June 8, 2005

Relay honors cancer victims

51 teams participate in 24-hour benefit for cancer society

By
Herald staff writer

      Participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life is bittersweet for the nursing staff of East 2 surgical floor at Munson Medical Center.
      The group of eight nurses and aides was one of 51 teams to participate in the fund-raiser held on Saturday and Sunday at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. As the signature fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society, the event raises most of the funds used for research, advocacy and other programs.
      "This is another way to support our patients, rather than just the short time we take care of them in the hospital," said team captain, Mariah Powell, RN of Interlochen.
      Teammate Bev Kuhlman, LPN has a more personal reason to participate in the event.
      "It is very emotional. I see so many names I recognize on the luminarias," said Kuhlman, a breast cancer survivor. Luminarias, that burn throughout the night, light the path with each light honoring someone who has battled cancer.
      "I see people I know and haven't seen in a while. I'm glad to see the people that are still doing so well," Kuhlman said.
      Kuhlman, who was diagnosed three years ago, has been coming to the event since her diagnosis. This year she was pleased to be one of 144 survivors who participated in the survivor's walk.
      "There is so much enthusiasm when you see all the survivors walking together," Kuhlman said. "It shows that there can be good times again, after a diagnosis."
      Kuhlman credits fellow teammate Kathy Connor, RN with helping her make it through the tough times following her diagnosis.
      "Kathy was my mentor. She was the first person I called when I got the diagnosis. She was so upbeat and helped me relate to people. Now I can be a mentor for women who are newly diagnosed - I've 'been there, done that'," Kuhlman said.
      Connor, who takes her role as nurse, friend and mentor seriously, finds participating in the relay an uplifting experience.
      "It is very moving, emotional and gratifying. It makes you feel spirited," Connor said.