The color yellow will soon again symbolize hope for cancer survivors and their supporters.
The fourth annual Community Cancer Walk is set for Oct. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bronco Arena. The event raises funds for free gas cards given to community members who travel out of town for cancer treatment. The $150 gas cards “give someone going through cancer more support,” said organizer Julie Jaksa.
Yellow ribbons will be sold for $5 in honor or memory of loved ones who have been impacted by cancer. The ribbons will be on display the day of the walk.
“The Community Cancer Walk is the brainchild of local residents — many of them cancer survivors — who saw a need in our community and wanted to make a difference,” Jaksa noted in a statement.
Last year, community members raised $13,000 for gas cards.
“We have wonderful supporters,” Jaksa said.
The gas card program begins Nov. 1 and runs through Oct. 31, 2013. Requests for gas cards should be made to the chemotherapy department at Rainy Lake Medical Center through Betsy Loop.
“A resident needing travel help can get a gas card once during this period of time,” Jaksa said.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the local Relay for Life through the American Cancer Society.
Individuals or teams can sign up for the walk. Registration is $5 and can be paid the day of the event during registration at 8:30 a.m. A sloppy joe lunch will be served after the walk.
To preregister, call the Community Education Office at Falls High School at 283-2571 ext. 109.
“It’s a special day and a fun way to raise money — people reaching out to help each other,” Jaksa said.
Registration and donation pledges may be picked up at that office. Donations can also be mailed to the office at 1515 11th St. in International Falls.
