Marching against all cancer

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Even after a stormy night of wind and rain, approximately 150 local cancer survivors and their friends showed up for the ‘March against all Cancer fundraiser at Mesquite Recreation Center Park at old Mill Road on Saturday morning, March 16.

Partial sun and dramatic clouds were the backdrop for the family event, which was organized by the local “Warrior Women” group to raise funds for the Cancer Help Society.

Fifteen local wellness vendors were on site for health information. The local band Fusion Trio was providing live music. The Mesquite Showgirls brought some glam to the event among the raincoats and hats that, thankfully, were not needed.

Mesquite Mayor Al Litman, a cancer survivor himself, had a few words to say to kick things off.
Litman acknowledged how surprised he was when he learned just how much help and support is given to cancer victims by the local Cancer Help Society.

“These funds send people to cancer facilities all over the United States among many other things,” Litman said. “Our local organization run by Yoli Bell is amazing. So spend some money for a good cause.”

Felix Cruz and Bob Fowler both said they were participating because of their mutual friend that is presently in cancer treatment.

Even the renown Miss Koda, of Facebook ad calendar fame, came to participate. Her owner Jim Welker is a survivor of cancer himself.

The event raised approximately $4,000 for the Cancer Help Society. A check will be presented at the April 9 City Council Meeting at City Hall.

Warrior Women Committee chair Dawn Pecoraro and her committee members Sharon Ray, Linda Beymer, Rei Romney, Beth Caplinger, Anita Hoberg, and Nova Mastrogiovanni, worked hard organizing this first event. They had an additional 30 volunteers from the community helping out at the event.
“With all the good feedback we received, and gaging how well it went, this will be an annual event,” Pecoraro said.

Allen Bell, President of the Cancer Help society expressed gratitude. “We are grateful for all that the “Cancers Warriors” group is doing for us,” he said.

Each walker donated $20 to participate and received a t-shirt and one entry for special raffle prizes. Additional entries could be received at one entry per lap around the field walked.
After the walk, raffle drawings were held with a wide variety of prizes given out.

There was also a silent auction to win a golf package for 4 at the Conestoga course. The package had an estimatred value of $900.

Pecoraro thanked all the many sponsors and gift donors that contributed to the event. She also voiced a special thanks to City Department of Athletics and Leisure Services Director Nick Montoya as well as the Recreation Center Staff for all their help cleaning and setting up the fields for the event.

Local farm IKA Greens and Smith’s Market provided the free snacks and drinks being served by the Elks Club.