Lake County walks to fight cancer
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POLSON — Shannon Nunlist had her thyroid gland removed and received radioactive iodine treatment after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1996.
But she considers herself lucky.
Nunlist was diagnosed with a cancer that’s relatively treatable and was able to enjoy the last 14 years of life footloose and cancer-free. But many of her friends, neighbors and relatives haven’t been so lucky.
“The list goes on and on,” Mark Nunlist explained.
Nunlist and her husband Mark and daughter Tessa joined the hundreds of Lake County residents who decided to spend Saturday night and Sunday morning fighting back against the destructive disease at the 2010 Lake County Relay for Life.
The 411 energetic walkers, armed with enthusiasm and a drive to defeat cancer walked through the night on Polson High School’s track, raising over $47,000 for cancer research through the American Cancer Society.
It was a community event through and through. Local businesses and organizations teamed up, creating 34 teams of willing walkers. Many groups walked in memory of loved ones who have passed away from the disease.
It was the second year for the Benson and Bailey team — a group made-up of family members still grieving the loss of a beloved uncle, who passed away from cancer last year.
“I’m hoping no one else has to go through losing somebody,” Benson and Bailey team captain Carrie Many Heads said.
Not everyone walked in the event, but some businesses, individuals and non-profits showed their support by sponsoring the event and the walkers or providing in-kind donations.
Lake County Relay for Life Committee Chairperson Karen Dellwo, who has served on the committee for the last five years, compared the relay to being diagnosed with cancer.
“You just keep walking and going because (cancer) doesn’t stop,” Dellwo explained.
She said that for many cancer survivors, the event serves as an opportunity to bond and share with other cancer survivors.
“I think for a cancer survivor, it gives you more hope,” Dellwo said.
Dellwo has witnessed many family members and friends struggle with cancer. For her, participating in Relay for Life and serving on the committee is a must.
“I know at one point in life it’s going to hit me real close to home,” Dellwo said. “So while I can, I’m going to participate.”
Dellwo, the committee and many of the participants were relieved that the weather cooperated, and the relay continued well into the morning without the onslaught of winds that plagued last year’s event.
The track was full of the young and old, who eagerly relayed for life — some walking with friends and others with family members. Even some Polson Fire Volunteer Department firefighters attended, clad with weights and sporting an ambition to circle the track 12 times.
Perhaps the most entertaining event of the night was the cake auction. Antsy children gathered around the desert table as the event’s master of ceremonies Wayne Fuchs auctioned off cakes decorated creatively by community members and businesses.
Thanks to Fuchs, walkers enjoyed festive music throughout the night. The music managed to keep the weary walkers and participants energetic and on their toes. An emotional luminary session followed the cake auctioning and teams enjoyed a pizza snack at midnight.
After the 6 a.m. breakfast and 7 a.m. closing ceremony, tired walkers made their way home to rest their weary bones and celebrate a job well-done.
The Lake County Relay For Life Committee will be accepting donations to benefit research through the American Cancer Society until Aug. 31. To donate, please contact committee chairperson Karen Dellwo at 883-8806.
