MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Small steps in Mitchell can turn into giant leaps for local residents diagnosed with cancer Friday evening.
The annual Heart and Sole Cancer Walk kicks off with opening ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. The event takes place at Hitchcock Park. All proceeds go to cancer victims. They can use them for unexpected costs not covered by insurance, to help pay bills, or avoid dipping into savings even as they miss work during treatment.
Luminaries will line the walking path, serving as a powerful reminder about the local toll that cancer has taken on area communities. Away from the track, a food stand and play area for kids will be set up. Organizers plan to have music playing and a raffle is also scheduled to help raise money, on top of the fundraising already being done by different groups in the lead up to the event.
The co-chairs for the walk are Patty Garcia, Bryan Doorn, and Christina Stanley. Garcia is described by coworkers as being kind with an infectious laugh.
Doorn talks about his battle with the disease. “Cancer turns your life upside down, and there are days we don’t know how we can get through this, but we just keep going and praying and celebrating the good days.”
Stanley is a cancer survivor, but the issue is still a passion for her. “I know I was lucky, and I am beyond grateful for my results. Early detection is crucial, and I will forever promote colonoscopies and other tests that will save lives.”
