Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Local representatives met Thursday morning at a brunch hosted by Dr. Dane Miller to kick off the Leukemia Society's "Light the Night Walk," which will be Sept. 22 in Winona Lake.
Those who participate in the annual event carry lighted balloons - white for cancer survivors and red for other supporters. Funds raised by the walk go for research to help find cures for blood cancers -Êleukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease and myeloma -Êand to improve the lives of patients.
Last year's walk in Winona Lake raised more than $49,000, an increase of more than 20 percent over 2004.
Biomet again is a sponsor of this year's event. As of Thursday, other local corporate sponsors include Beacon Credit Union, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Kroger, NIPSCO, Symmetry and Zimmer.
The honoree for this year's walk again will be Max Elliott, son of local residents Matt and Kristin Elliott. Max, 5, was diagnosed with leukemia in January. Kristin serves on the Light the Night committee, and Matt is an employee of Zimmer.
Ben Woodcox, branch manager, Beacon Credit Union, and the Walk chairperson in 2005 and 2006, welcomed the group to the kickoff. He said, "This is our fifth year at Winona Lake. It's wonderful how the community has received and supported it every year. It just gets bigger. Blood cancers still are the No. 1 killer of children, but the statistics have switched over the last 25 years. Initially, 90 percent of the cases resulted in death. Today, the survivor rate is 90 percent.
"My interest in the Walk came from my brother being diagnosed with leukemia. Fortunately, he was misdiagnosed and his illness required only the removal of his spleen. But I remember what it was like when my family thought he had leukemia ... it was a real blow."
Amy Kwas, executive director with the Indiana Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, said, "Last year, we raised $2.7 million nationwide. This year, our goal is close to $3 million. Light the Night is a big part of that.
"Indiana raised $500,000 at six walk sites, with 5,300 Hoosiers participating. Winona Lake had more than 600 participants on 16 corporate and 25 family-and-friends teams."
Kristin Elliott spoke of Max's diagnosis in January 2005 and the impact it's had on Max, as well as the rest of the family. She said, "Max being diagnosed with leukemia was like being hit with a Mack truck. He's in part of a research study partially paid for by the money raised by Light the Night."
His treatment plan is a three-year program at Riley and Lutheran hospitals. Now in his second year, he received chemotherapy treatments each week during his first year, and has now started a maintenance program.
She said, "He has two more years of chemo left. He's a fighter. He says, 'I'm beating cancer, Mom, and I'm doing a good job.' He inspires us every day. Today is his last day of kindergarten; he's been about to attend 50 percent of his classes. He has an indescribable zeal. He's going to make it ... because of chemo.
"We're now in maintenance, but cancer is not easy. It's still tough at times. I realize how fortunate we are to be in this community. I applaud you for joining and helping not only my son, but other children and adults."
Dr. Dane Miller, 2005 and 2006 corporate walk chair, said, "I've been involved for four years. I challenge you to put together a bigger team this year - it's fun and, most importantly, raises funds for the cause. Hopefully, we'll have the overcrowding like last year."
Natalie Sutton, state Light the Night campaign director, recognized this year's volunteers: Miller, Woodcox, Bill Crane, Kristin Elliott, Mary Crane and Patrick Brown.
Woodcox said, "There are three ways to support the society and walk - as a corporate sponsor giving a cash donation; by forming a team; and through individual donations."
Corporate sponsorships and associated event benefits are available at three levels: $2,500, supporting sponsor; $1,000, gold sponsor; and $500, silver sponsor.
Walk participants who raise more than $25 will carry illuminated balloons. Walkers who raise $100 will receive a T-shirt, and those who raise $200 will receive a sweatshirt in addition to the T-shirt. Several other prizes also are available.
For more information or to register a team for the Winona Lake walk, call Woodcox at 574-268-1276, Ext. 2906, or contact the Indiana Chapter of the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 800-846-7764 or e-mail kwasa@lls.org
