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Good Neighbor: Activity all year continues into busy New Year for Central County groups
Costa Times
12/26/2007
By Jacquie Oliverius
Walkers against cancer
Six members of the John Muir Team -- four nurses from the Concord Campus, a representative from the finance department and one honorary member -- decided to train together and join 4,600 other walkers raising money for breast cancer research during the Breast Cancer Three-Day Walk in San Diego from Nov. 9 through Nov. 11.
Congratulations to the six on their success in completing the fundraiser and raising thousands of dollars.
"The John Muir employees -- who included Renee Juster, director of patient care in the emergency department at the Concord Campus; Amelia Ramage, emergency department charge nurse; Rhonda Polder, director of patient care in Critical Care; Cindy Sidley, director of medical/surgical patient care; plus Vicki Lee, executive director of patient financial services -- raised more than $16,000," said Laura Kaufman, senior public relations associate.
"Honorary John Muir team member Lisa Sweet, whom the team met during training, was the sixth contender. Weary but elated, the group crossed the finish line together as a team."
During the fundraiser, the women walked about 20 miles a day during the 60-mile effort, said Kaufman, and the entire group of walkers raised more than $12.3 million for the fight to cure breast cancer.
"It is difficult to describe how you must reach inside yourself to make such an incredible effort," said Polder. "When you feel there is nothing left inside you, the strength of your team moves you forward, and incredibly, when you feel that you have no more to give, if they need your strength, suddenly it is there."
Before the group's departure for the walk, a special sendoff party was held at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus. The event included the raffle of a special pink quilt that was created by Jill Holstein, a retired lab technician from the hospital who now lives in Arnold.
"The pink quilt was especially creative," said Kaufman. "The backing was pink ribbon fabric and the front squares depicted women who have been through chemotherapy -- some have head scarves on, while other heads were bald. The quilt was whimsical and upbeat with a bold color scheme."
Attending the event were more than 50 supporters from John Muir Health, many dressed in pink, including Donna Brackley, senior vice president of patient care at the Concord Campus.
The raffle tickets raised nearly $450, "and hugs, wishes and advice were offered all the way out the door," Kaufman said. "And who won the quilt? Team member Rhonda Polder. What a sendoff for a long, satisfying journey."
A standing ovation for the six walkers and to all those who supported their exhausting efforts!
(Posted December 28, 2007)