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ALBANY, GA. -- Once again, the people of Albany are topping themselves with hats in support of cancer research.

This year’s 2^nd Annual “Ladies in Hats” fundraiser has expanded to include both males and females. With the expansion comes a new name: “Don-A-Hat.”

Those who attended the "Don-A-Hat" luncheon at Cafe 230 helped bring awareness to leukemia and lymphoma, as well as breast cancer.

Event organizer Jennifer Rose Dyson says the inspiration behind the event is one that hits close to home.

“I am a cancer survivor and I was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma in 2008 and I’m in remission,” says event organizer Jennifer Rose Dyson.

Dyson chose to have the event in October as a tribute to her mother.

“My mother Betty Dyson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and she's also in remission and is a survivor. So it's a joint celebration for both of us being survivors,” says Jennifer Dyson.

Her hope for next year's event is that more people will join in on the effort in remembrance of those in southwest Georgia whose lives are affected by blood cancer every day.

Money raised during the luncheon will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.