Organizers cancel this year’s UCAN Sarah White Walk

The United Cancer Assistance Network’s annual Sarah White Walk will not take place this year, Executive Director Melody Chailland announced Monday.

“I write with a very heavy heart, after many discussions about the UCAN walk, the board of directors and myself have decided in the best interest of all our cancer patients and survivors that we don’t have the event this year,” Chailland said.

However, she continues, “.....we would still love for you all to help us raise funds by purchasing the UCAN shirt and joining us from a distance that day, walk on the treadmill or maybe walk around the block and share your pictures, or your stories with us on how UCAN has affected your lives. This pandemic will pass, and we will meet again in the spring, April 24, 2021, and believe me, I can’t wait to see each and everyone of you. Stay safe, love Melody.”

Chailland patiently watched before making the decision to delay or cancel the annual Sarah Jarboe White Walk since all the money used by UCAN is raised locally. The walk honors White, who battled cancer with courage and grace, and many other cancer patients. White was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and teacher.

“UCAN’s budget is entirely provided by donations and fundraising efforts. The group receives no government or grant funding. UCAN’s mission is to ease cancer patients’ burden in the wake of their diagnosis.

Since the walk began, volunteers participating in the annual UCAN walk have raised more than $230,000 to help cancer patients with fuel cards, transportation, utilities, groceries, medical expenses, housing, nutritional supplements and many other necessities while they are going through chemotherapy and radiation, and unable to continue to work.

The T-shirts designed for the ninth annual Sarah Jarboe White UCAN Walk are still available to be purchased. The shirts cost $10 for sizes through 1XL and $15 for 2XL. Chailland said anyone wanting the shirts may call 573-776-1892.

While the walk is UCAN’s biggest fundraiser of the year “we still have to operate,” she said. “We need the money, cancer has not slowed down.”

Some of the teams already have been turned in the funds to help keep the program going, Chailland said.

The UCAN volunteers challenge everyone to “make a difference in the lives of local cancer patients while they are in the fight of their life,” Chailland said.

The funds help support cancer patients in the communities in Butler, Stoddard, Wayne and Ripley counties.

While UCAN fills a financial gap, the program is designed to provide individualized support for patients. When patients seek help from UCAN, they are greeted by volunteers whose lives have been touched by cancer. Often developing personal relationships, volunteers and patients uplift each, members say.

Donations may be mailed to UCAN, 1899 N. Westwood Blvd., Suite C, PMB 172, Poplar Bluff, Mo., 63991.

Since UCAN is a 501(c)3 organization, donations are tax deductible. Anyone wanting to make donations or memorials may mail or drop them by the office at 2620 N Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901-3396.