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You all know that I've been a dog lover since childhood. Now I get to use my love of dogs to do some good for the American Cancer Society. My dog partner, Amos, and I will be walking 30 miles during November to support the following people who are bravely fighting the cancer battle:
- John Staar
- Tim Peters
- Helene Wutz
- Rosemarie Schaeffer
- Alvin (Bunk) Searles
- Oliver, 8 years old
Unfortunately, we've all lost someone to cancer. Here are some of the brave fighters I'm honoring who remain alive in our hearts forever. This one is for them too:
- Kathy Cesek
- Susanna Ford
- Monika Gerent
- Irene Dopart
- Mike Brown
- Andy Bormeth
- Dorothy Piper
- Ron Novotny
About the dog: I met Amos after he was pulled from a kill shelter and was being fostered by my friend, Mary. He had been disappointed by more than a few people and had little faith left. If I didn't already have 2 rescue dogs, I would have gladly adopted him. But I took him for a walk every day and told him to hang on because the right person would come along and change his life forever. That day finally came and he's now living the dream. Special thanks to Brandon L, for adopting him, loving him, and loaning him to me for this cause!
P.S. I know some of you have won the battle with cancer but I'm not going to jinx you by naming you. You know who you are and so do I. Great job!
I hope you'll join me in contributing to the fight against cancer. Please forward this page to anyone you know who may want to honor someone with a tax deductible contribution. And God bless all of you who have provided dogs (and other animals) with a loving home.
PROGRESS:
11/4/2025: 3.1 miles Completed the 5k Fitness Trail at Papago Park dedicated to Leukemia Fighters John Staar, Bunk Searles, and Oliver (age 8). Keep up the fight!
11/6/2025: . 3.07 miles dedicated to the memory of my cousin, Susanna Ford (breast cancer) completed at Veteran's Oasis Park
11/7/2025: 3.7 miles dedicated to the memory of my aunt, Irene Dopart (colon cancer). Completed the Tempe Town Lake loop. Bridge Over Troubled Waters
11/8/2025 Completed 4.27 miles at Riparian Preserve in Gilbert AZ dedicated to the badass, Tim Peters, who is bravely fighting Esophagus Cancer. #Warrior!
11/9/2025 Completed 2.58 miles at Double Butte Trail at Papago Park. Dedicated to Helene Wutz, Rosemarie Schaeffer, and Kendall. Kendall is a stranger that I walked up to and asked her to take my video dedication (link below). When the video was done, she told me she also has breast cancer and is in remission. Quite an emotional moment. We pray for Kendall and all Breast Cancer fighters!
**Taking a week off now to go back to Sweet Home Chicago, but I'll be back on the trail after the 17th
11/19/2025 Completed 2.77 miles at Discovery Park in Gilbert AZ, dedicated to Mike Brown and Lung Cancer fighters!
ONLY 10.5 MILES TO GO!
11/21/2025 Completed 2.8 miles at Desert Breeze Park dedicated to my aunt, Monika Gerent
11/24/2025 Completed 4.2 miles at Hawes Loop, dedicated to my childhood friend, Andy Bormeth and Prostate Cancer fighters! Our toughest hike to date!
11/25/2025 Completed 2.2 miles at the Pima Wash in South Mountain Park. Dedicated to 2 of the best friends anyone could ask for. Dorothy Piper, my ride or die who lost her life to lung cancer at age 52. Her last words to me "you know I love you, right?" And Ron Novotny, who I met when I was just 18 and was my loyal and trusted friend for over 30 years. I'm still honored to be the only person he asked to see on his deathbed when he lost his life to Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I miss you both every damn day. Blessed that you both loved me. ❤️
11/28/2025 Completed 4.6 miles at the Blevins Trail & Cat's Peak at Usery Mountain Park dedicated to Kathy Cesek, and glioblastoma. It was the most beautiful hike I've ever been on and I'm so glad I picked this one for my Tante Kathy!
THAT'S A WRAP! 33 MILES OF HIKING FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND MY BELOVED FRIENDS AND FAMILY. MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED AND SUPPORTED ME.