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Posts Tagged ‘relay for life’

Bark For Life taking a bite out of cancer

Posted on December 24th, 2012 by American Cancer Society

Man’s best friend is sometimes his best caregiver. That’s why dogs are joining the fight for less cancer and more birthdays.

Our American Cancer Society Relay For Life events allow everyone to fight back, including dogs at Bark For Life fundraisers.

Happy yet meaningful, Bark For Life events honor the lifelong contributions of guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, police dogs, cancer survivor dogs, diagnostic dogs, and simply loveable pets. Annual events typically include doggie games, dress-up contests, music, food and demonstrations, and team/community fundraising. As with Relay For Life, Bark For Life celebrates cancer survivorship, honors people lost to cancer, and supports our mission of eliminating cancer by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against the disease.

Last July, Oklahoma City’s first annual Bark For Life attracted more than 100 dogs and 100 owners, raising more than $10,500.
“It’s hot in Oklahoma in July, so we held Bark For Life at twilight,” said Lauren Anderson, an American Cancer Society Relay For Life community manager. “Volunteers put water bowls everywhere and filled baby pools with ice water. And with Hefner Lake right there at the park, a lot of the dogs just jumped right in.”

The event culminated in a 1-mile walk along the shore. “All survivors, canine and human, led the stroll. When they returned, they discovered dozens of glowing luminarias, adapted from Relay For Life, casting soft yellow light on the lake. So many people who were moved said, ‘I had no idea it was going to touch me like this,’ ‘I can’t wait to come back,’ and ‘Now I know.’ ”

Cooling off at Bark For Life

Cooling off at Bark For Life Photo: Shandell Hartman Nash

This success was just the beginning for the dedicated Oklahoma City Bark For Life committee, which is now holding fundraisers year-round. Last week’s fundraiser, for example, involved holiday pictures with a Grinch in front of a Whoville-like backdrop. Money from every photo and all the food went to the American Cancer Society. The committee also holds fundraising ice cream socials, chili cook offs and visits to hospitals and clinics. They even sell a calendar.

Chillin' with the Grinch

Chillin' with the Grinch Photo: A1 Pet Emporium

“It turns out that in addition to loving dogs, just about everyone on the Bark For Life committee has been touched by cancer,” says Anderson. “All of us have made wonderful new friends. Bark For Life is a way of giving back and doing something for those who’ve lived with cancer in a way that everyone enjoys. The dogs seem to love it, too!”

Relay For Life’s Angel of Hope: John T. Dossett

Posted on July 25th, 2012 by American Cancer Society

The largest single fundraiser for the Relay For Life Upper Illinois Valley event is not a corporation, not a wealthy philanthropist, and not even a cancer survivor.

It’s a man with a rare talent for painting who insists on donating every cent of his proceeds to the American Cancer Society or other charitable causes.

John T. Dossett of Mendota, Ill., describes his painting as “expressionist” and uses  broad swaths of bold colors and, occasionally, quieter earth tones.

John T. Dossett

John Dossett is also a person who cherishes his birthdays, having far outlived the average lifespan for the rare genetic condition that has robbed him of most of his motor  skills – save a powerful left hand that applies the paint.

Born in 1974 with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (similar to cerebral palsy), John discovered art 5 years ago at the College for Life, part of the Lewis and Clark Community College. “That’s when he found out what he wants to do for the rest of his life,” says his sister Aimee Holland.

His paintings sell at auction for thousands, and owners of his works include former Major League Baseball manager Tony La Russa and slugger Albert Pujols.

In the studio, Aimee supports John’s shoulder and elbow, then gets out of the way. Everything south of the elbow is John’s doing (though some assert it’s “John and God working together,” Aimee says).

John is in charge of the colors, the canvas size, the orientation, and the tools. He accepts his sister’s support but is fiercely independent about what goes onto the canvas. And what goes onto the canvas is often brilliant. As Amy observes, “There’s so much movement in these paintings for someone who can’t really move at all.”

John began his relationship with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life in 2011 in memory of his grandfather, who died from mesothelioma (a rare form of lung cancer), and in support of friend and Relay For Life Upper Illinois Valley team Captain Nancy Jackson, a breast cancer survivor. His paintings, prints, and pendants brought in $12,000 for that event, making him the top fundraiser. A 2011 holiday art show raised $7,000 to jumpstart the 2012 Relay For Life Upper Illinois Valley campaign.

John’s painting “Angel of Hope” was the emblem for their team, Angels Among Us, in 2011.

"Angel of Hope"

This year, John’s “More Birthdays” was chosen as a visual mark for Relay For Life Upper Illinois Valley going forward.

"More Birthdays"

“To me, promptly after recognizing the birthday candles, which directly connect with our striving to defeat cancer and create more birthdays, it looked symbolic of people walking on a Relay For Life track, their spirits alight with hope and dedication,” said event chairperson Mitch Landgraf. “This is just one more example of John’s depth as an artist, and his beauty as a person. Our event is uniquely blessed by John, and both his and his family’s generosity, talents, and authenticity.”

Why John paints

“Painting makes me happy and helps me express my feelings,” John said. “When I help out with Relay For Life, it makes me feel good.”

He can’t fully explain his compelling color choices. “I just know what pops in my head. That’s where the colors are!” He especially likes red, blue, and yellow – the colors of his idol and alter ego, Superman. (He has also donated painting revenue to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.)

Although his work and his story are inspiring, he doesn’t want to get too heavy about it. Asked how his life has changed since his paintings have captured the imagination of his community and beyond, he said, “I am more popular with the ladies now!”

His goals for the future? Like we said, he’s found what he wants to do with his life. “I want to help people with cancer or who have friends and family with cancer by giving more to the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life, and I want to give people pleasure when they look at my paintings.”

Coincidentally (or maybe not), John’s 38th birthday was July 14, the same day as Relay For Life Upper Illinois Valley.

‘What Not to Wear’ participant demonstrates exactly how to be

Posted on June 28th, 2012 by American Cancer Society

“This cannot be good for your self-esteem,” host Stacy London says, dangling a pair of elastic-waisted blue jeans in her hands.

“But they’re comfortable,” chuckles their owner, Kathy Ralph.

This down-to-earth good humor and, well, fashion potential made our friend Cathy the perfect guest for [last night’s] “What Not to Wear” on TLC, presented by the American Cancer Society Relay For Life program. Although we love Kathy no matter what she’s wearing (yes, even those jeans!), we must say she looked stunning in her “after” outfits. Our favorite was the sleeveless purple-peony-patterned dress with beaded ivory sandals.

We met Kathy, a cervical cancer survivor, through her involvement in Relay For Life. We helped plan the “ambush” at the fundraising car-wash where the “What Not to Wear” team surprised her with balloons, confetti, and dozens of her friends.

Kathy epitomizes the Relay mantra – “Celebrate. Remember. Fight back.” – by enjoying life with her children, remembering her late husband, and forging on with courage in the face of life’s many challenges.

In addition to being a terrific sport about her wardrobe, Kathy is a model volunteer. She has this wisdom to share with others who might follow her lead and give their time and energy in the fight for more birthdays: “Just do it. Jump in with both feet and do what you can. It’s fun no matter what aspect you’re participating in. Even my kids are involved and they’re having a blast.”

Watch Kathy’s transformation Tuesday, July 5 at 3:00pm EDT on TLC’s What Not to Wear.

My Volunteer Story: Kathy Ralph, Relay For Life Devotee

Posted on June 11th, 2012 by American Cancer Society

Kathy Ralph, 45, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2001 and after completing treatment, she was so moved by her experience that she chose to volunteer her time with the American Cancer Society at her local Relay For Life event in Memphis, Tennessee. Kathy believes strongly in the power of the Relay experience and from the very beginning, her family has been right by her side. Two years ago, Kathy lost her husband to congestive heart failure, but her children continue to join her to celebrate, remember, and fight back. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Kathy and talk about her 10 years of fighting for less cancer and more birthdays by volunteering for the American Cancer Society (she is now a Relay team mentor!). She has a beautiful story to share:

What was your most memorable experience with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life?

My first year was the most memorable because we had a team made up of my son’s Cub Scout Troop and they did the flag ceremony, presenting the flags that stand for each person fighting the disease. They were still little and they were so excited to be a part of the Relay opening ceremonies.

What is your favorite part of the Relay experience?

Actually, I have 2 favorites. The Survivor Lap and the Luminary Ceremony. During the Survivor Lap (the lap that kicks off every Relay event to celebrate all the cancer survivors), I walk the first half by myself and have my kids join me for the second half. They surround me and we walk the rest of the way as a family.  I also love the Luminary Ceremony where they turn out all the lights, light the candles in the luminaria bags, and then walk a lap to honor all the loved one’s we’ve lost to cancer. I think that is pretty special.

What advice would you give to others thinking of volunteering in the fight for more birthdays?

Just do it. Jump in with both feet and do what you can. It’s fun no matter what aspect you’re participating in. Even my kids are involved and they are having a blast.

If you could imagine your most awesome birthday what would that be?

Every birthday is special as long as my kids are with me.

What is the most meaningful birthday gift you have received?

My daughter drew a cancer ribbon with wings and both of my girls wrote poems to go with it about my cancer survival.

What helped pull you through your fight with cancer?

My family helped me pull through cancer. My husband was also sick at the time, but once we were able, we concentrated on what we could do for the kids. That is how we got through.

What do you think makes Relay For Life so powerful?

Relay For Life is so powerful because everybody reflects back on those they lost and those that have survived. It’s a night where we all thank God that we have each other and that we have Him and He will get us through it.

Do you have a Relay or volunteer story to share?  Tell us in the comments below!

A 7-year-old’s mission to help others celebrate More Birthdays

Posted on April 1st, 2011 by American Cancer Society

Proving you are never too young to make an impact, Noah Mason, a fresh-faced American Cancer Society supporter, decided to do something extraordinary for his 7th birthday. Here’s more from the Standard Democrat:

SIKESTON — For most 7-year-old boys, birthdaycelebrations are about toys and celebrations.

But Noah Mason, whose birthday is today, is using his birthday as a way to help others have more birthdays. On Monday, he began “Seven miles, in seven days, for my seventh birthday.”

“I want the world to have more birthdays, and I don’t want cancer to stop that,” said Noah, who is the son of Ronnie and Brandy Mason. Every day, he is walking one mile — or 13 laps — around the inside track at the YMCA, with a sandwich board to let everyone know what he is doing.

For Noah, the issue of cancer hits home — both of his grandmothers were diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I think that personal experience helps him to have a better understanding,” said Brandy Mason.

This is the second year for Noah to have a team, which is dubbed “Noah’s Knights.” Forming a team was his idea, and the idea for the birthday walk came up when he and his mother, who is also the chair for the Scott County Relay for Life, were brainstorming earlier this year.

“He knew that Relay is about celebrating morebirthdays, and it just so happened that his birthday fell at the same time as fundraising,” said Mason. The American Cancer Society now calls itself the official sponsor of birthdays, so Noah liked the idea of incorporating his birthday with the theme, she said.

Noah has sent emails and letters to people, letting them know what he is doing and asking them to sponsor his walk. So far, just over $300 was raised, and donations are accepted through Sunday.

And Noah wants more people to get involved — even if they just walk around the track with him.

“I think more people should help with Relay so they can make a difference, too,” he said. “The more people who help, the more people who won’t have to go through cancer.”

Perhaps fitting, Noah’s birthday celebration will be held in conjunction with his final mile. According to Mason, Noah plans to walk this seventh mile just before his birthday party, which will be Sunday at the YMCA.

Mason said she’s received a lot of positive feedback about her son’s project.

“Most people are excited that someone at such a young age realizes that they can make a difference and chooses to set aside themselves and consider others,” she said.

Scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. May 20 at the YMCA’s North Field, this year’s Scott County Relay for Life is quickly approaching.

“It’s going to be really busy the next couple of months,” said Mason. With a $100,000 goal this year, it will take a lot of involvement to raise all those funds.

Mason said that team signups continue.

“Two signed up this week,” she said. “And there are no stipulations or requirements, because a team can be as large or small as you would like.”

Corporate sponsorships will also be accepted through April 1, said Mason.

To learn more about Relay and upcoming events, go to www.relayforlife.org, call Mason at 472-9622, or the American Cancer Society’s Sikeston office, 471-1823.

- By Michelle Felter

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