July 23, 2009

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center Staff  Support Relay for Life

Springfield, OR –For the past five years two young mothers have dedicated themselves to fund-raising for the American Cancer Society.  Hoping to help contribute to putting an end to cancer, Heather Cook and her sister Kim Tracy participate in year-long fundraising events, such as car washes, garage sales and pizza parties. Annually, their efforts culminate in a team of family and friends participating in the annual Relay for Life event at Lane Community College.

“My sister and I have been touched profoundly by cancer,” states Heather Cook, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Staff Director, “and we desperately want to put an end to this disease.” When Cook was 14 and Tracy 16, their mother was diagnosed with cancer and died after battling the disease for 3 years. In 2000 their grandfather died from cancer, 2007 Cook’s mother-in-law, and then in 2008, their father.

“In supporting the ACS fight against cancer,” Cook says, “we find support for our grieving, as well as emotional healing for ourselves and our families.” Their annual Relay for Life Team consists of their younger brother (only 3 when their mother died), Tracy and her four children, Cook and her two, along with other family and friends.

“Every year at the Relay for Life event, we meet again with other teams who are in the fight with us to find a cure. The event is amazing. To be in a place for 24 hours with thousands of people who are working for the same goal is life changing,” Cook concludes. “We share memories and experiences, remember our loved ones, both those lost to the disease and those who may one day encounter cancer, plus raise funds for research. It is heartwarming, fun and deeply meaningful for us, connecting and supporting each other, while helping raise awareness and funding for the search for a cure.”

In addition to our Medical Director’s family team, McKenzie-Willamette has a hospital-sponsored staff team. Twenty team members, comprised of employees and their families, have raised around $1500. Their goal is to raise $2500 by the end of July. You can find out more and support the hospital team at website esrfl.org; look for team “McKenzie Willamette Workers United Against Cancer.”