This past month, a group of Lincoln County residents gathered together with their families to help raise money for breast cancer research. This was done not only in memory of individuals who have previously suffered from the disease, but as a way to help support others who are currently afflicted. The cancer walk is a tradition that has been around for as long as anyone can remember, and it started with a group of three like-minded friends.

While those involved aren’t sure exactly which year they first began the tradition, they know that it began with Lisa Lytle, Paula Foht and Patricia Crosthwait. Lytle recalls that they had begun the cancer walk even before they found out that Foht had breast cancer, but when it struck one of their friends, the need to continue became much more personal.

This past month was no exception to this, as members of Crosthwait’s family and others from around the county donated and participated in their own way and at their own pace. According to Shelli Lange, Patricia Crosthwait’s daughter and the person in charge of the cancer walk the last few years, “In total, with [Eagle Valley Resort’s] donations, we are donating $1,500. Five hundred to Susan G. Komen and $1,000 to Shannon Kearsley.”

As mentioned above, the donations are not merely given away to large organizations, but are also used to help improve the lives of individuals within the community. According to an email from Lange, “We have decided that donating to an individual who needs help is a priority. Next year, probably the month of August, we will be asking people to nominate an individual who is suffering from this disease who needs help. In September, we will notify the person who has been chosen, and the month of October will be spent collecting donations.”

Participation not only helped members of the community get out and put a dent in their daily steps, but it also came with an entry into a raffle. According to Lange, prizes included, “$100 [cash], $50 [cash], VGK slippers, perfume, and many types of electronic components (earpods, cables, etc).”

Next year’s event is already being planned, and is scheduled to take place on the same weekend as this year’s.