By Cheryl D. Hart
Sometimes life hands us unexpected challenges that test our faith, character and resiliency. There are times that we would like to run away from these adversities but there is no place to hide, not enough strength, and no one with whom to share the struggle. Cancer is one of those unwelcome surprises.
Gilda Radner, comedian and star of “Saturday Night Live,” once said that, “No one should have to face cancer alone.” When Radner died of ovarian cancer at the age of 43, her husband Gene Wilder and Joanna Bull, Radner's cancer psychotherapist, opened the first “red door” club in 1995. In keeping with her wish, Gilda's Club Louisville, one of 28 in the country, will accept the mission “to provide a free, non-residential place where children and adults with cancer, along with their families and friends, join with others to build essential social and emotional support.” People of any age, with any type of cancer are welcome, free of charge.
The club, scheduled to open in June at 633 Baxter Ave., will provide a myriad of fun activities, lectures and workshops designed to suit members' needs, including yoga, art classes, book clubs and mind-centering. There is even a “Noogieland” where children and teens with cancer, or whose parent or sibling has cancer, can feel comfortable and get the support they need.
In an effort to raise money in support of the club, Kentuckiana Healthy Woman Magazine presents “The First Annual Roseannadanna Fun Run,” a 10K (6.2 mile) run and 5K (3.1 mile) walk to be held May 19 at 8 a.m. The race will start and finish at the Ultimate Sports Basketball Academy at the Eastpointe Business Center, 2401 Stanley Gault Parkway.
You can pre-register online at active.com or by going to gildasclublouisville.org, where you will find the link for the fun run and walk. The cost for registration is $20 per person, $10 for youth (under 18) and after May 13, the fee is $25, $12 for youth. The first 500 registrants are assured a moisture release shirt with registration. Race day registration is from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 am.
The 10K course will consist of two loops, on mostly flat roads. The 5K walk will cover one loop. Hind will provide water bottles for the water stops and Great Harvest will offer muffins, scones and fruit afterwards. Heine Brothers will be serving up coffee. Grand Comedian Terry Meiners, with WHAS radio, is guaranteed to entertain and inspire the crowd.
The event also features a health fair with vendors providing screening, educational materials and other health-related services.
Once registered, you may pick up your race packet May 17-18 from 2 p.m.–8 p.m. at Moxie Active Wear for Women, located at 12003 Shelbyville Road, Suite 104. Late, walk-in registration will also be available at Moxie at those times.
Tammy Wingo, race director and owner of Moxie, has special reasons for getting involved in the Roseannadanna Fun Run. First of all, the word “moxie” means having the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage. Many of the individuals who have dedicated themselves to the Gilda Club Louisville understand the struggle to find courage, having faced cancer themselves or with a loved one. And Wingo is one of them.
“Ten years ago this year, my mother succumbed to cancer after a long, difficult struggle,” explains Wingo. “Not long before my mom was diagnosed, I read Gilda Radner's book on her diagnosis of ovarian cancer and the months that followed. Oddly, many of the problems my mother experienced mirrored Gilda's — aloneness, lack of information, and so on. Since that time, I have looked for some material way to support those that continue to battle cancer.”
Wingo added, “Gilda's Club brings attention to the need for emotional support during what is often perceived as just a physical challenge. And, the support it provides is for not only those struggling with cancer, but their families as well. During my mother's illness, I found myself starving for information but found very little available. Gilda's Club could have met that need not only for me, but also for my entire family. Proceeds from the Roseannadanna Fun Run will go directly to Gilda's Club Louisville. What a way to give back and at the same time encourage a healthy, positive activity.”
Gilda's Club needs your help to open the red door. If you would like to contribute to the Gilda's Club Louisville, but can not participate in the Fun Run, please call (502) 583-0075 or send your donation to Gilda's Club Louisville, P.O. Box 4061, Louisville, Ky., 40204-4061.
