Race’s purpose, impact go far past fundraising for kids with cancer

When a child suffers, there is nothing a parent wouldn’t do to help alleviate the pain or to find a cure. For many, that means spending their life savings to find alternative treatments or cover the uninsured costs that come with a devastating illness.

Four North Idaho families who are facing such obstacles will be blessed with the help of many from this community next Sunday when Jacey’s Race takes place for its fourth year at Sandpoint High School on July 11.

The event began in Colorado in 2001 when 4-year-old Jacey Lawson was battling Stage 4 cancer. Now cancer-free, Jacey, who moved here with her family from Colorado several years ago, has carried on the tradition in an effort to help other children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses.

But this year there is an even greater need.

“This year we are benefiting four kids, whereas in the past it has been two at a time, so we really need more runners this year,” said Nanci Grayson-Jenkins, Jacey’s mom.

One of the recipients of this year’s proceeds is 21/2-year-old Tyler Cordle who at age 1 was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and has been in treatment since. He was thought to be over the worst of it when, at Christmastime, with treatment was wrapping up, doctors found the cancer had returned. Tyler travels often to Spokane, and in the past he was in Seattle for an extensive period undergoing medical procedures.

“He is a super sweet little boy,” said Grayson-Jenkins.

Another boy who will be a beneficiary of Jacey’s Race is Cooper Vierra, 8, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

“He and his mom recently went to California where they go for specialty treatment,” said Grayson-Jenkins. “He has ongoing treatment needs that for the most part are not covered by insurance.”

Ten-year-old Sara Kirby will also receive donations from next week’s race. Sara was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and just began undergoing treatments. According to Grayson-Jenkins, Sara recently suffered an allergic reaction that hospitalized her in Spokane for four days.

“They are a super-positive and strong family and have decent insurance but an extremely high deductible,” said Grayson-Jenkins.

The fourth recipient is 11-year-old Clark Fork resident Haden Kistler, who suffers from glioblastoma – an aggressive form of brain cancer.

“He is a strong and darling little boy,” said Grayson-Jenkins. “His mom has done an extensive amount of research and is trying anti-inflammation therapies along with the traditional chemotherapy to treat her son. I don’t think any of the alternative treatments that he is on are covered at all by insurance. His mom often consults with experts who are out of state and that cost is hers to cover.”

When people hear these stories, they cannot help but want to reach out and do what they can to make a difference. And perhaps there is nothing more inspiring to witness than kids in the community who are volunteering their time to help their friends and neighbors.

“The kids’ volunteering is amazing to me,” said Grayson-Jenkins, who said that there are 180 volunteers. Two in particular – Carly Rickard and Sophie Miller – joined the Jacey’s Race committee in 2007 when they were both high school sophomores. “They immediately dove in and have been instrumental in making the event happen every year.”

There are youth groups and individuals who helpcontact volunteers, arrange for goody bag items and label brochures. Some high school students have volunteered to help with photography and the concessions stands.

“We have Sandpoint High School cheerleaders, STEP gymnastics, Sandpoint High School men’s performing choir all participating as a group,” said Grayson-Jenkins.

The goal of the event is not only to raise money; it is also to help lift the spirits of the recipients of the funds.

“(The event) is free to kids and we target kids to attend. We believe that the positive energy – and the hope – and the joy of the day, are what contribute most to the improved health of the kids we sponsor,” said Grayson-Jenkins, adding that Jacey’s Race has donated approximately $40,000 since it came to Sandpoint in 2007.

The funds have made a huge impact on the recipients. One girl used the money to travel to Seattle to have a bone marrow transplant that ultimately saved her life. Another child traveled to a conference in Wisconsin that focused on the disorder he suffers from. And another child’s family purchased a therapy pool that could be used at home, alleviating the burden of traveling out of town for the same treatments. And last year, Nate Rench donated all of the money raised to help him to a young boy who had a recurrence of his cancer.

The impact Jacey and her family have made on the people in Sandpoint has been both touching and life-saving.

So, if you get a chance next weekend, travel to Sandpoint High School and walk, run or cheer on the many participants. Who knows, the donation you make could help save a life.