Local women originate cancer walk

On Oct. 3, the first Community Cancer Walk, through the auspices of the local United Way, will raise funds which will go directly toward the traveling expenses of local people who are undergoing cancer treatments outside the area.

The walk, which will begin and conclude in one morning, is the inspiration of several women who were diagnosed with breast cancer at about the same time. Wendy Mayer of International Falls is one of them. She belongs to the support group that humorously calls itself “The Young and the Breastless,” a play on the soap opera. Other members include Terri Nagurski, Karen Walls, Julie Johnson and Jeanne Corrin.

Mayer said that no matter what income a person may have, the expense of traveling is a major issue for folks on the border who make repeated trips to Virginia and Duluth for chemotherapy or radiation treatments. She offered that even though her family has a stable income, the cost of transportation for many people can be a depressing hardship on top of a frightening diagnosis.

The cost of gas, meals, vehicle care and sometimes lodging can quickly monopolize finances at a time when medical bills are mounting.

“First, there are the doctor appointments and then you go a lot for treatment,” Mayer said. “Some chemo is done locally, but for some (treatments), and definitely for radiation, you must travel which is four hours on the road (to and from Hibbing) everyday for six weeks. It’s a huge, huge thing.”

“We felt there is a need that isn’t being met,” Mayer said.

She added that being ill and in treatment is a very personal issue for some people, and being able to travel privately and independently is important. “You don’t know if you’re going to be sick, and sharing a ride isn’t for everyone,” she said.

With the proceeds made by local walkers who receive pledges from their sponsors for the 9 -11 a.m. event at Bronco Arena, a fund strictly for gas cards will be dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible Koochiching County residents. The only other designation for the proceeds is a donation to the local Relay For Life fund raiser, which also serves local cancer victims through the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life Chairwoman Laurie Humbert is united with the women in their goals.

Funds from the walk will diminish as needs are addressed, Mayer said. “When it’s gone, it’s gone. And we are sorry that we are not going to be able to help everyone.” But the women hope to renew the fund each year because the walk is intended to be an annual event.

And as the word spreads, local groups anxious to address this need are already fortifying the fund. The Lady Elks club has just announced a $500 contribution to the cause, according to president Joanne Harris.

Mayer said the women are happy to be operating under the reputable umbrella of United Way, and avoiding the red tape of forming their own non-profit (501(c)3) status.

As the fiscal agent for the project, UW deems the fund raiser as fitting with its mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community, according to Lori Lyman, United Way board member.

“We fully support this group of women as they ‘live united’ to directly assist those with cancer in Koochiching County,” Lyman said. “Money raised here, stays here, that is the United Way.”

With the guidance of Community Education Director Rachel Amdahl and Koochiching Public Health Director Susan Congrave, the group is now finalizing the event’s features and is designing a brochure that it hopes will provide more access to local information and resources.

The color yellow will symbolize hope in this effort. Yellow ribbons will be used to recognize and promote the fund raiser, and survivors will receive yellow scarves. Yellow ribbons to inscribe in honor or memory of loved ones will be sold at $5 each, and Etta Jean Goulet and Ginny Cann plan to be selling them at Super One Food Market in International Falls.

Individuals (and teams) are encouraged to participate in the walk to help their friends and neighbors. Preregistration is strongly requested and those interested should contact the Community Education Office in Falls High School at 283-2571, ext. 109 for registration and pledge sheets. Forms may be picked up there, door No. 5, in FHS. There is a $5 registration fee. Hope ribbons are also available there. Registration on the day of the event will be held at the arena at 8:30 a.m. before the walk begins. It is requested that people turn in their money by Sept. 28 before the Oct. 3 event.

The group has not solicited local businesses as major sponsors — a segment of the community that Mayer said she believes “gets hit hard.”

But she said she hopes businesses will form teams. And Mayer adds that she hopes those who have already donated will still get involved. “Then just walk, and show your support.”

The walk will be held inside the arena in the event of cold weather, but the outdoor Manka Trail will be utilized if temperatures are pleasant.

Following the walk, upstairs in the arena, a sloppy Joe lunch will be held for those who participate. Monies raised by the walkers will be posted and a memorial wall will be available for inscriptions.

Additional donations, earmarked for the Community Cancer Walk, may be mailed to: United Way Cancer Walk, 400 Second Street, International Falls, MN 56649.

After the event, cancer patients or family members may make their confidential request for gas cards by contacting Betsy Loop or Ellen Hart of the Chemotherapy Department at the Rainy Lake Medical Center.

“We all feel like we were blessed with the community’s support individually,” Mayer said of the group’s members, noting that this is a way of giving back.

“We’re all after the same thing; we want to cure cancer,” she said. “And until they do that, we want to help people in our community.

“This is a stepping stone. There are other needs but we can’t do it all at the same time — it’s a start. It’s really about being a community,” Mayer added, becoming emotional. “And we have a great community.”