Teams Sought for Local Cancer Walk

For Immediate Release

04/30/2007




LACiNg Up For Cancer, a one-day community event for Lamoille County, is a walk to benefit the Lamoille Area Cancer Network (LACN).  This 12-hour event, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., is scheduled for Saturday, June 24th at the Peoples Academy track in Morrisville.  “It’s comments from cancer patients like the following that keep this volunteer committee diligently working to ensure the success of this event,” states Kathy Demars, event chair.
“It is always comforting to know one is surrounded by such caring people.”

“We will forever be grateful for your kindness and generosity.”

“It is an organization such as yours that make me proud to be from the Lamoille area.”

 
Mary Hoisington, event volunteer and one of the founders of LACN, says every letter received from cancer patients and/or their families contain powerful words of appreciation.  “It’s those comments that inspire me to want to do more and more, reaching out to as many cancer patients in our area in their time of need,” said Hoisington. 
 
One hundred percent of all money raised for LACN goes directly to cancer patients in the Lamoille area.  “We’ve all been touched by cancer.  Whether it’s a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor the disease affects us all directly or indirectly,” continued Demars.   Last year LACN gave out grants totaling more than $135,000.  Needs of cancer patients include money for transportation-getting to and from treatment, wigs, medications and general financial assistance.  Grants reached over 500 people in towns as near as Morrisville, Hyde Park, Wolcott and Stowe to Hardwick, Cabot, Craftsbury and Jeffersonville.
 
Demars said that priorities at this time are to develop teams.  Walking teams raise monies by soliciting personal sponsorship money prior to the event.  A walking team can be one person or up to a 50 person team.  A team might come from a church, school, business or a group of friends who wish to participate in the fundraising event.  On the 24th, teams will arrive, set up their rest area and begin walking laps.  The event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with a “survivor lap” followed by a special reception for survivors and their caregivers.  The third lap announces all teams while they promenade for a one-time look and applaud by all visitors before beginning their journey.  Throughout the day activities and entertainment will keep walkers, survivors and visitors busy.
 
“The fundraising goal for this year’s walk is $75,000.  Last year the community raised $72,000 and I know we can raise our goal as long as we work together,” said Demars.  “So please come and join us and raise money for this worthwhile cause.  Join us as a walking team, a community member or sponsor, we have something for everyone, including a tent with special activities and food for survivors, entertainment throughout the day and an evening community barbecue,” added Demars. 
 
At dusk luminaries, white bags with a candle that is lit, will line the track to honor or remember a family member, friend or neighbor who has been touched by cancer.  “Some people go all out and decorate the bag, or write the name of the person they would like to remember or honor,” said Peg Machia of Jeffersonville, another event volunteer.  Mid-day the bags begin lining the track for walkers and spectators to read and remember.   
 
For more information on LACiNg Up For Cancer call Kathy Demars at 888-7720 or Jill Baker at Copley’s Community Information office at 888-8302.

Contact Information
Jill Baker
Copley Hospital
802-888-8302