‘Relay’ walkers raise $53,000 to fight cancer
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RONAN — KPAX news anchor Jill Valley spoke to community members and teams gathered for the Relay for Life on July 13 and 14. The event was held at the Ronan High School football field.
A breast cancer survivor, Valley took her bout with cancer public soon after diagnosis. She told the crowd she would be cancer-free for two years on July 20.
A lady told Valley she would find many blessings during her struggle with cancer. Valley said her first reaction was to punch the lady, but she had found it to be true. She has a greater appreciation of everyday things, such as the beauty of the Mission Mountains and having coffee with friends.
“I think of (cancer) in terms of a healthy lawn. Cancer is a weed. If it comes back, I’m gonna kill it again,” Valley said.
Valley also introduced 8-year-old Brynn Pule. Pule was just back from a trip to her doctors and doing well.
The theme of the 2012 Relay for Life was The Magic of Relay: Dream It, Hope It, Cure It.
After the survivor’s dinner at 6 p.m., opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. and the survivor laps at 7:15 p.m., the relay began in earnest, with Wayne Fuch’s voice and music keeping everyone going. Fifteen teams were on the grounds, although 22 had signed up and raised funds.
Carrie Nowlen, staff partner from the American Cancer Society, was at the relay. She explained that the ACS is a national organization, but 80 percent of money raised at area relays comes back to the community. A local hotel-lodging program provided 63 cost-free rooms for Lake County cancer patients and their families last year. To qualify, a patient must travel at least 50 miles or 90 minutes from their home.
Other local programs include Look Good, Feel Better, which is designed to combat the effects of cancer treatment for women, Nowlen said.
Provided with a $300 makeup kit, women learn to draw on eyebrows after they lose their hair, camouflage double chins caused by cancer medications and other tricks.
Lake County cancer patients can also access the Cancer Survivor’s network at cancerhopenetwork.com as well as a program providing wigs, scarves and hats for people who’ve lost their hair during chemotherapy.
Newlon noted 275 people in Lake County logged onto the Cancer Survivor’s Network during 2011.
Relays show the power of people and what people are able to do, Newlon said.
“We are saving lives and spirits,” she added.
As of 10:30 p.m., the Lake County Relay for Life had raised $50,000 through team and corporate contributions. The final total was $53,230 according to Joyce Kackmann, chair of the event.
Although there was a little rain, Kackmann said it was still great weather. She may even chair the event again, it was so much fun.
