County “Bark for Life” Event on Orcas July 17

The American Cancer Society’s 2010 Bark For Life of San Juan County will take place, starting at Orcas Island High School next Saturday, July 17th,  at  10 a.m. Participants and onlookers will walk to the Orcas Island Dog Park just east of the Orcas airport. The event will conclude at 2 p.m.

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life^TM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

Taryn Somers, Community Relationship Manager for the Great West Division of that American Cancer Society,  said recently on Orcas Island, “The Bark for Life will be uniquely Orcas;  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.

Registration for the event is $10 for each dog in advance at Eastsound busineses Pawki’s and Aesthetica, and $25 for day-of registration.

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.

To register for the event, go to main.acsevents.orcas. For further information, contact Orcas  Bark For Life Chair Lori Wix at  aesthetica@rockisland.com or 360-376-7602

The County-wide “Relay for Life” will take place on San Juan Island the following weekend, Saturday, July 24 from 3 p.m to Sunday, July 25 at noon. To register for this event, go to acsevents.org/fridayharbor