Cancer Survivors Day celebrated in Carbon County

Sunday was National Cancer Survivors Day, and during a celebration in Franklin Township, some rejoiced in having a second chance while others took a break to have fun knowing how quickly your life can change.

Some of the participants were survivors. Others were family members of cancer victims.

The event, themed “Cancer Comes in All Colors Run/Walk,” was held at the Big Creek Grange and hosted by the Carbon County Turn To Us organization.

Alicia Kline, founder and executive director of Turn To Us, said the run/walk and the accompanying activities was a “celebration of life.”

The participants had a half-mile course on which they could run or walk. As they passed various stations, they were showered with colorful cornstarch. By the end of the course, their faces, hair, clothing, arms and legs had been colored orange, blue, green, red, purple and other colors by the material.

Kline stood at the finish line, herself covered with the colors, and used a leaf blower to clear the excess powder from participants.

Kline said about 300 people registered for the run/walk. There were people of all ages, from young children to senior citizens. Many meandered through the course several times, each time getting more and more powder thrust upon them.

Glasses were given to the participants to protect their eyes.

Kline said Sunday was the 32nd annual Cancer Survivors Day observed throughout the nation. She said Turn To Us has been in existence for 4½ years.

Dr. Nicole Sully of Jim Thorpe has been treasurer of Turn To Us since the organization formed. She said she sees many people with cancer.

She said she joined Turn To Us because, “As a physician, I always try to help people. I always try to give back to the community.”

Her mother-in-law, Kim Sully of Jim Thorpe, joined the group about a year ago after being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. She is optimistic about her recovery and said she helps the organization in any way she can. Among the ways she helps is with a page for children on the Turn To Us Facebook site.

She also made food for Sunday’s event.

Sally Thierer of Tamaqua ran in memory of her daughter, Amanda. Amanda and Alicia were longtime friends. Both attended Marian Catholic High School.

On June 5, Sally will observe the 12th anniversary of Amanda’s death. She died at the age of 27 from sarcoma.

“I help out in her memory,” Sally said as she tossed powder on the runners and walkers.

Regarding the run/walk, Thierer said of her daughter, “She would like this. She’d be very proud of Alicia.

With Sally was a niece of Amanda, Ellen Thierer, who was just 4 when her aunt passed away.

Amanda also had a daughter when she died. Her daughter, Alana Rohrbach, who now lives in Boyertown, was 4 when she lost her mother. Alana couldn’t attend the event Sunday because of her work schedule.

William Solomon wore a white T-shirt covered with messages such as “I saw bravery in my wife” and “my wife is awesome,” as well as pink hearts and other décor. He wore it for his wife, Jamie, who battled with cancer several months ago. Solomon said that Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer last Oct. 13 and had a double mastectomy two months later.

The duo, as well as their grandchildren, Alexis Solomon, 16, and Kiley Solomon, 13, both of Lehighton, walked the course.

“We came to support our grandmother,” Kiley said.

Kline spoke before the run and said that the organization helps people who are diagnosed with cancer and their families with medical costs, insurance copays, transportation and other expenses. It also is involved with an organization that sends children to Disney World.

“Just to let you know, you’re not alone,” she said.

She said all money raised by the organization is used locally.

Giving advice to cancer victims, she said, “Education is the biggest key because our doctors don’t know what is all out there.”

The run/walk was not competitive. There were no prizes.

“It was just for fun,” Kline said.