The American Cancer Society will host an Open House on Monday, May 24 at the Public Library, where Orcas Islanders can learn more about two upcoming county events — the Relay for Life in Friday Harbor, and the new Bark for Life on Orcas Island.
After hosting a Relay for Life event on both Orcas and San Juan Islands the last two years, the American Cancer Society has decided to focus on one county Relay event, on July 23-24, and to initiate a new Orcas event — Bark for Life — on July 17, according to Taryn Somers, Community Relationship Manager for the Great West Division of that American Cancer Society.
By having two county events, both islands will be able to inspire and support each other, Somers says, adding that Friday Harbor residents will be coming to Orcas for the Bark for Life event.
“The Bark for Life will be uniquely Orcas,” says Somers, “I’m excited about launching the event here and recognizing the uniqueness of the community. We recognize dogs as our family, our companions, our caregivers — and as cancer patients and survivors themselves.” She notes that research dollars benefit humans and animals.
On July 17 there will be a walk through town from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at the High School and ending at the Dog Park just west of North Beach Road off Mount Baker Road.
Registration for the event is $10 for each dog in advance at Eastsound busineses Pawki’s and Aesthetica, and $25 for day-of registration. Bandanas for dogs in all shapes and sizes will be distributed, as will “Bark for Life” canvas bags.
The goal is for each dog-owner “team” to raise $100 in support, with an overall target of $7,500. “People want to shoot for the stars — and they definitely should!” says Somers.
Programs that benefit from the fundraisers operate on many levels: events, counseling, transportation and cosmetology among them. “Look Good, Feel Better,” addresses the cosmetic effects of cancer treatment, “which can be brutal — hair loss, dry skin and membranes,” says Somers. Another program supported is “Road to Recovery” where volunteer drivers are enlisted to accompany cancer patients to their treatments.
Support groups such as “Reach for Recovery” for breast cancer patients and a similar group for prostate cancer patients also benefit from funds raised at such events as Bark for Life and Relay for Life. Camp Good Times gives child patients and their siblings a respite from the regimens of cancer treatment.
“All of these programs, as well as research, have a significant impact on dealing with and finding a cure for, cancer in our lifetime,” says Somers.
The Monday, May 24 Open House will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Public Library. It will serve as an opportunity for individuals to come in and pick up information about the Bark For Life on Orcas Island July 17th from 10 am-2 pm, and Relay For Life in Friday Harbor July 24th-25th from 3 pm-noon.
Somers says, “Anyone who is interested in learning more about this year’s events can stop by, enjoy some refreshments, ask questions, and gather information! If you’re interested in learning more today, the website for Bark For Life is www.relayforlife.org/barkorcasisland. The website for the county-wide Relay For Life is www.relayforlifeoffridayharbor.org. Somers may be reached by email at taryn.somers@cancer.org or 425-322-1103.
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