Lincoln Student Helps Fight Cancer Through Southwest High School’s Green and White Affair

Nearly everyone is touched by cancer.  For 17-year-old Chris Way, he saw first hand the devastation cancer can bring when his mom died of colon cancer when he was just 11.

 

“The middle school years were tough not having a maternal figure to welcome me when I arrived home from school every day,” said Way.  “Over the years I did my best to cope with my mother’s death and moved on as best as possible, just as she would want me to do.”

 

Every year since losing his mother, Chris has been involved in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Haymarket Park in Lincoln.  It helped him remember that he wasn’t the only one affected by cancer and there were others in the community dealing with the same things he was.

 

Last year, Chris joined his Student Council at Southwest High School in Lincoln and immediately began organizing events to raise funds for worthy causes.  In March 2009, his dream became a reality in the form of the first annual Green and White Affair, a fundraiser where people who share a passion for fighting cancer are treated to an evening full of entertainment, a silent auction and mouth-watering food.

 

Last year, more than $5,000 was raised and in on March 19, Chris hopes to raise more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society at the Green and White Affair at The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge in Lincoln.

 

“We’ve all been touched by cancer in one way or another,” said Chris, “and now is the time to take action to find a cure so that we will se a cancer-free world.”

 

For more information about the Green and White Affair, contact the American Cancer Society in Lincoln at 402-423-4893 or e-mail Chris at cway57@hotmail.com.

ACS Offers Support Groups in Omaha to Help People Cope with the Holidays

The American Cancer Society, in conjunction with Alegent Health, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center and the Nebraska Medical Center, will offer a pair of support groups to help those going through a cancer diagnosis cope with the emotional stress of the Holidays.

On Thursday, November 19, a support group for colorectal cancer patients will focus on spirituality and coping with the Holidays.  Josh McDonald, staff chaplain from Alegent Health Pastoral Care will present the program from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the American Cancer Society office at 9850 Nicholas Street in Omaha.  A light dinner will be provided at this meeting.

On Wednesday, December 9, a support group is open to caregivers caring for adult cancer patients.  The topic of this session will be surviving the Holidays presented by Holly Adams and Linda Dempsey of the Alegent Health Cancer Support Team.  The group will meet from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the American Cancer Society office at 9850 Nicholas Street in Omaha.

“These support groups provide a great opportunity for those going through cancer to talk with experts as well as others going through similar circumstances,” commented Lisa Vignolo, Community Manager for the American Cancer Society.  “It is so very important for cancer patients and caregivers to not only focus on their physical health, but their emotional well-being as well.  That’s what these support groups are here to accomplish.”

Anyone wishing to reserve a spot in either of the two support groups needs to make a reservation by calling the American Cancer Society at 402-393-5801.  Reservations for the Nov. 19 session should be made by Monday, Nov. 16 and reservations for the Dec. 9 session should be made by Dec. 4.

Omaha Residents Get Ready to Run in Their Boxers

The Omaha Running Club will be teaming up with the Douglas/Sarpy County Colon Cancer Task Force to present the Boxer 500 5K Run/Walk to raise awareness about colorectal cancer.  Participants are encouraged (but not required) to draw attention to the issue of colorectal cancer by wearing boxers during the run.

 

This year’s Boxer 500 will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 9^th at Walnut Creek Recreational Area, located on 102^nd and Schram Rd. in Papillion.  Online registration is available at http://www.omaharun.org/ until Wednesday, Aug. 5.  Day of registration will also be available. 

 

“Sunday’s Boxer 500 will be a fun way for area runners and walkers to show their support for a cause that doesn’t often gain much attention,” commented Kelli Sweet, one of this year’s event organizers.  “We have had an outstanding response with registrations and sponsorships and are looking forward to even more people signing up this week.  It will be a great way for everyone to come experience a unique running event.“

 

The entry fee for all pre-registered participants is $25. Any entries received on the day of the race will be $30. Packet pickup times are: Thursday, August 6^th from 5-7 p.m. at Peak Performance on 78^th and Cass St or race day from 7-8 a.m. at Walnut Creek.  The event will be held on the paved trail around Walnut Creek starting at the West parking lot (near the boat ramp). Parking at Walnut Creek us limited, please carpool where possible.

 

The Pancake Man will be on hand preparing breakfast the morning of the run.  Breakfast is included with the registration cost for runners and is $5 for those not registered.

 

Sponsors for the inaugural Boxer 500 are: The Colonoscopy Center: Colon & Rectal Surgery, Nebraska C.A.R.E.S., Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program, Oncology Associates, Omaha Gastroenterology Consultants, PC, Alegent Health, National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service, Nutrition & Activity For Health, The Nebraska Medical Center, MGI, Dr . John J. Ferry, Hy-Vee, Waste Connections, Inc., Wal-Mart, Peak Performance and No Frills Supermarket.

 

For more information about the Boxer 500, call 402-38GORUN anytime or email the race director, Kelli Sweet at sweetkelli@cox.net.