No Party but Jaltemba Cancer Walk Still Saving Lives
Tara A. Spears
Although there was no Cancer Walk party it was sorely missed by the hundreds of loyal supporters that usually attend the yearly February event. But, with dedication and diligence, the Jaltemba Walk Against Cancer cochairs and their team of volunteers are still promoting early detection of cancer. Thus far in 2021 two of the many women who took advantage of the free diagnostic testing had the dreaded results of indicated cancer. Fortunately, she is able to pursue treatment while in the early stages of the disease. Now for the twelfth year of operation, Cancer Walk continues to operate year round reaching out to low income women of Jaltemba Bay.
To those who haven’t attended the pink parade and street party, the idea originated with Dorothy Bell. She organized the first Cancer Walk with proceeds to assist Marlena with breast cancer expenses and half going to the Cancer de Mama Clinic group. It was so well attended that it was decided to continue; restaurateur Hinde pledged financial support until 2020. The fun but meaningful fundraiser grew exponentially as word got out.
It is vital that the public recognize the reason for the event’s success is due to its purpose and an operating plan than focused on limiting expenses to the bare minimum. The Cancer Walk’s main objectives have always been to use funds generated from the annual Cancer Walk event food sales, event ticket sales, auction sale proceeds and donations to provide education about the benefits of early detection- hence wearing extravagant bras outside clothing and marching through the community. The other dominant objective is to provide free mammograms and cervical cancer tests to those without health insurance.
Cancer Walk Initiatives: The current Cancer Walk funding goals are to provide free mammogram/ ultrasound breast screening and free cervical cancer testing to low income/ high risk Mexican women in our area. In addition, 2021 opens assistance to men and children with cancer as well as limited financial help for those going through chemo. If you know someone please refer them to Dra. Lydiana Flores, 322 289 0456, or Patty Hueso 322 171 2656. Each applicant must provide documentation from cancer doctor and will be evaluated case by case.
People often ask why I volunteer. It’s simple; I receive so much spiritually from working with others in order to help others. Every day that I can walk, think, do for others I feel so lucky, so happy! I have met so many wonderful people through volunteering it is motivating to me to get to see each person again.
Thank you to the fantastic people that have volunteered for TEN YEARS for the parade and street dance. It is on your behalf that I carry on during the summer- hugs to all for caring! The following are photos of the awesome 10 years of service folks. If I miss you it’s not intentional. In order: the hamburger servers; sponsors/cochairs; 50/50 raffle ticket seller/ sometime MC; the beer servers; food ticket sellers; amazing number ladies that do the counting (10 years!!); music master Adan for getting everyone up and dancing; and parade leader Mr. Hahn (far right in tutu).
What makes the Jaltemba Walk Against Cancer so popular with local visitors and residents is that this event celebrates life. It is an afternoon to hang with friends, knowing that this good time has benefits that continue all year long as local women receive free cancer screening! It is so impressive to see hundreds of people of both genders, all nationalities, and all ages, hike through the area wearing pink or snazzy bras!
Our wild, sweaty, fun street party does have a major impact all year long. Even though the pandemic changed the world’s approach to living, female cancer is still prevalent in our tropical paradise. The ten years of Cancer Walks continues to serve the community by providing mobility aids (walkers, canes, wheel chair) to those in need besides our ongoing free mammogram program. New for 2021, Cancer Walk is also providing financial assistance to two women battling cancer.
To all those that reached deep to support our cause, hugs to these kind hearts that dressed in pink and celebrated life- thank you all!
