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MEDIA RELEASE

CONTACT:
Cindy Ficorelli
Phone: (810) 606-6270
Fax: (810) 606-6279
caficorelli@genesys.org

08/07/2007

Reunion with a Cause helps cancer victims

(GENESEE COUNTY, MI) "If if weren't for Genesys discovering I had cancer, I might not be here," announces Holly resident Charlene Wright.
"What would people like me, who are going through something like this, do if it weren't for organizations like Genesys," reports Montrose resident Sara Gibson.

"It's amazing to me that people I don't even know have been so helpful and supportive," finds Fenton Township resident Dale Caten.

These individuals and hundreds more have benefitted from Genesys cancer services and Reunion with a Cause, an annual event held at the Holly High School track to raise funds for cancer patients and families.

This year's walk takes place Friday, Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the high school, located at 6161 E. Holly Road in Holly.

Funds raised are used to help cancer patients like Charlene Wright, Sara Gibson and Dale Caten. Wright was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1997 when Genesys first opened at Health Park. She thought she had pneumonia but Genesys doctors learned she was a victim of cancer.

Gibson was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in March 2005. Despite extensive treatments, the cancer has spread throughout her body. She remains optimistic and inspired by the generosity of others. Funds from the Reunion with a Cause have helped pay for her truck, mortgage and a ramp leading to her front door.

Caten, a retired deputy fire chief, was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. It has since spread from his colon to his liver and spine. Reunion with a Cause funds have paid for groceries and health insurance premiums.

Others have chosen to donate time to help with the event's success. Holly residents Louise Warner and her mother Laura Rowe help fold the thousands of luminaries used to line the track during the reunion walk. Warner, 81, is blind. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. Her mother, who will turn 101 this year, walked in the reunion last year with her daughter. This year, she has chosen to help prepare some 2,000 luminaries for the walk since her failing health prevents her from walking.

"I help anywhere I can," Rowe says. "At my age I can't do a lot anymore, but I want to do what I can as long as I can."

The evening begins with cancer survivors walking the first lap on the Holly High School track, followed by a cancer survivor celebration and candle lighting ceremony, family activities, music and refreshments. Douglas Iddings, DO, surgical oncologist at Genesys, will kick off the evening with a short talk of hope for cancer victims.

Last year's walk raised more than $52,000 - a recordbreaking amount! Proceeds were used to help patients pay for transportation to and from cancer treatments, medication, medical equipment, rental equipment such as wheelchairs, private pay aides and other special needs not covered by health insurance.

Family members, friends and other supporters celebrate this event with their loved ones - an event that "symbolizes hope for those afflicted with cancer," notes Nick Evans, vice president of the Genesys Health Foundation. "It's a fun-filled night to celebrate and commemorate those lives touched by cancer, and raise funds to support these individuals and programs to help them and their family members. Everyone in the community is invited to show their support by attending this event."

For more information about Reunion with a Cause, call the Genesys Health Foundation at 810-606-5138.

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