Bonner General to “Celebrate Life”

We all know and love someone who has fought, died or recovered from cancer.  For Julie Walkington, her sister's eight-year battle with breast cancer was the inspiration for Celebrate Life, a fun run/walk that has been a Sandpoint community event every summer for the past six years.

Julie's only sister, Jenny Meyer, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at the age of 26. Although Jenny ultimately lost her battle, she courageously fought this disease daily.

Inspired by her sister's fight against cancer and the many courageous patients she encounters in her career as a nurse, Julie envisioned making a difference. Together, Julie and her friend January Tunistra, both registered nurses at Bonner General Hospital, established the Celebrate Life fun run/walk to make that vision a reality.

Julie's vision has remained the same throughout the past six years — to offer assistance and enhance the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors affected by cancer in the Sandpoint community.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of the Celebrate Life Fun Run/Walk. A fun event for the whole family, Celebrate Life is an opportunity for people of all age groups and fitness levels to make a difference in the lives of those touched by cancer.

The money raised by Celebrate Life is given directly to those in the Sandpoint community battling cancer. All monies raised at this year's event will be distributed to local cancer patients through Bonner General Hospital and Kootenai Cancer Center.

This year's 7th Annual Celebrate Life will begin on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at 9 a.m. at Dog Beach (at the north end of the Long Bridge). Registration forms are available at the BGH Switchboard, Meyer's Sport Tees and Sandpoint Furniture. Registration fees are $25 for adults and $20 for juniors.

Make plans now to join your friends and neighbors to Celebrate Life! 

Lynda Metz is the Director of Community Development at Bonner General Hospital.