HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE --The Village Walk for Cancer is Sept. 27, and Chairman Melanie Pederson and her staff of volunteers continue to work out the final details for the event to raise funds for cancer research at UAMS.
"There is a good chance that you know someone that has cancer. It could be a loved one, a neighbor, a friend or someone from church. Cancer knows no boundaries. It is just a word but is delivers a negative message. One of the definitions of cancer, a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body," Pederson said.
The main categories of cancer are as follows:
• Carcinoma -- Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. There are a number of subtypes of carcinoma, including adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma.
• Sarcoma -- Cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
• Leukemia -- Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.
• Lymphoma and myeloma -- Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
• Central nervous system cancers -- Cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
AnnMarie Hrusecky and Sue Wulz are both cancer survivors. They are neighbors, and each morning they are seen walking on the Granada Golf course early in the morning with their two dogs, Tucker and Murphy.
"Hrusecky was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 1988 and made the painful decision have her uterus and ovaries removed, which meant that she couldn't have children. As difficult as that decision was, she knew that it was the right decision and today she is cancer free," a news release said.
During a self-breast exam, Wulz discovered a lump. After a lumpectomy and chemotherapy she is cancer-free.
"These two women are grateful that they were able to get the appropriate treatment for their respective cancers," the release said.
The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at UAMS, a major research hospital, helps target therapy treatments to fit the specific type of cancer and the needs of the individual.
"You can help us make a difference by being a part of this year's Village Walk for Cancer Research," Pederson said.
Opening ceremonies start at 7:30 a.m. at Cortez Pavilion.
"We will have burgers, hot dogs and the trimmings compliments of RE/MAX. You will be able to buy bake sale items and yogurt. Village Yogurt is donating all of their sales to the walk. We have several new sponsors and live music. Stonecroft Ministries Morning and Luncheon Connection groups are joining the walk this year as part of their Prays/Walk. Dr. Emanuel will give us an update on where the money we raised last year was used and plans for this year. Dr. Ling Gao will provide free skin checks at the Walk. There is so much more," Pederson said.
All walkers, donors and sponsors are registered for a door prize. There are some donated items for the silent auction that include a four-night stay at a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Panama City, Fla., or a cabin in Pidgeon Forge, Tenn.
T-shirts may be picked up on Sept. 15 and 16, from 1-3 p.m., on the lower level of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 295 Balearic Road at Fresno Road.
Call Claire MacNeill at 501-922-3642 for more information.
Cork and Bottle will donate 5 percent of its gross sales to the Village Cancer Walk on Sept. 4.
Local on 09/02/2014