'Celebrate Life' and join nvthe fight against cancer

For Julie Walkington, Celebrate Life is not just an event she started four years ago, but a way of life. The fun run/walk she conceptualized and organized with her friend January DuMars has become a summer tradition in the Sandpoint community.

Julie's only sister, Jenny Meyer, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer seven years ago — while she was pregnant with her first child. Today, Jenny watches her six-year-old daughter, Grace, grow while she continues to receive cancer treatment.

The reality of such a serious disease has inspired Julie and Jenny to recognize the importance of celebrating life each and every day.

Inspired by her sister's valiant fight against cancer and the many courageous patients she encounters in her career as a nurse, Julie envisioned making a difference.

Together, Julie and January, both registered nurses at Bonner General Hospital, came up with the Celebrate Life fun run/walk and made the vision a reality. In three years, the event has raised more than $42,000, given directly to those in the Sandpoint community battling cancer.

Celebrate Life is a fun, low-key event for the whole family. Every year, people of all age groups and ability levels walk Sandpoint's famous Long Bridge to help the fight against cancer locally. Everyone, little kids, older folks, moms with strollers, walks or runs with the simple goal of helping those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Some walk with hope in their hearts — like the hope Julie Walkington carries for her sister, and some walk in memory of people they loved and lost. For those of you who haven't seen it, hundreds of walkers crossing the Long Bridge is a truly moving sight, and one that does inspire a passion to celebrate life.

Saturday, Aug. 11 is the 4th annual Celebrate Life Fun Run/Walk. All funds raised will be distributed to local cancer patients through Bonner General Hospital's Outpatient Clinic and Hospice departments.

Registration forms for Celebrate Life can be picked up at the BGH Switchboard, Meyer's Sport Tees, Sandpoint Furniture or online at www.bonnergen.org.

Early registration fees are $20 for adults and $12 for juniors. Start time is 9 a.m. at Dog Beach (at the north end of the Long Bridge). The route extends south toward Sagle to the opposite end of the Long Bridge and back. For more information, call 263-6790.

Come walk or run with your family, friends and neighbors to "celebrate life."