Passionate friends, family and members of the community braved the rain on Saturday to walk for a cause, in support of the United Cancer Assistance Network.
The 12th annual UCAN 5K Sarah Jarboe White Walk is held to honor cancer patients and to raise awareness and funds to help patients battling cancer, according to UCAN Executive Director Melody Chailland.
Pastor Greg Gilberto led the crowd of walkers in prayer prior to the three-mile hike. During the prayer, he noted how he had seen his wife and others survive “this crazy illness” and there is “great healing in the victory.” He continued, “As they walk, step by step, thank you Lord for holding back the rains.”
For Amanda Lashley of Poplar Bluff, the UCAN walk holds a special place in her heart, an emotional journey filled with memories of her own battle with cancer.
“It’s amazing to see so many people come together for one cause,” said Lashley.
As an eight-year breast cancer survivor, Lashley said she participates in the walk every year, not only as a survivor but also to honor everyone affected by the illness.
“I made it through it, I’m a survivor. And I’m so happy I get the opportunity to do this. I also do it to honor everybody else,” she said with pride.
Her sentiment was echoed by everyone in attendance, including Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center CEO Rick Naegler, who addressed the crowd. “For all of you survivors going through your journey, congratulations, there is hope.”
Kaitlyn Jackson said she traveled from Oklahoma to visit family and to honor her best friend Amanda, who lost her battle with colon cancer at the age of 42.
“I walk to honor her, I walk to keep her memory alive and really to bring awareness to the fact that this disease doesn’t just affect older people or unhealthy people,” said Jackson.
The walkers gathered in front of the Danny Bell Cancer Treatment Center for the hike in honor of loved ones lost and those still fighting their battles with cancer. According to Chailland, the group sold over 800 T-shirts which read “Fear not, for I am with you,” from Isaiah 43:5 and they have raised around $31,000.
“The rain slowed us down some, so I am sure we will still have some more donations rolling in from some of those who couldn’t make it this year,” said Chailland.
Instead of releasing balloons upon returning from the walk as they have in years past, UCAN now gives out a more environmentally conscious gift: trees to plant in honor of cancer patients and survivors. This year, a combination of dogwoods, red buds and white pines were distributed.
The UCAN walk may have ended, but the fight against cancer continues, and the memory of those who have lost their battle will live on forever.
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.