Cancer fighters ready for battle

Kaylee Gilbert started her dedication to fighting cancer at an early age. She was just 6 when she attended her first Zoostock and “the bug bit her,” Ann Marie Calabrese told attendees at the Cancer Fighters Dinner at Capriotti’s Sunday night.

By age 10, she was in the phone room at the telethon, answering calls and taking pledges.

On Sunday night, Gilbert, 16, of Coaldale, received the Generation Next Leadership Award.

Over the years, she has started a jar for people to contribute $1 when they say something bad, donated her hair for Locks of Love and helped with many other fundraisers, including a map of pledges from all states during the cancer telethon.

This year, she filled the map early and presented it to telethon chairman Joe Krushinsky on Sunday. She raised $860 from all 50 states, four countries and military personnel.

“I owe my thanks to my teachers and supporters,” Gilbert said.

She tearfully dedicated her award to fellow teammate Schyler Herman, a Pleasant Valley student who lost her battle with leukemia on Oct. 31, 2018, at age 14. They were teammates on the Carbon United soccer team.

Nancy Beers was also tearful when she accepted the business spotlight award for BTM Incorporated. The business was started by her late husband, Dean, a 30-year cancer survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma. “In 2008 he was diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary origin,” Beers said.

The American Cancer Society directed them to Fox Chase Cancer Center for treatment. He lost the battle in 2009.

“My fight for cancer will always continue,” Beers vowed.

Tamaqua Area School District was given special recognition for its role in the telethon. The telethon began 40 years ago as a project at Tamaqua, and the district has been involved since that time.

“Forty years ago the stars aligned between the teachers, students and administration,” said Krushinsky. “Through the talented generosity of the area, it’s become part of the fabric of the community.”

When cancer is cured, Krushinsky said he would continue the telethon for another cause. “I don’t think I’d give it up,” he said.

Jolene Barron accepted the award for the district.

The fundraiser spotlight award was presented to Luther’s Angels Relay for Life team, a group of women dedicated to raising money to fight cancer for the past 26 years. Linda Whetstone is the captain of the team, which raised more than $100,000.

Janet Mettler, a 15-year member, accepted the award for the team. She said, “When they asked me to make 400 pumpkin rolls, I knew this was a serious team.”

The group also hosts soup and bake sales, golf tournaments, dances and more. “They do walk the walk. They don’t just talk the talk,” Mettler said.

Other awards presented Sunday night:

James J. Rhoades Award for school participation: Marian Catholic High School

Patricia A. Haughton Award for outstanding leadership service: St. John’s Lutheran Church Bell Choir, which has been involved in 39 of 40 telethons.

State Reps. Jerry Knowles, R-Schuylkill-Carbon, and Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, presented citations from the state House and Senate to all the recipients.

The 40th American Cancer Society Telethon will air Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight both days. The telethon will be seen on the following cable systems: Blue Ridge; Service Electric in Schuylkill, Lehigh Valley and Allentown, 50; and Comcast.