Cancer WALK will be different

To the editor:

The Jay County Cancer Society has an announcement to Jay County newspaper subscribers that the 2020 WALK Against Cancer will be making changes this year.

This year we are honoring our Jay County cancer patients. It is important to us and the community to take time to remember those lost, honor those who are suffering and celebrate with those who have won the fight against cancer.

This year's 2020 WALK Against Cancer will be much different than in the past due to the pandemic. There will be no concessions, cake walk, bounce houses, raffle, etc.

This year's Walk Against Cancer will be a special “Survivor Cruise By” for our cancer survivors which will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Jay County Fairgrounds.

The Jay County Walk Against Cancer was established to raise money for the Jay County Cancer Society. The cancer society provides financial assistance to cancer patients in Jay County for medical expenses, travel, prescriptions, testing, etc.

The Jay County Cancer Society will continue the tradition of the survivor dinner but in a much different way this year. We will honor those who are able to participate in the “survivor cruise” riding in their own vehicle and drive through our beautiful Jay County Fairgrounds with their loved ones and community waving them on.

We are also excited to still be able to provide each survivor a gift certificate to either go out to eat or order out as a way to keep the traditional survivor dinner.

The Jay County Cancer Society would like to invite the community to bring their lawn chairs and sit alongside the cruise route while still social distancing and wearing masks. We feel this is one way we can keep the tradition and also support our community food establishments. Please mark your calendars for Sept. 19.

Remember that 100% of the money donated to the Jay County Cancer Society remains in Jay County helping our neighbors and friends with their uninsured cancer related expenses. The Jay County WALK Against Cancer raised more than $40,000 in 2019. 

We will not be reaching out for sponsorships this year due to the changes to the event. We don't want folks to think we are not raising money this year, we do still need donations to assist with uninsured cancer related expenses. We could not help Jay County cancer patients without your support.

If you would like to volunteer or need additional information, please contact us at (260) 726-8110 and leave a message.

Donations are always accepted at P.O. Box 614, Portland, IN 47371.

We look forward to seeing you on the evening of Sept. 19 as we remember those lost, honor those who are suffering and celebrate with those who have won the fight against cancer.

Thank you,

Jane Prescott

Tisha Gierhart

Co-chairs

WALK Against Cancer