Hundreds show support at Heart and Sole Cancer Walk

School’s out, but cars lined the streets for blocks around Mitchell Middle School as hundreds of people flocked to the 12th annual Heart and Sole Cancer Walk.

In the 12 years since the cancer walk started, it has grown from five sponsors and a few participants to 20 sponsors and hundreds of participants.

According to Shanna Weiss, co-chairwoman of the Heart and Sole Committee, this is a testament to the growing influence and awareness of cancer.

“I think it’s just affecting everybody nowadays,” said Weiss. “I just think it’s a horrible disease and I just think everyone knows that. They just know the community needs to come together to help.”

The evening kicked off with an introduction of the honorary co-chairmen, Lance Bruske of Ethan and Tyler Easton, Stacy Morgan and Ronda Vetch, all of Mitchell. After being recognized and receiving a gift, each honorary co-chairman was driven

around the track for one lap.

The fifth lap included all cancer survivors who wished to participate. After the fifth lap, the balloons were released, as were doves — a symbol of celebration, according to co-chairwoman Jody Brower.

“The celebration of life and family and being together and just celebrating the walk and the purpose of raising the funds,” Bower said, “To recognize the survivors, too.”

Once doves and balloons dotted the horizon, all teams and registered members could begin their walk, which lasted roughly four hours.

The evening’s events also included the 5K, 10K and 1.7 mile Fun Run, which ran simultaneous to the walk. As with the walk, all proceeds go to area cancer patients, and, as with the walk, it’s about more than just exercise for those involved.

“I’ve run it for the last few years, and it’s just a lot of fun,” said Nikki Troxell, who ran the 5K. “It’s a really good cause. People seem to really enjoy it.”

According to Bower, though the committee strives to create a fun environment, they do so with one goal in mind — supporting cancer patients. Each year, the goal is to raise about $60,000; last year, the event slightly exceeded that number.

All raised funds stay local, and are distributed by the Heart and Sole Cancer Assistance Board to area cancer patients who need help with the expenses that insurance doesn’t cover.

“We try to distribute within that year,” said Bower, who is also on the assistance board. “It’s just a matter of having people apply. Some months we might have three, we might have eight.”

The evening ended with awards and another celebration of life — fireworks.

“We try and make it a family fun night so that everybody can come out and enjoy and just have a good social time, but remember the reason we’re here, and that’s to honor the survivors and in memory of those who have lost their battle,” said Bower.

Tags: cancer walk, heart and sole, news, local