A Poplar Bluff woman was remembered Saturday morning as a tireless supporter of the United Cancer Assistant Network.
Although Kay Jewell, UCAN's longtime board member and treasurer, lost her fifth battle with cancer in October, her vision for the organization will continue to live on thanks to a $20,000 check presented from her family and friends during the annual Sarah Jarboe White UCAN Walk.
"Our dead friend, KayKay was inspirational, delightfully focused and Energizer-Bunny driven to help someone, anyone, be just a little more comfortable in a life touched by a disease she hated -- cancer," said UCAN President Dennis Hanes.
Jewell, he said, knew what it was like to hurt, and she enjoyed being part of an organization that tried to ease the worries and the burdens.
"Her favorite activity as a member of the UCAN board was reporting that we had taken the funds given by our community and used them to help a friend, or a stranger, with a utility bill or a gasoline expense or a bag of groceries or a treatment cost," Hanes explained.
Jewel, he said, would often say, " ... but we can do more; we can do better."
When UCAN, now in its 20th year, moved its office to the nearby Danny Bell Treatment Center, "Kay and Melody (Melloy) discovered that many people were unable to come to their schedules treatments because of transportation issues," Hanes said.
Jewell approached the board about buying a van to help transport those patients.
"Before long, we bought a second van, and the burdens of so many people were lifted just a little," Hanes said. "How many lives were extended simply because they could now make it to their treatment, lovingly carried by Becky or Rick?"
Hanes said he doesn't know many two-time or three-time cancer survivors.
"I do know one four-time survivor," he said. "And, just because she didn't survive the fifth battle doesn't mean she lost."
Lives, according to Hanes, are shared with people, some of whom as "nicer, warmer, more inviting and kind. Some are more generous and anxious to help.
"To find that one precious pearl of great price person is rare, but we found Kay."
Those who knew Jewell, Hanes said, are a little better for it.
"We love you, sweet friend," Hanes said. "Your place in our hearts is forever."
Hanes said at last year's walk, the concept of the Kay Jewell UCAN Endowment Fund was introduced. The fund initially started with $10,000.
Hanes and Melloy, UCAN's executive director, were presented with a ceremonial $20,000 check from Kim Duncan, her husband, Dan Coffman, and Jewell's husband, David Jewell.
"On behalf of Kay's family and friends who gave to the fund in her memory, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts," said Jewell's twin sister. " ... We know (the money) will be used to help every one of you."
Several of the more than 1,000 in attendance for the walk sported a special message on their gray UCAN T-shirts.
It read: "We walk in memory of KK 9/17/62-10/10/17."
Among those wearing that special shirt was Rick Quigley of Poplar Bluff.
"Miss Kay is not here this year; it's going to be hard for a bunch of us," said Quigley, who had been one of UCAN's van drivers for about 18 months. He also attended church with Jewell.
"Miss Kay got me this job; she recommended me," Quigley said. "She's the reason I'm here.
" ... It's God's will that we're all here."
Describing UCAN as a Christian-based organization, "we give all the glory to God every day," Quigley said.
Not having Jewell at the walk is hard ... "but, if we all remember and keep in mind, we'll see her again someday," Quigley said.