SUN CITY – I’m a cancer survivor, and I’m writing about a dedicated group of Sun Citians devoted to helping victims of this dreaded disease and their families.
Last Saturday, about 200 of them with friends and families, most wearing “You’re Not Alone” red T-shirts, participated in a 5k walk on the community’s property. They wanted to raise public awareness of cancer in general and the growing local effort to come alongside cancer victims. The walk was sponsored by the Breast Cancer Support Hour of Sun City, a group formed in 2000 to join the fight against breast cancer but who now raise funds to support victims of all versions of the disease.
Approximately 200 people participated in the Breast Cancer Support Hour’s 5k cancer walk through Sun City at Huntley’s Fall Fest. (Photo provided)
This year’s walk was dedicated to the memory of two former members of the group – Corene Stahnke and Betsy Zorn, who died of breast cancer one day apart on March 22 and 23 of this year. Their surviving family members, including children and grandchildren, came to Sun City to join in the walk. The 10th annual event stepped off from the Pavilion outside the Fountain View Center at 9:30 a.m. It was led by Pat Oakley, Sun City Association board member and a member of the group.
Some participants rode in golf carts, carried pets or led them on a leash, pushed toddlers in strollers and pulled them in wagons.
“Coming together like this is so uplifting for all of us and makes us feel like we’re making a difference,” Audrey Munger, founder and leader of the 12-year-old group said. “We are especially pleased to have family members of Corene and Betsy here with us. Their deaths were a shock to us; they served with us very actively.”
All profits from the walk benefited Sew ‘N Sews charities: Baby Caps, Head Huggers, and Project Linus – and also went directly to School District 158 cancer patients and other patients and projects in surrounding communities and counties who are in need of financial assistance.
“While we support cancer research in general, we devote our resources to help people in need from cancer,” Andrea Berebitsky, a cancer survivor and member of the group’s leadership team, said. “We have donated to the Centegra Gavers” group that helps women buy treatment-related devices, to efforts to help children battling various forms of cancer, and families of patients and victims.”
Citizens Bank was a major sponsor of this event. It provided water for the walkers and pink bow lapel pins worn by everyone. Mention cancer to almost anyone these days, young or old, and you usually get a personal, sometimes visceral, emotional response. So it was with this group last Saturday.
“I’m not walking, but I’m a big supporter,” Arlene Garavalia said. “I lost my mother to breast cancer and a brother to lung cancer. That motivates me to get involved in these activities.”
“I’m a supporter,” Diane Lamug said. “I have had lots of friends who have died or suffered from cancer; fortunately, no family members have had it.”
Shari Manz has been a cancer survivor for 14 years and is an active member of the group.
“I had surgery, but I caught mine early, and now I do self-exams regularly; that’s how I found mine,” she said.
Ray Mobile, son-in-law of Pat Oakley, and wife Cheryl were on hand because he made the T-shirts that were distributed.
“I started making T-shirts on the side from my regular work when our kids went to parochial school engaging in charity projects 10 years ago,” he said. “It’s my way of helping out in this effort.”
“I have chronic cancer and have been living with it for years,” Lorel Kelson said. “I had breast cancer that I thought I beat, but it came back, and I am happy to be able to join this group and help out.”
“I have survived breast cancer for 30 years and I had surgery, so I’ve been lucky” Gail Grosskurth said. “I stay active in groups like this as long as I can.”
Art Lott showed up in memory of a sister who had breast cancer. “I want to help out all I can,” he said.
Stan Auster said he walks in memory of his first wife, who died of cancer. His friend, Jack Pilger, said he was there because his wife has battled the disease.
Their signs and banners, which have been seen throughout Sun City in recent weeks, read, “Together We Can Make a Difference.” This was their theme as they set out along Del Webb Boulevard last weekend on a cool, sunshiny early fall day.
