American Cancer Society community awareness day at the Maple Valley Community Center

Published 7:05 pm Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life race in Maple Valley, Covington and Black Diamond is running at top speed.

A community awareness event at the Maple Valley Community Center Saturday featured a blood drive, games for kids, food, information and plenty of positive energy.

Relay for Life is a two-day event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. The annual relay event was started in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon. For 24 hours he ran and walked around a track to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Dacia Roessler, community relations manager for the American Cancer Society in Seattle, said the awareness event Saturday provided information about the fundraising event and awareness about the cancer society.

“We are trying to help people know what we do and why we do it,” Roessler said.

Roessler said she became involved in the American Cancer Society when her mother-in-law died from breast cancer.

“It metastasized into her brain and my husband was an only child,” Roesller said. “It was very hard. I wish I would have known about these resources.”

Roessler said the American Cancer Society is, “here to help. That is what it means to me. We help people one-on-one.”

Cheryl Thorkelson also joined the activities at the awareness event. She describes herself as a 30-year cancer survivor.

“I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1981,” Thorkelson said. “I had two young children at the time.”

Thorkelson said she agreed to a new treatment at the time, which was successful.

“I have had a lot of amazing things happen in my life,” Thorkelson said. “That is just one. I feel very lucky, but we know it can come back anytime.”

Mick Porter, 7, keeps the ball on the frying pan at the American Cancer Society awareness event Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Maple Valley Community Center.

Dennis Box, The Reporter

Yuliaa Kholodyuk balances a ball on the frying pan at the American Cancer Society awareness event Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Maple Valley Community Center.

Dennis Box, The Reporter

Tammy Lester and her mother, Cheryl Thorkelson, a 30-year cancer survivor, participated in the American Cancer Society awareness event Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Maple Valley Community Center.

Dennis Box, The Reporter