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Folks Rally the Valley Rain or Shine

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Oct 13, 2012 at 5:45 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 13, 2012 at 8:08 PM MDT

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.- On Saturday the first ever Rally the Valley took over Glenwood Springs, raising money for the Calaway Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital. Supporters had their choice of a four-mile walk or a 24.5-mile bike ride.

Some rallied for their loved ones, while some rallied for themselves. Others rallied for those they don't even know.

Elaine Grossman, head of the Rally the Valley team, said, "Cancer is going to affect 1 in 3 of us, so they know a grandparent, an aunt, a cousin. You know, cancer touches all of us."

Jessica Armstrong rallied for her son. "Peyton is 12 years old and he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia Oct. 19, 2010," she said.

Despite the chilly weather, Armstrong and others joined together to fight for a cause that affects almost everyone in some way.

"I just think it's incredible, the people that are here, that actually stuck it out and stayed and walked in the rain. In a way it's so much like cancer. You don't get a break from cancer and the weather's not going to take a break from anything," Armstrong said.

Throughout the day people leaned on one another, talking about their battles with the disease.

Photographer Sue Drinker said, "I invite them to go back to the place of strength that you have to get to eventually when you're fighting cancer, and when they get to that place I recognize that because I've been there, too."

"That's really a difficult thing to find words for. I can't imagine anyone going through cancer treatment without loved ones and even strangers, the impact of strangers," said Armstrong.

Although temperatures remained low throughout the day, spirits grew with every stride.

Officials say 100 percent of every dollar will go to patient support at the Calaway Center. They say they expect that number to be over $250,000.

Anyone interested in contributing money to the cause can contact the Valley View Hospital and donate to the "Rally Fund".

For more on Sue Drinker's project "Putting a Face on Cancer", click here.

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