Walking the walk for cancer at Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society does a wonderful job researching and combating cancer, but they could use some help. That's where we come in. The annual Relay for Life is coming up on Friday, June 16, at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. This national event raises both funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

There are few of us who have not been touched by cancer in some way. Maybe we ourselves have had a diagnosis or just the threat of one. Most of us have a friend or relative who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer, and too many of these friends and family members did not survive. The Relay for Life is an event that honors both cancer survivors and victims, while raising money to help research new treatments and search for a cure.

Those of us at Bonner General Hospital see the effects of cancer all too often, and know the devastating impact a diagnosis can have on a person and the people who love them. In response to this for the past three years Mary Geiger, a nurse at Bonner General, has been acting as the BGH team captain for Relay for Life. Her hope is to improve people's lives one step at a time.

Last year, in addition to the funds they raised for the Relay for Life, Mary and Team BGH decided to raise a little additional money for a cause close to home. A beloved local doctor and friend, Dr. Phil Role, has been battling myeloma, a blood cancer. The team wanted to honor Dr. Role by doing something special for him, and just such a project presented itself in the Healing Garden here at BGH. The team purchased two trees for the entrance of the garden, replacing some that hadn't survived construction. Dr. Role's trees now stand guard at the gate of the Healing Garden, welcoming all who enter.

This year, thanks to aggressive treatment and the support of friends and family, Dr. Role plans on joining in the Relay for Life because he knows just how much that extra support means. And he won't be alone. Hundreds of Sandpoint area residents will be out in full force, walking the walk from 6 p.m. on Friday, June 16, through the night to 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17.

Beginning with the opening ceremony at 6 p.m., moving onto the moving luminaria lighting ceremony at 10 p.m., and closing the next morning, the event promises to be a memorable one. Some folks will be wearing superhero costumes for the costume contest (including Dr. Role and Mary Geiger, I'm told), while others will be more subtle heroes — walking in sweat pants and a T-shirt.

There will be entertainment, including local DJ and master of ceremony "Bashful Dan" Young, the Albeni Falls Pipe and Drum Corps, and, of course no event would be complete without an Elvis impersonator. Walkers and supporters will be camped out at the fairgrounds, too. There's even an award for the best decorated campsite.

Even if you're not on a team, come on down and walk a lap or two. It's a good cause and a good time. If you'd like to honor someone with a luminaria light, they will be available with a $10 donation until 9 p.m. Donations for teams and walkers will be accepted throughout the event.

Though it may not seem like group of people in Sandpoint can make a dent in improving the damage and devastation caused by this insidious disease, the truth is, we can. For the more people and more communities that get involved in the war against cancer, the better chance we have at winning.