06
vernonia’s
voice
june
special events
2007
“we will” cont.
a sliding scale so people of all income levels can benefit.
Riders paid an entrance fee to participate and then raised
funds individually by finding sponsors to make donations.
The funds raised will be used to subsidize programs of sup-
port in their own communities. One rider raised over $5,000,
with another individual raising almost $4,000.
Organizer, Carol Lundin said, “The weekend was
fantastic! People were very happy. I know it’s a good event
when people start asking about dates for next year, and how
they can volunteer again.”
One of the riders involved was local resident Dana
Hyde. Ms. Hyde, not an active bicyclist, created a challeng-
ing goal for herself, a special 10-mile power loop. She rode
with a cancer survivor, who acted as her coach for the ride.
“It was a reverse of the normal survivor/ supporter relation-
ship,” said Ms. Lundin. “In this situation the survivor got to
be the supporter. It was a powerful experience for both of
them.” Said Hyde, “I lost my sister five years ago to cancer.
This community was so supportive and helpful during that
time – I just wanted to be able to give back. It was a wonder-
ful experience.” Hyde raised $700, which will be available
to assist local Vernonia residents who want to participate in
Art
Gifts
healing programs.
The event was planned and organized in Vernonia
through an association with local message therapist Heath-
er Lewis, who runs New Day Message Studio, and is the
founder of Alethia Holistic Institute, which holds education-
al workshops and retreats in the Vernonia area. Lewis, who
is one of only two certified lymphodema massage therapists
in the state of Oregon, has a history of working with cancer
patients. She has five clients in Vernonia who are cancer sur-
vivors, so she is especially interested in this cause. “Carol
contacted me looking for someone in town to help organize
events here. We immediately clicked. We started talking
about similar goals- promoting awareness and involvement,
helping cancer patients regain their health, getting other
health care providers involved,” said Lewis. “It appeared
the community of Vernonia was ready to serve and support,”
said Ms. Lundin.
The story leading up to the “We Will Because We
Can” event is an interesting one. Carol Lundin, a breast Can-
cer survivor herself, began working to raise awareness after
her sister passed away from cancer in 1991 at the age of 44.
Carol, who is from New Hampshire has always been active,
“I used bicycling as a way to heal the pain from my loss,”
she said. During a weeklong
breast cancer awareness bike
ride in the Grand Tetons, she
met some women from East-
ern Oregon, including Rebec-
ca Hawkins from Pendelton.
The two women began talking
about creating a cancer aware-
ness/healing/support organi-
zation. Together they formed
The Breast Cancer Renewal
Project and planned their first
retreat in Oregon. Carol de-
cided to ride her bike from
New Hampshire to Oregon
for that first event to increase
awareness. She called the ride
“I Will Because I Can.”
Almost
immediately
the organization decided to
include all cancer survivors
in its mission and changed
it’s name to “The Cancer
Community Renewal Proj-
ect.” The project encourages
and supports creation of pro-
grams based within communi-
ties, and involves local busi-
nesses, wellness providers,
and local organizations. The
money raised is intended to
stay within the communities
being served. Survivors of
cancer can apply for help from
the organization and receive
funds for therapies or exer-
cise programs not covered by
insurance. “Patients who have
survived cancer surgery, radi-
ation therapy, chemotherapy...
they spend so much time and
energy fighting. These pro-
grams help them refocus on
life, help them get back to liv-
ing each day,” said Lewis.
In 2004 Carol herself
was diagnosed with cancer,
and after receiving treatment, decided she wanted to ride
with other survivors. The idea for “We Will Because We
Can” was created as a way to do more in partnership with
communities. She has been planning it for a year and a half.
Participants began gathering at Cedar Ridge on Fri-
day, May 31, in the evening. There were numerous options
available for participants Saturday and Sunday, including a
10-mile family ride on the Linear Trail, a 25 mile out-and-
back ride to Keasey, and a 61 or 75-mile loop rides. After-
wards riders gathered on the Vernonia school grounds for a
variety of workshops including Jazzercize, body composi-
tion, and yoga. Health professionals also spoke on the ben-
efits of massage therapy, and naturopathic medicine.
“One thing that is important about this weekend, is
that we involve cancer survivors, as well as supporters,” said
Lundin. “This ride is about helping people find strength and
resiliency. It’s about trusting enough and allowing yourself
to be supported.” One example was a survivor who recently
finished treatment. “She was here to be a part of this event,
and was only able to ride six miles today. That’s what this
is about, building strength, and pushing yourself and being
given the support you need.”
Another woman involved in organizing the event
was Ellee Thalheimer. She was in charge of logistics and
planned the bike routes. “Carol and I shared the organiz-
ing duties – she does an amazing job of getting sponsorship
and community involvement,” said Ms. Thalheimer. Ellee,
a bicycling tour guide by profession said, “The rides went
perfectly. I don’t think we had any problems all day. It was
amazing!” A group of riders stayed at Cedar Ridge Saturday
night, with a dinner and celebration that went into the eve-
ning.
“We would like to grow with Vernonia. This is a
place that offers us a lot of opportunities – with the new state
park, the linear trails, your skills park coming. We would
love to come back and do this event again next year, but we
also want to start other programs and projects that help serve
this community throughout the coming year,” said Lundin.
“All of our programs are a little bit different. But when you
bring people away to someplace beautiful, that’s when heal-
ing happens.”
Buckleberry Cottage
AND
Out On A Limb
Home decor
Collectables
Cottage Garden
S (503)429-0706
919 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR, 97064
Wednesday to Sat 10-5, Sundays noon-4