A group of cancer survivors and family members received a round of applause from the crowd as they took the first lap of Saturday’s Cancer Walk at the Chase County Schools’ track in Imperial. Sixty-five walkers took part that morning. (Johnson Publications photo)
Hospital CEO Steve Lewis, center, is flanked by the Aaron Troxell family of Imperial. Prior to the hospital’s annual Cancer Walk, Michelle Troxell talked about her family’s experiences when husband Aaron was diagnosed with leukemia. (Johnson Publications photo)
As the Cancer Walk got under way, from left, Taylor Fortkamp, Braelynn Wood and Jason Fortkamp were busy checking out the colorful pinwheels people had purchased in memory of loved ones or in support of those dealing with cancer. (Johnson Publications photo)
Cancer Walk raises more than $10,000 for those fighting disease
Organizers of this year’s Cancer Walk fundraiser were quite pleased with the more than $10,000 raised in this year’s walk and related activities.
Deb Hrcka, member of the Cancer Walk planning committee for the Chase County Community Hospital event, said all of the proceeds will go into the hospital’s fund that helps area residents facing the financial challenges of cancer.
Despite the dreary, misty morning Saturday, 65 adults and children were registered for the walk which took them around the school track.
In addition, 37 pinwheels were purchased at $5 each in memory of loved ones or in support of those now dealing with cancer.
Prior to the start of the walk, people gathered in the bleachers for a short program.
Sharing with the group was Michelle Troxell of Imperial, whose husband Aaron is now in remission after his leukemia diagnosis in July 2015.
She noted he had been feeling extra tired and run down, but they initially passed it off as dehydration or just the effects from work.
When he passed out on the job, however, they sought medical treatment.
Initially, tests showed that 77 percent of his blood had cancer. His treatment required a month in the hospital, she noted, and he was released the end of August that year.
Now they continue to follow up with checkups in Omaha every three months and he’ll be watched closely for five years, she said.
She said the family couldn’t have made it through the ordeal without all the support.
“The love and support from this community was overwhelming,” she said.
“We will never be able to thank every one.”
Saying “cancer sucks,” she encouraged everyone to get checked out if they feel a little “off,” adding that symptoms are different in every case.
Following the program, several cancer survivors in the group took the first lap on the track, followed for the second lap and more by the other walkers.
Hospital CEO Steve Lewis said there are currently about 65 people they know of in Chase County currently dealing with cancer who are being treated at Chase County Hospital.
Noting the funds raised at the Cancer Walk stay here, 87 individuals have been helped since the Cancer Walk started in 2009, he said, with $34,725 paid out in cancer assistance.
“Just this last year we had 15 new cancer applicants” for the fund, Lewis said.
To be eligible for the assistance funds, a recipient must live in Chase County or receive medical treatment at Chase County Community Hospital or its clinics.
Applicants who are in active treatment for a cancer-related illness may apply for up to $750 annually.
Applicants who receive cancer prevention or detection services may apply for up to $350 annually.