SHERBURNE — The Chenango Health Network Cancer Financial Assistance Program will be hosting the first annual Cancer Survivors' Walk on Saturday, September 6 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Sherburne-Earlville High School Football Field.

Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Survivors' Walk at 7:30 p.m., and a luminary lighting at 8:30 p.m. There will also be free, single-serve ice cream donated by Gilligan's in Sherburne.

"We decided to start the walk to celebrate those that are going through treatment and those that have fought and won. Since Chenango County no longer has the Relay for Life, we thought it was important to know that no one walks alone through cancer," said Chenango Health Network Cancer Support Specialist Sandy Myers.

Myers said individuals of any age with any type of cancer, and their loved ones, are encouraged to attend. The event is not limited to Chenango County residents.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase luminary bags for $5 each at the event.

"Luminary bags are white paper bags with a flameless tealight inside that can be either 'in honor of' or 'in memory of' someone that has gone through cancer. They will be available to purchase for $5 at the event and can be decorated," said Myers.

Proceeds from luminary sales will go toward supporting the Cancer Financial Assistance Program, which was created to help individuals in Chenango County who have been diagnosed with cancer. The program includes two categories: breast cancer, which is funded by the St. Agatha Foundation, and non-breast cancers, which is funded through donations.

Myers said the program primarily provides financial assistance for treatments and prescriptions not covered by insurance, and gas cards to help with the costs of transportation to and from appointments and treatment.

Applications for both programs are available at ChenangoHealth.org by clicking the "Programs" drop-down menu and selecting "Financial Assistance For Cancer Patients."


Those who would like to support the programs can donate at any time at ChenangoHealth.org under the "Donate" tab.

Myers encourages cancer survivors and those currently fighting cancer to attend the first annual Survivors' Walk.

"We just want everyone to know that they are welcome to join us. They don't have to walk the entire track if they're not up to it. We just want them to know that they deserve to be celebrated for what they've gone through and/or are going through," she said.

"We all know and love someone who's been affected by this hideous disease. My family alone has lost five members to cancer and two that have beat it. This is why the Cancer Financial Assistance Program is so important: it's personal."

For more information on Chenango Health Network and their programs, visit ChenangoHealth.org or the Chenango Health Network Facebook page.