LAC event raises more than $11K
Published 10:47 am Monday, June 9, 2014
Emily Kiefer and her grandchildren pose during their first Squeeze Out Cancer event during Adams Dairy Days Saturday. Kiefer said they had an excellent first year. Proceeds go to the Lyle Area Cancer Auction. — Photo provided by Emily Kiefer
The Halfway to January Cancer Bash was a success, thanks in part to an abundance of participants and donations this past Saturday.
“It was very successful,” head organizer Tracy (Cooling) Schilling said. “It was just unbelievable. Unbelievable. There’s just no words for it. Very, very successful.”
The event raised more than $11,000 for the annual Lyle Area Cancer Auction, which takes place next January.
Larry Ricke, Tracy Schilling and auctioneer Mic Brooks learn an Autum Blaze Maple, purchased by volunteers, sold for $440 at the Halfway to January Cancer Bash at the Lyle American Legion Saturday. — Photo provided by Betty Fisher
The event held special significance for Schilling. In 2004, Schilling was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she beat. She then organized the Halfway to January Cancer Bash in 2006. Doctors diagnosed Schilling with signet cell cancer — a rare, aggressive type of stomach cancer — in 2012. Doctors diagnosed her with metastatic colon cancer in 2013 and recently found cancer lesions on her spine.
Schilling was excited to help organize the eighth bash after last year’s was canceled as she battled cancer. She wanted to hold the bash last year, but instead a benefit was held to help Schilling with expenses after she was unable to work during treatments.
She may not be done with helping fundraisers just yet. She said she hopes to help with future Lyle Area Cancer events. Yet Schilling was very thankful for the many area businesses, residents, family and friends who helped with the Halfway to January event.
Riders participate in the Cruise for a Cure Saturday, part of the Lyle Area Cancer Auction. — Photo provided by Betty Fisher
“I’ve been on just a high, because this event just meant the world to me, and with the help of family, friends, my LAC family and friends, I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “I was bound and determined to make it happen.”
