Dozens support cancer victims at Jim Thorpe walk
Jamie Solomon, right, of Jim Thorpe, a coordinator of the walk against cancer in Jim Thorpe, walks in the event with Debbie and Jim Evans during the event held at the Sam Miller baseball field in Jim Thorpe. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Peggy Sue O’Donnell, left, of Jim Thorpe, a cancer survivor, chats with Robyn Plesniarski of the Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute at the second annual walk against cancer held at the Sam Miller Field in Jim Thorpe on Sunday. O’Donnell was the recipient of a “Courage Award” several years ago by the American Cancer Society regarding her battle with cancer. She participated in the Jim Thorpe walk. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Dozens of people took part in the second annual Walk Against Cancer held at the Sam Miller Baseball Field in Jim Thorpe on Sunday.
Honored at the walk was Jennifer DeJesus of Jim Thorpe, who is battling breast cancer.
The walk was sponsored by the Sam Miller Association. There were food vendors on site, cancer related organizations, a basket raffle, and a disc jockey.
DeJesus is optimistic about her battle with cancer, saying she completed her chemotherapy in June and is presently undergoing radiation treatment. She said she is originally from New Jersey and moved to Jim Thorpe with her husband, Fernando, about four years ago.
Saying how much she loves living in Jim Thorpe, she said, “I came from a pretty hectic area in New Jersey. Here everyone knows you. It’s great. I do love this community.”
She said she was drawn to Jim Thorpe while looking to live closer to her mother, Beth Dalmas, of Emmaus.
“We looked at a bunch of houses in different areas,” she said. “We found one in Jim Thorpe and fell in love with it.”
Of the walk held in her honor, she said, “The amount of support you get in this town, it’s insane.”
The DJ was Dave Gasker of 4D Karaoke, who volunteered his services.
Many of the marchers were cancer survivors.
Among them was Jamie Solomon of Jim Thorpe. Jamie and her husband, Bill, were among committee members who worked for hours decorating tents in pink balloons, printing the walk route around the baseball field and organizing the event.
Also walking was Peggy Sue O’Donnell, who several years ago battled cancer and was a “Courage Award” recipient from the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Among the organizations present giving the walkers gifts and literature were the Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute, which is part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, and Perfect Balance in Lehighton.
Some of the marchers spoke with personnel from the Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute about effects of cancer other than the medical treatment, such as depression and the feeling of hopelessness.
Robyn Plesniarski of the Cancer Institute explained the importance of emotional support to cancer victims.
Sandy Reese ran the basket raffle. Leroy Strohl is president of the Sam Miller Association.
An evening candle lighting and launch was held at the conclusion of the event.
