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Jacey’s Race to benefit pediatric care

This undated photo shows Jacey Lawson starting a race, something she does at each event. In the photo she is 7 years old and sitting on the shoulders of a University of Colorado, Boulder, mens basketball player. Photo courtesy of Nanci Jenkins (Photo courtesy of Nanci Jenkins / The Spokesman-Review)
Cassandra Cridland Correspondent
This undated photo shows Jacey Lawson starting a race, something she does at each event. In the photo she is 7 years old and sitting on the shoulders of a University of Colorado, Boulder, mens basketball player. Photo courtesy of Nanci Jenkins (Photo courtesy of Nanci Jenkins / The Spokesman-Review)

When her 4-year old daughter, Jacey, developed Wilm’s cancer, Nanci Jenkins changed the focus of her life. Raising her daughter on her own, Jenkins walked away from her business, learned a language filled with medical terms, made snap decisions with a limited amount of information, and moved into Denver’s Children’s Hospital until her daughter was well enough to leave.

“I slept in the bed with her,” said Jenkins. “No nurse did anything to my daughter without talking to me first.”

Without an income and with the additional expenses not covered by insurance, Jenkins’ financial condition deteriorated. Her close friends and other members of the community wanted to help, but Jenkins didn’t have time to handle anything other than her daughter’s ongoing care.

“My friend Erin said, ‘Well, what can I do?’ and I said, nothing – oh, nothing basically, pray for us and be there for me, but stay over there, because this is what I have to do right now.”

Determined to help, Erin Moore teamed up with another friend Ron Jenkins, and together they started Jacey’s Race. Artists, musicians, businesses, college basketball teams, runners, friends and neighbors pulled together to create an event focusing on heath and wellness and at the same time raising money to support Jacey’s fight for life. That was 2001, and Jacey’s Race has become an annual fundraising event in Boulder, Colo., assisting children battling cancer and their families.

On July 3 Jacey Lawson turned 11 years old. She’s a cancer survivor.

“My little girl is so tough,” said Jenkins.

Moving to Sandpoint, Jenkins immediately checked into the local cancer care facilities. Childhood cancer survivors often face higher risks of developing new cancer as their bodies mature. What Jenkins found is that most of the support and treatment available for people fighting life-threatening illness is geared toward adults.

Speaking with friends and neighbors, Jenkins has put together a committee of roughly 15 people who have been working to launch a Jacey’s Race in Sandpoint. Proceeds raised by the event will benefit 7-year old Kaley Smith, battling leukemia and in immediate need of a bone marrow transplant, and 8-year-old Cody Walker who developed “prune belly syndrome” and is in need of a kidney. Additional money earmarked for pediatrics will be gifted to the new North Idaho Cancer Center in Sandpoint. Jenkins stressed the importance of creating environments where kids are more comfortable while they get well. Their illnesses have already made life tough enough.

“The money will stay in this community,” said Jenkins. “It’s helping people that are right here.”

Jacey’s Race will take place on July 15 at the Sandpoint High School. The timed 5K run/walk will follow along the Dover bike path on a route mapped out by the Sandpoint High School cross-country coaches. There will also be a 1K walk/run for kids and families.

On-site registration will begin at 7 a.m., but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. The 5K race will begin at 8:15. Forms are available online at www.jaceysrace.active.com or may be picked up at Athlete’s Choice, Centerfield Sports or Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint. The 5K race fee is $25 for adults or $30 the day of the race. The 1K race fee is $10 for adults, and kids 12 and under may participate in either race for free. Drawings will be held based on the numbers imprinted on the race bibs, and even kids should pre-register.

In addition to the race, there will be clowns, face-painting, a bouncing castle, a dunk tank, and a fire truck. Discovery Toys will be on hand providing toys for the children to play with during the event, and all sales proceeds will be donated back to Jacey’s Race. The Sandpoint High School cheerleaders will be performing; Carla Books will be on hand doing stories; and Pottery in Motion will have fun activities for the kids.

Singer Nina Storey and her band have been involved with Jacey’s Race since the beginning in Colorado; the L.A. performer will be giving a free concert directly after the Sandpoint race.