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Fighting cancer one paw at a time
Bark For Life event to be held Saturday
By Jane Lethlean
The Journal-Standard
Posted Sep 16, 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Freeport, Ill. —
For more than 20 years, Relay For Life has brought hope to thousands of cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and volunteers. Stephenson County has long been known for one of the largest and most active Relay For Life events held each year. The American Cancer Society is trying something new by hosting a pilot program called Bark For Life.
This canine sponsored event is about beating cancer one paw at a time. The mini-relay event will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at Krape Park in Freeport. This is a non-competitive short walk relay held to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Like the Relay For Life event held each summer, this event will keep any money raised right in Stephenson County.
The Bark For Life event and fundraiser honors the life-love, support and compassion dogs provide to cancer patients and the families during time of both struggle and joy. Dogs offer emotional support and comfort to their owners and also hold roles as therapy and service dogs.
David and Fawn Gray of Freeport are two of the organizers for this event. Both have been active over the years for the annual Relay For Life events. They will be walking with their own yellow Labrador named Sophie. The Grays have been touched by cancer with someone in their lives both in human and canine form. They lost their own dog Fergie to cancer a few years ago.
The Grays said they hope to have more than 50 dogs attending the event to kick off a new idea to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer.
“Stephenson County Relay For Life 2011 event will benefit from this first ever event,†David said. “The idea behind this event is to honor all service dogs, therapy dogs and even police dogs — they get cancer, too."
“Dogs are also very helpful to people who get cancer,†he added.
Bark Against Cancer
Each participant is encouraged to have a minimum fundraising goal of $100. “Dog lovers†who raise at least $100 will receive Bark For Life bandana; “Golden Bones†with at least $250 in pledges and receive a T-shirt and Bark For Life Leash. The money raised through the event will aid American Cancer Society’s support services for local patients and their families, as well as cancer research programs and community education.
David said he encourages people and dogs to show up for this event. Any dog participating in the event will have to show proof of shots.
“We are very excited about this event,†Fawn said. “Our goal is to get as many dogs as possible to raise money to fight against cancer.
“People need to know the money we raise will stay locally,†she added.
The money will go to the Reach to Recovery Program, the Look Good, Feel Better program and the wig bank at Highland Community College.â€
All paws will hit the pavement at 10:30 a.m. Saturday after a short opening ceremony. There will also be a small demonstration by Jan Carlson from Carlson Canine Camp.
People and their dogs can register for $25 prior to the event or $35 on the day of the event. Fawn said bring the dog and bring the money. To register call visit www.barkforlifestephensoncounty.com. For more information, call (815) 229-1287.
http://www.journalstandard.com/news/x372513489/Fighting-cancer-one-paw-at-a-time
Bark For Life event to be held Saturday
By Jane Lethlean
The Journal-Standard
Posted Sep 16, 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Freeport, Ill. —
For more than 20 years, Relay For Life has brought hope to thousands of cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and volunteers. Stephenson County has long been known for one of the largest and most active Relay For Life events held each year. The American Cancer Society is trying something new by hosting a pilot program called Bark For Life.
This canine sponsored event is about beating cancer one paw at a time. The mini-relay event will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at Krape Park in Freeport. This is a non-competitive short walk relay held to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Like the Relay For Life event held each summer, this event will keep any money raised right in Stephenson County.
The Bark For Life event and fundraiser honors the life-love, support and compassion dogs provide to cancer patients and the families during time of both struggle and joy. Dogs offer emotional support and comfort to their owners and also hold roles as therapy and service dogs.
David and Fawn Gray of Freeport are two of the organizers for this event. Both have been active over the years for the annual Relay For Life events. They will be walking with their own yellow Labrador named Sophie. The Grays have been touched by cancer with someone in their lives both in human and canine form. They lost their own dog Fergie to cancer a few years ago.
The Grays said they hope to have more than 50 dogs attending the event to kick off a new idea to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer.
“Stephenson County Relay For Life 2011 event will benefit from this first ever event,†David said. “The idea behind this event is to honor all service dogs, therapy dogs and even police dogs — they get cancer, too."
“Dogs are also very helpful to people who get cancer,†he added.
Bark Against Cancer
Each participant is encouraged to have a minimum fundraising goal of $100. “Dog lovers†who raise at least $100 will receive Bark For Life bandana; “Golden Bones†with at least $250 in pledges and receive a T-shirt and Bark For Life Leash. The money raised through the event will aid American Cancer Society’s support services for local patients and their families, as well as cancer research programs and community education.
David said he encourages people and dogs to show up for this event. Any dog participating in the event will have to show proof of shots.
“We are very excited about this event,†Fawn said. “Our goal is to get as many dogs as possible to raise money to fight against cancer.
“People need to know the money we raise will stay locally,†she added.
The money will go to the Reach to Recovery Program, the Look Good, Feel Better program and the wig bank at Highland Community College.â€
All paws will hit the pavement at 10:30 a.m. Saturday after a short opening ceremony. There will also be a small demonstration by Jan Carlson from Carlson Canine Camp.
People and their dogs can register for $25 prior to the event or $35 on the day of the event. Fawn said bring the dog and bring the money. To register call visit www.barkforlifestephensoncounty.com. For more information, call (815) 229-1287.
http://www.journalstandard.com/news/x372513489/Fighting-cancer-one-paw-at-a-time