California State Fund Eureka District Office employees raised nearly $18,000 for the American Cancer Society Humboldt County’s 15th annual “Relay For Life.” The relay, held at the College of the Redwoods, raised $725,000 overall and additional countywide relay events brought the total to $775,000 for the nonprofit organization.

State Fund Eureka District Office employees have participated in the 24-hour “Relay For Life” for the past eight years and have brought in more than $85,000 in donations for the cancer organization.

Eureka district team members chose “Battalion 2015″ as their team name to represent the American Cancer Society’s goals by the year 2015 to cut the number of people dying of cancer in half, to reduce the number of people getting cancer by 25 percent and to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by the disease.

“Our theme for the relay was ‘Waging a War for a Cure’” said Jan Hill, State Fund Senior District Underwriter. “So many people are touched by cancer that we wanted to show that we are serious about waging a war on the disease.”

Employees held a number of fundraising activities throughout the year including parking lot bbqs, silent auctions, neighborhood canvassing, and events at local restaurants. The proceeds from the sale of an employee created cook book also raised funds.

Two State Fund employees participating in the race were cancer survivors themselves. Jan Mathews and Helen Andrews relayed for the cure and were part of the “Ceremony of Hope” for survivors. The ceremony included 6,000 bags of light that illuminated the runner’s track. The word “HOPE” was also spelled out with the luminaries glowing in the grandstands. Each bag of light represented a ray of hope for those with the disease.

The State Fund Eureka team logged in over 70-miles around a quarter mile track at the College of the Redwood stadium. First-time State Fund team member, Cheryl Svehla, was moved by the event. “During the ceremony, families shared their individual stories of battle won and lost against cancer.

Other State Fund district employees and friends participating in the relay were Chris Jennings, Christy Pearson, Paige Smith, Fernanda Rhead, Julie Brown, Theresa Kadle, Cindy Somers, Eureka District Office Manager Steve Mackey, Nancy Maas and Linda Berg.

The money raised at the “Relay For Life” will fund research and education programs, and provide aid to cancer patients in the county.

Source: SCIF

Four 20-something guys are skateboarding across Canada to raise funds for breast cancer research.

Rob Lewis, 26, of Winnipeg, Aaron Jackson, 25, of Summerside, P.E.I., Benjamin Jordan, 25, of Toronto and Carlos Koppen, 26, of Halifax have been averaging 100 kilometres a day since they left Halifax in May.

The group — jokingly described by Jackson as a “bunch of little punk skaters” — said they have friends and relatives who have been touched by the disease and want to do their part.

“We decided to jump on the road and do what we do best,” Lewis said.

After passing through Regina on the Trans-Canada Highway on Monday, they hit Parkbeg, Sask., Tuesday morning. They’re expected to cross into Alberta on Thursday.

The four have already raised $26,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, some of it through their Push for the Cure website.

Some large rallies have greeted the boarders at stops along the way, Lewis said.

One highlight was Vankleek Hill, a small town in Ontario that cheered them on as they arrived in a driving rainstorm. They raised $10,000.

“We had a parade, we had a barbecue, the whole town was painted pink,” Lewis said, referring to the colour associated with the fight against breast cancer.

Jackson said he has been transformed by the experience.

“It’s been absolutely unbelievable,” he said. “Like, most people don’t get a chance to see generosity on a day-to-day basis. But, us four very young men have been lucky to see that. Like, I was looking forward to being a grumpy old man some time. I’m not going to have that luxury anymore. I’ve just seen too much good in the country now.”

The four hope to finish their journey in Vancouver in October.

Source: CBC News

Join Your Community in the Fight Against Cancer by Participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Team recruitment is now in progress! The event is scheduled for October 7-8, from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Woodland High School Stadium.Relay for Life is a fun and unique 24-hour event to increase Cancer awareness in Woodland while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. Teams composed of up to 12 people formed by local businesses, community groups and individuals raise funds prior to the event. At the Relay, team members take turns walking around a track, relay-style and enjoy fun activities and entertainment off the track. Music-DJ, movies, Kid’s Zone, Karaoke, contests, raffles, and much more will be enjoyed by all. Don’t miss the Luminaria Ceremony at dusk!

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, happening in more than 3,000 communities across the country. In California, more than 135 communities will host Relay for Life events.

Relay for Life empowers communities to take part in the fight against Cancer while honoring survivors and remembering those lost to this disease. Funds raised go to the American Cancer Society’s patient service programs, cancer research, advocacy and community.

Contact Jesscia Hallett at 383-1071 or kitchen030@nuggetmarket.com for more information about this important event.

Source: Daily Democrat

LA JOLLA – About $300,000 was raised for the Moores UC San Diego Cancer Center at its 13th annual luau and longboard invitational, attended by about 1,000 people Sunday.

Organizers were still counting receipts from raffles, auctions and merchandise sales, and were hoping to beat last year’s record of almost $300,000, said the event’s Jason Foster.

Over 13 years, about $1.8 million has been raised for the cancer center, Foster said.

A 9-foot, 2-inch balsa longboard formed by Keith Melville was bought by John Moores, the Padres owner and philanthropist, for $50,000, Foster said.

A cruise to Indonesia went for $13,000, he said.

Dr. Georgia Robins Sadler was presented with the Rell Sunn “Queen of Makaha” award for research and service activities related to the center’s community outreach program.

Before the luau, a team of surfers representing the Walton Family Foundation won a surfing competition that featured the sport’s luminaries, including Robert August, Debbie Beacham, Mike Doyle, Skip Frye, Michael Hynson and Rusty Preisendorfer.

Source: Sign On San Diego

Vancouver: Blisters and sore muscles were the reward for courage and persistence for more than 2,100 walkers who spent the weekend trekking 60 kilometres around the city.

United in a single cause, the walkers set a record by raising more than $5.5 million for The Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

“This event is unlike anything else,” said Mary McNeil, president and CEO of the B.C. Cancer Foundation. “Everyone here has a story. It’s very emotional.”

The demanding walk took its toll on people but – as they are quick to point out – it doesn’t compare to the rigours faced by those battling cancer.

“I was with two walkers and one said, ‘This is too hard, I can’t go on,’” said McNeil. “The other responded, ‘It’s better than the chemotherapy.’ What a reality shock.”

Teresa Campbell was one of the determined weekend warriors.

The yoga teacher’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, prompting Campbell to sign up.

“I felt that I needed to do something,” she said. “Just talking to every one here is so touching. It’s very inspiring to know you aren’t alone in this fight.”

To make a donation to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, visit www.endcancer.ca.

Source: 24Hrs

Derek Heasman, 74, a former head teacher of Bedmond School, will cycle non-stop from St James’ Palace in London to Holyrood House, Edinburgh, taking him up to six weeks to complete.

And he is attempting this feat despite having undergone major cancer surgery, in November 2004 and again in February this year, which resulted in two malignant tumors being removed from parts of his left and right kidneys.

Derek, who lives in Stanmore and taught in Bedmond from 1968 to 1978, is no stranger to epic journeys.

In April 2004, he cycled over 160 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, and in May 2005, he biked 260 miles from Newcastle to Edinburgh – raising almost £30,000 along the way.

He said: “This cycle challenge will prove to me that seemingly unconquerable tasks can be achieved when someone turns their mind to them.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was determined to prove to myself, and others, that such a medical setback was not going to stop me living a full and active life.

“If my efforts can help to inspire others in similar situations, then every single mile will have been worthwhile.”

Derek, married for 43 years to wife Patricia, with three sons and 12 grandchildren, has devoted his life to helping young people, and received an OBE in 2002 for his services to education, which spanned a 50-year teaching career.

He is now the chairman of The Prince’s Trust Fundraising Committee and has raised more than £45,000 already in sponsorship for the charity. His cross-country journey will start at St James’ Palace tomorrow (Monday) and he will take in the sights of Windsor Castle and Sandringham before arriving in Holyrood Castle.

To sponsor Derek, visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/ derekheasman.

Vancouver, Canada: The 3rd Annual Walk to End Breast Cancer kicks off this weekend at the Plaza of Nations.

Expect to see thousands of men and women decked out in pink as they walk all over Vancouver raising money for the BC Cancer Foundation.

For Lisa Hansen who lost all 4 of her grandparents to cancer, the months of training and fundraising are all worth it.There are so many more good stories now than there was when my grandma died, it’s a lot of good stories and that means we’re doing really good work, she says.

To find out how you can contribute, go to www.endcancer.ca

CRICKET legend Ian Botham is set to pound the streets of Edinburgh to raise £1 million for teenagers with cancer.

The sports personality, whose nickname is Beefy, is renowned for his tireless fundraising and the event will be his 11th walk for charity.

The Beefy Bowls Out Teenage Cancer event is part of a tour which will see him transported by helicopter between 17 cities over nine days.

In each city he will complete a ten-mile trek and his walk in Edinburgh on October 10 will start and end on Princes Street.

Those who help him raise money for Leukaemia Research and the Teenage Cancer Trust will also get the opportunity to meet the star when he arrives in the city.

Botham, who had a Test career spanning 15 years, said today: “I know that, with the people of Edinburgh supporting me, the walk will be a great success. Every penny counts and we can only bowl out teenage cancer if we work together to raise as much money as possible. I’m looking forward to coming to Edinburgh and meeting those who have worked hard in their fundraising.”

The cricketer became involved with cancer charities in 1977 after meeting a group of children in a Taunton hospital who had leukaemia.

When he was told that some had little hope of surviving, he became passionate about helping to improve treatments and his first high-profile walk, in 1985, was from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Since then, he has raised £8m for good causes and has also held the post of president of Leukaemia Research.

Although his route is yet to be confirmed, this time he will start at Princes Street and walk ten miles via the Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital on Crewe Road.

Leukaemia Research chief executive Douglas Osborne said: “We are thrilled that our hero Ian Botham is pulling on his walking boots once more to raise the money that’s vital for the very specific needs of teenagers and young adults with cancers.

“More young people die from the blood cancers than any other cancer. At Leukaemia Research we constantly strive to ensure all patients will in the future be routinely cured. Ian’s inspirational efforts give great heart to everyone working to that end.”

For more details on getting involved in fundraising and to have the opportunity to meet Ian Botham OBE in Edinburgh, call Georgina Fitt on 020 7269 9003 or visit www.bothamwalk.com.

Volunteers are also needed to help the charity organise the walk on the day and anyone interested should call Yvonne Dickson on 0131-661 9224.

Source: Scotsman 

The odds of coincidental and similar cancer diagnosis are astronomical, but Laura Daly is convinced her brother and his best friend will triumph.

Ms Daly’s 27-year-old sibling, Ryan, was diagnosed with leukemia last April. His best friend, also 27, who asked to remain anonymous, received the same news one year ago.

Both Markham men are undergoing treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital, where health professionals are dismayed at the rarity of the case.

“They’re floored,” Ms Daly said. “Leukemia is a mystery and so is the situation of two close friends having the same thing. They say it could be environmental.”

Her brother will require a bone marrow transplant, she said.

Adding to the bizarre circumstance is the fact Ms Daly and her brother organized fundraising golf tournaments for several years before the disease affected the young men.

In the past, their annual event supported charities including The Make A Wish Children’s Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.

This year the focus is a bit more personal.

The “Get Wrec’d” charity tournament at Rolling Hills Golf and Country Club in Gormley is this Saturday. The 1:30 p.m. shotgun start is fully booked, Ms Daly said, but people wishing to contribute to the cause are welcome.

To date, more than $3,000 has been raised on behalf of cancer research and treatment at Princess Margaret. More money is anticipated after the event’s silent auction and participant’s fees.

“The objective is to raise funds and awareness for the signs and symptoms of leukemia and how bone marrow transplants can help patients,” she said. Ryan and his best bud remain close, going to treatments together. “Both are the most amazing people I know,” Ms Daly said. “They’re doing well. They’re strong and positive, but it is day-to-day.”

For information or to contribute, e-mail Ms Daly at spor_tee_44@yahoo.ca.

When Melissa Barnes found out a friend’s baby was diagnosed with a deadly cancer, she e-mailed her other friends and asked for prayers.

They did better than just pray. They started a full-fledged campaign to cure 16-month-old Keyonna Stephenson and help support her mother, Christine, 28.

“The outpouring of generosity was overwhelming,” Barnes said.

One of her friends, Susan Webb, added, “All it took was a few e-mails.”

On Sunday, the group of friends gathered at Fat Franco’s restaurant to host a benefit auction for the mother and daughter.

There, donated gift baskets, spa massages, artwork and “wish candles” were auctioned to help cover living expenses for the Stephensons.

Stephenson left her job as a nursing assistant at Martin Memorial Hospital after Keyonna was diagnosed with advanced-stage neuroblastoma in June to care for the child full time, Barnes said.

Keyonna is undergoing her third round of chemotherapy at Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, where she and mother will be for the next two weeks, Barnes said.

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that attacks cells in the nervous system, which regulates digestion, heart rate and blood pressure. Keyonna was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, the most advanced stage, Barnes said.

Barnes met Stephenson, a single mother, about two years ago after she moved to Stuart from a town in New England. She has no close family in the area, Barnes said.

Sunday’s auction was just the start of a series of fund-raising events. A benefit golf tournament is planned for Sept. 30 at the Evergreen Club in Palm City.

Auctioneer Janet Harding led Sunday’s event on a hopeful note. She called the small candles encased in midnight-blue boxes and donated by Martin Memorial “wish candles” for Keyonna’s recovery.

For $10, anyone could send a wish, Harding said. More than a dozen bidding cards shot up in the air.

“That tells me right there how the auction’s going to be,” she said.

Organizers were hoping to raise between $15,000 and $20,000 Sunday, Barnes said.

For information on Keyonna or to donate, go online to www.babykeyonna.com.

Donations also can be sent to Connor Moran Children’s Cancer Foundation, 825 S. U.S. 1, Suite 320, Jupiter, Fla. 33477. Checks should be made to the Connor Moran Children’s Cancer Foundation, specifying “Baby Keyonna” on the memo line.