Race Ambassador Passes the Leadership Baton

Master Sergeant Marty Hogan formally transferred the official Nylen Cancer Center’s Honorary Race Ambassador baton to his emissary, Denny Gann, in a brief ceremony Thursday, June 9 at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve.Hogan, served as the spokesperson from the 185th Air Refueling Wing, as the Cancer Center’s race ambassador group at the annual event in September, 2010. “Marty was a strong catalyst in creating awareness throughout the community and was instrumental in helping to increase participation in the race,” said Jean Gill, volunteer race director. “With over 300 guardsmen participating we surpassed our goal of 1000 people in this amazing and life-changing event.”Gann will serve as the 15th Honorary Race Ambassador and encourages everyone to get behind this effort that benefits so many people. “This event 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 cancer center,” states Gann.For the first time, the Cancer Center has chosen an Honorary Youth Ambassador – Sheryl “Sam” McGowan is an 11-year old who wants to make a difference and to help fight cancer and find a cure. “I have always been grateful for the way our cancer center treated my family during my aunt’s illness, so I wrote about that experience in an essay contest and won first place,” states McGowan. “When I learned that the first place award included prize money, I donated those dollars to the cancer center so they could help another family, just like they helped mine.” McGowan hopes to increase the number of children participating in the Race this year.The 15th annual Race for Hope event is Saturday, September 17, 8:30 a.m. at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve and features a 15K and 5K run or walk and a kids’ fun run. There are individual and team competitions as well as a leisurely walking-for-fun entry.“There are many programs and services suggested by patients and staff at the Cancer Center, and how many of them we can fund will be determined by the support we receive for this annual fundraising campaign,” said Pat Hubbard, Director of Fund Development at the Cancer Center. “Requests range from new radiation treatment equipment to needed building enhancements.”For more information, contact the Cancer Center at 712-252-0088 or visit the web at www.nylencancercenter.com.