Fight cancer with dollars, sweat, smiles
There are few sentences that I would dread hearing more than "You have cancer."
It would be a fight that I hope I'd rise up to, but frankly one that I'd rather avoid. In many ways, I live my life as healthy as possible — eating well, exercising — partly to improve my chances of avoiding or surviving it.
But no one is immune, and we've all been touched by the disease, either by going through it personally or having family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors battle it or lose to it.
Cancer is a disease that unites us. Or it should.
That's why I hope everyone will resolve to break out those fall colors of cancer fighting efforts — pink, purple and/or yellow — and do something for the cause in the coming month of October.
The Lowcountry offers an array of activities that raise money for cancer research and medical bills. (But plan ahead because some request raising pledges, participating in teams, registering in advance or volunteering to help with the events.)
Just check out this list:
The 12th annual Leukemia Cup Regatta will be held Oct. 3 and 4 and benefits the South Carolina chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since the national society's founding in 1949, it has raised more than $600 million for research on blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma.
The regatta will be held in Charleston Harbor and festivities at Gaillard Auditorium. Fees are $40 for juniors, $75 for two people or less or $125 for three people or more. Visit www.leukemiacup.org/sc.
You can learn how to prevent car-jacking and help fight cancer by participating in the Fight for Life self-defense seminar 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Charleston Krav Maga, 1017 Wappoo Road. The seminar is $25. Proceeds benefit STOP CANCER, a charity partner of Krav Maga Worldwide that has The Marni Fund in memory of fourth degree Krav Maga black belt Marni Levine, who died of breast cancer at 37 in 2006.
"We're really glad to be part of this (cancer awareness and fundraising)," says Charleston Krav Maga instructor Jennifer Millar, who lost her 43-year-old mother to breast cancer when she was 19.
Another chance to help the S.C. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society comes at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 with the 10th annual Light the Night Walk at the Charleston Maritime Center. The night includes a casual evening walk (no fitness requirements), music, food and family activities. Individuals are needed to sign up for teams by soliciting donations from friends, family and colleagues. Visit www.lightthenight.org or call 881-8176.
Nearly 15 years ago, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation found a niche for cancer fundraising and awareness in Charleston. The national foundation, now known as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, has raised $1 billion for research, education and health services. Its affiliates put on more than 100 run/walk events in the United States every year.
The latest edition of the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure 5K run and walk, and all the festivities, will be Oct. 18 on Daniel Island. A survivor celebration starts at 8 a.m., a one-mile run/walk at 8:30, and a 5K run and walk at 9:10 a.m. Registration is $25-$30, or you can "Sleep in for the Cure" for $40. Visit www.komenlowcountry.org or call 556-3343.
While breast cancer has been among the most high profile forms of cancer, the "below the waist" cancers — ovarian, testicular, prostate, bladder and colon — have not shared in the October cancer awareness spotlight.
The inaugural Knology Pajama Run on Oct. 25 in Charleston is offering a fun way to increase awareness of those cancers and raise money for the Medical University of South Carolina's Hollings Cancer Center. Following the run, there will be a pajama party at Riley Park in Charleston.
The idea for the race came from local Knology sales and marketing manager Todd Michael Trevillian, who wanted to honor his girlfriend's mother, who died from colon cancer only after eight weeks of being diagnosed with it.
"Not understanding cancer, it was unbelievable to me that someone could pass so quickly after just finding out they have the terminal disease," says Trevillian. "The run is a way to honor her and all others who are dealing with cancer."
Visit www.knology.com/run or call Catherine Shubeck at 225-1012.
Wrapping up the month is the inaugural Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope bike ride (more at www.charlestonrideforhope.com) on Oct. 26 on Daniel Island. It will include a 100K (62 miles), 30-mile and family-oriented five-mile bike ride. The event raises money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Charleston area charities involved in the fight against cancer.
A good friend of mine, Dawson Cherry, is organizing the ride for personal reasons. He has lost a grandfather, grandmother and father to cancer, while his mother has survived it.
"I have done hundreds of cycling and triathlon races for myself over the years," says Dawson. "At this stage of my life, it is now time to give something back. I am a big Lance Armstrong fan and admire what he has done with the LiveStrong challenge across the country.
"(Cancer) is the most unexaggerated disease. One in two men will get cancer. One in three women will have cancer in their lifetime. Scary, but true."
When someone close to us is diagnosed, we can feel helpless. We can be there and pray, but for them and others, people like Dawson, Todd and Jennifer and organizations such as the Leukemia Society and Komen have provided us with another way to show our love and support.
And we should take advantage of it.
Reach David Quick at dquick@postandcourier.com.
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