Scott Gerlach settled into a recliner in the window of Ballan Furniture last week and began to rock.
And while spending an hour in a comfortable chair may be relaxing, Gerlach was rocking for much more.
“My wife, Mary Jo, passed away July 12 of this year,” he said. “She died of breast cancer.”
Gerlach was one of about 67 rockers at Thursday’s eighth annual Rockin’ for a Reason event which raised about $4,500 for the local fight against breast cancer. Gerlach raised $900 himself in memory of his wife, said organizer Suzie Best.
“The total amount raised is right about even with what has been raised the past few years,” Best said. “I think that is pretty good considering the hard times our community is going through.”
To date, about $46,000 has been raised by the event and organizers said the money is being saved to purchase a tomosynthesis machine for Rainy Lake Medical Center. Breast tomosynthesis provides a clearer, more accurate view of the breast and allows doctors to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of any abnormalities. This can lead to better detection, fewer call backs and greater peace of mind for patients.
“Everyone is really pleased with this year’s turnout,” Best said. “It really was an awesome event.”
Not far from Gerlach, rocked Maryann Mann. While she was there for the same reasons as Gerlach, Mann wasn’t rocking in support of someone who lost their battle with the disease — she was rocking to celebrate her own victory.
Diagnosed in 2009, Mann is in her fourth year of being cancer free and was surrounded by her family, Team Mann, last Thursday for the event.
“This event brings family and friends together,” Best said. “The community support is amazing. As always, there are tears because people are remembering lost loved ones.”
New this year was a Rockin’ After Party at The Spot on 53 and Best said she was overwhelmed with the turnout.
“It is definitely something we can grow on,” she said of the after party. “It was a blast. There were so many people, it was just amazing. Everything about this year made (the event) the best one yet.”
