in the downtown Covington square with food and beverage available for purchase from Bradley's, Plain Nuts, Amici's and Square Perks with music from Mack McKibben and Drive Time starting at 7 p.m.

McKibben said attendees should expect to hear uplifting covers from his band of musicians like Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Food vendors still wishing to be a part of the event still can and should contact Covington Main Street Director Josephine Kelly at (770) 385-2077, said Martha Taylor, NMC director of Volunteer Services.

Envelopes will be passed around during the event for those who wish to donate, Taylor said. For more information, call (770) 788-6553.