Congratulations Race for Hope Ambassadors

Each year, hundreds of Siouxlanders gather to run, walk and Race for Hope. This year we are proud of our honorary race ambassador Dennis Gann and our honorary youth ambassador Sheryl A. “Sam” McGowan. Here they are in their own words.Register online here for this year's Race for Hope. By Dennis Gann, honorary race ambassadorEight years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer after getting the results of my yearly physical that showed a jump in my PSA. I am a living example of the fact that early detection can save your life. In fact, it is possible that I would have died three years ago if they had not caught my cancer early.I have been a runner since high school and for over 46 years have kept up some form of running from completive to currently just for staying in shape and maintaining my health.The Race for Hope is a great marriage of family togetherness, blending with nature, and honoring those who have and are battling cancer. While running and walking is an individual sport, it is individuals as a group supporting cancer patients and survivors by providing direct benefits to people who use the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. The race growth is a tribute to its organizers and our community giving of themselves for others.I encourage everyone from individuals to businesses to get behind this effort. Thanks, in advance, for your support.By Sheryl A. “Sam” McGowan, Honorary Youth Ambassador, The June E. Nylen Cancer Center has played in an important role in my life, and therefore I am pleased and honored to serve as the Cancer Center’s first Youth Ambassador.When my Aunt Cara was battling leukemia in Chicago, even though she was not a patient in Sioux City, the June E. Nylen Cancer Center helped her anyway. They provided information, support, and even let her borrow their wigs when the chemotherapy treatments caused her to lose her hair.I have always been grateful for the way our Cancer Center treated my family during this difficult time, so I wrote about that experience in an essay contest and won first place. When I learned that the award included money, I donated it to the June E. Nylen Cancer Center so they could help another family, just like they helped mine.Even though I am only 11 years old, I have seen how awful cancer is and I want to do all I can to help fight this disease and find a cure.Recently, the June E. Nylen Cancer Center started a support group for children, like me, who have loved ones battling cancer. This is a wonderful idea and I wish to encourage young people to join this program.I am excited to serve as the Race for Hope Youth Ambassador and hope that I can help encourage other kids to become involved and make a difference.