There are a number of cancer-fighting efforts and foundations, but the funds raised through the LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride, Walk for the Cure fill a unique niche. Those who have been diagnosed with cancer can apply for a grant from the LaRena Smith Bengoa Foundation to help with costs associated with cancer treatment. Foundation grants helped 26 people this year.
The Run, Ride, Walk event drew about 300 participants this year. One six-member Winnemucca team handed in $700 in donations - collected from their friends and family. A large 16-member team traveled all the way in from Kings River to participate.
Amorita Maher, who helped to start the LaRena Smith Bengoa Foundation to remember her friend, LaRena, who died of cancer, said organizers were very pleased with both the turn-out of people and the amount of money raised, totaling nearly $27,000 this year. She also really liked this year's theme, "Celebrate Life" and noted it was great to have a number of cancer survivors to celebrate.
The opening ceremonies also included a moment of silence to remember those lost this year to cancer.
Richard and Shauna Smith were celebrating her second year cancer-free. In the opening ceremony, Richard said, "You're all here because you've heard that word - the devastating word that turns your world upside down: cancer. God forbid someone you love gets cancer, but if so, these people will be here for you and we thank you for being here for them."
Shauna Smith said the timing of the race couldn't have been more perfect. "It was a great Mother's Day gift to see all the people who turned out to the LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride, Walk for the Cure, to participate and raise money." Smith's framed thank you note, written on hotel note paper, was a centerpiece for this year's event.
As she looked out over the crowd she said, "I see heroes, warriors, and angels and the words 'thank you' doesn't begin to cover it. I thought I wasn't going to be able to raise my little boy, and now I am going to get to raise him in a community that will show him what compassion, strength, courage and community mean."
In addition to those who attended the Run, Ride, Walk event the Saturday before Mothers' Day, there are many more who contribute money, time and support to the effort. Organizational, business and corporate sponsors make the foundation's help for individuals and families possible. The money for transportation, the food needed on treatment trips, for bills, for medicine, for the needs that no other source of help covers, is accompanied by the support and encouragement of all the people who have battled the same foe on behalf of themselves or their loved ones.
Contact Joyce Sheen at j.sheen@winnemuccapublishing.net
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