By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Cancer runs deep and wide in the families of the Anderson sisters Jeanne Wingate and Sharon Converse.
Their parents died of pancreatic cancer. Wingate is a longtime survivor of ovarian cancer. They both also tested positive for Lynch syndrome, the mutated gene that significantly increases their risks of colorectal, endometrial, stomach, and ovarian cancers.
Though Wingate joined a Relay for Life team through her work in the early years after Wood County held its inaugural event in 1995, it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with cancer over 20 years ago that the Relay became personal.
Her family rallied around her fight and stood with her when Wingate’s work team morphed into her own team to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society in Wood County.
After years and years of participating in the Rally in support of Wingate, Converse now has even more reason to help raise funds for the cancer society.
Nearly two years ago, her husband, Don, started presenting symptoms of urinary tract infections, only to be diagnosed with bladder cancer. It was a gut punch after he had already been diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, and gone through and survived renal failure, a kidney transplant, and a quadruple heart bypass.
“We put the icing on the cake by giving him cancer,” Converse said. “We were facing going to Cleveland for treatment, which looked like a mountain to me.”
She was emotionally numb from the diagnosis, but also didn’t know how she would handle the costs given they would not be working. How would they afford expenses for the drive to and from Cleveland, treatment and living expenses while staying in Cleveland.
As she agonized over the burden of figuring it all out, a friend suggested she might be able to stay at the Hope Lodge not far from the Cleveland Clinic where he would have his surgery.
“I didn’t even know what it was,” she said of the Cleveland lodge, which is one of 30 American Cancer Society facilities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico that provides a free home away from home and supportive community for cancer patients and their caregivers.
When she called the number and explained the situation, she learned acceptance into Hope Lodge is not automatic. Though the facility is large, people from all over the world travel to Cleveland for cancer treatment, which means bookings are back-to-back and not finalized until at least a week before treatment.
“I prayed and prayed about it, but they called and said we were allowed to stay,” Converse said, recalling the immediate relief she felt.
Thy arrived at the Hope Lodge the night before his March 19, 2024 surgery.
“Everything they offer is unbelievable,” Converse said. The lodge is like a big hotel, “without a lot of frills and thrills.” The rooms are big, handicap accessible and guests have access to kitchens, designated space in a refrigerator and pantry, a dining area and an assortment of activities to fill time between treatments.
In addition to the accommodations, the community support was a lifesaver for her. She often was exhausted from spending long days in the hospital, and not necessarily in the mood to chat with other guests. On two occasions, though, she made connections that made her realize people are put into her life for a reason.
One night she came back to the safety of Hope Lodge ready to fall into bed, when she realized she had left her phone charger at the hospital. Exhaustion took over and she started crying until a man came over and offered to lend his charger so she didn’t have to return to the hospital.
On a morning when she just wanted to have breakfast and head to the hospital, a man started a conversation. Through the conversation, a bond formed when they learned they both had the mutated Lynch gene. Both interactions made her realize she was not alone. “God placed these people in my path to help me realize we are not alone, and that other people are hurting and going through similar experiences.”
A real aha moment for Converse came when she learned their six-night stay at Hope Lodge saved nearly $1,500 for what they would have paid in hotel costs.
“All I could think of was how all those years I’ve ‘Relayed’ and raised money for the American Cancer Society, but was not really sure where that money goes,” she said. “I suddenly saw where some of that money goes. Once you see your money firsthand at work, it makes sense why we do what we do.”
When she asks friends and family to donate to their Relay for Life team, she is better equipped to explain how the money does help local people. Funds support research but also stay local to help cover support services like the Hope Lodge and gas cards for travel expenses.
“I think when people hear that personal story and learn about the transportation to treatment or advocacy the American Cancer Society provides, they understand the importance of fundraising events like the Relay,” Wingate said.
This year’s Relay on Friday, May 16, has even more meaning for the family. Don had a one-year checkup and was cancer-free and is doing great. He will walk as a survivor, and Sharon will walk as a caregiver.
The family team, called the Amazing Ambulators, plans to share their stories and raise additional funds at their campsite. They will have bratwurst and sauerkraut, coney dogs and pudding cups with a construction theme available for a donation.
About the 2025 Wood County Relay for Life
This year, the Wood County Relay for Life is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Friday, May 16, from 4:30-10 p.m. in the Pratt Pavilion at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd. Bowling Green.
Sponsored by Wood County Hospital, the theme of this year’s relay is Building a Cancer Free Future. The event features activities such as a construction vest and hard hat fashion show, a scavenger hunt and the meaningful luminaria ceremony.
The event, once a 24-hour walk to support cancer survivors and caregivers, and honor those who have passed from the disease, has been shortened to 5 ½ hours to accommodate busy lifestyles and to encourage the public to attend.
The Relay includes special laps for cancer survivors and their caregivers and a poker lap.
While the event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and a tribute to individuals, families and friends impacted by cancer, there are activities for the entire family.
A Kids Fest is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. The purchase of a $10 wristband provides unlimited access to a bounce house, motorized animals and carnival-style games.
There are vendors and a craft show onsite as well.
The opening ceremony and welcome begin at 6 p.m., followed by the poker lap at 6:30 p.m., the Construction Vest and Hard Hat Fashion Show at 7:30 p.m., a scavenger hunt at 9 p.m. and the luminaria ceremony at 10 p.m.
Each of the participating teams has individual fundraising activities planned during the event, including a variety of food options and raffles.
The teams are listed below with their location and what they have planned:
– Campsite #1- Wonder Walkers: Coffee/tea/hot chocolate/water, quilt raffle, miscellaneous items
– Campsite #3 – Battling For Belle: Sweets
– Campsite #4 – The Eaglettes: Brats, Hot Dogs, chips, pop & water, miscellaneous items
– Campsite #5 – SEC Walking Warriors: 50/50 & miscellaneous items
– Campsite #6 – Nancy Ullum: Walking Tacos, baked potato bar & candy station
– Campsite #7 – Hope Brigade: Pop, water, popcorn
– Campsite #8 – Support Squad: Dilly Bars at the State Bank Gives Back Truck – donate $10 for a Dilly Bar & get three raffle tickets for their drawings – Legos, Homework Tote, Pink Tools. Additionally purchase $20 inspirational bricks or order a custom engraved brick for pick up at Round n Round Gifts
– Campsite #9 – Trinity United Methodist Church: Pies
– Campsite #10 – SnowStrong: Brownies, pop, water, & sports raffles
– Campsite #11 – Amazing Ambulators: Brats from Frobose Meat Market w/ sauerkraut, Coney dogs & “dirt” pudding cups, water & pop
– Campsite #12 – BG Catholic Community: Quilt raffle
– Campsite #14 – Family & Friends: Cake pops
For more information, visit the Wood County Relay for Life website at relayforlife.org/woodco or contact ACS Senior Development Manager Brian Gibson at 216-939-5910.
