Dancing to their own tune
Committee members for the Run for the Roses come from all walks of life, but each has a common bond that will forever connect them: They all have been touched by cancer in some capacity.
That’s why they are making it their mission to raise as much money as possible during the American Cancer Society’s 19th annual dinner-dance, which will be held Saturday at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe.
The event is held in memory of Craig Gnagey Sr., a founding member of the dinner-dance committee, and all those who lost their battle against cancer, in addition to honoring all cancer survivors.
Gnagey attended the first dance before passing away a few months later in July. However, Gnagey’s wife, Karen, and his four children have been very supportive ever since, and this year, his daughter Sara, along with Pastor Gary Gibson, are serving as co-chairs, taking the reins from Sara’s sister, Lauren.
Even though Sara was too young to attend the first couple of dances, she recalls how she and her three siblings would color fliers or cut out ornaments for the dinner-dance to help defray the cost.
The first dance raised $1,200. Last year, $64,000 was raised, and this year’s goal is $71,000.
“The dedication and determination of the Gnagey family and how steadfast they’ve been in their support have been really unbelievable,” said Margie Smith, community events specialist with the American Cancer Society, East Central Division, in Washington.
Gibson, pastor of North Buffalo Presbyterian Church and president of the American Cancer Society board of directors, has been a hospice chaplain for 25 years.
“We all have a community connection,” Gibson said, referring to the committee members. “That’s what drives us. It’s part of everyday life for me.”
Gibson developed a passion for ministering to those with cancer when he was at Ruby Memorial Hospital at a time when bone marrow transplant patients spent three to six months in isolation.
“It really touches everybody,” said Gibson, whose father is a cancer survivor. “I’ve been given the opportunity to walk with someone with cancer. I’ve had so many opportunities to be part of people’s lives. Support more than anything else is what they need.”
Karin Evans of Canonsburg knows all too well how important that support can be. Evans was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2013. She had a lumpectomy one month later, and in October 2013, she began treatment at the UPMC Cancer Center in Washington. It was there that she met radiation therapist Angela Eustis.
The two not only have become good friends, but they also are serving on the dance committee.
“When Angela was treating me, I saw a big, empty container on a blanket warmer for the patient fund,” Evans said.
So, she inquired about it. Turns out, the staff at the UPMC Cancer Center started the fund to help patients who struggle to make their medical co-payments, pay utility bills and buy food or gas. Donations in any amount are accepted, so Karin gave $20 “here and there.”
“It’s a large petty cash fund,” Eustis said.
Evans also is co-owner of Spotlight Business Branding in Imperial, so she provides T-shirts at cost – or less – for the group known as the Radiation Warriors at the cancer center. Shirts are solds throughout the department, and all proceeds benefit the patient fund.
And Evans didn’t stop there. She has held two fundraisers so she could purchase tables for those who would like to attend the dinner-dance to honor their loved ones but can’t afford it to go. Evans fell short of raising enough money to pay for two tribute tables, but Evans’ oncologist paid the difference.
“I was fortunate. I have very good insurance. I didn’t have to worry about treatment,” Evans said. “I have been blessed, but there is always somebody out there who needs something.”
Eustis remembers well Evans’ daily treatments. She said Evans wore a different Harley Davidson T-shirt during each of her 30-plus days at the cancer center. She also has been impressed with Evans’ attitude.
“It’s not the disease that defines you,” Eustis said, “but what you do after that. Let that be the driving force.”
Four couples will be vying for the mirror ball dance trophy. Ralph Chicone and his daughter, Megan, will be returning to defend their title. They will be joined by Dillon Spencer and his girlfriend, Chelsea Hardy; Dave and Beth Endres; and Tim Hassett, who will dance with either Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan or one of her daughters.