Fighting cancer on four legs

Lake Tye Park in Monroe was abuzz with activity during the 2016 Bark for Life on Sunday, which followed the first Kickin Cancer 5K Run/Walk.

Bark for Life participants and their four-legged friends enjoyed the festivities put on by the American Cancer Society (ACS) on May 22. The canine-centric event is a fundraiser for Relay for Life, and also a way to raise awareness about pet cancer.

The excitement-filled day began with a walk, followed by demonstrations, games and competitions. Bark for Life also provides a unique experience for cancer survivors and their dogs to raise funds for canine cancer as well.

"Really it's about the humans and curing the cancer for humans,GÇ¥ said Relay for Life co-chair Linda Pearl. "Finding what works and doesn't work for the humans and then the researchers look at (the findings) and then bounce it (back to) your pets.GÇ¥

Nevertheless the pets remain the focus of the event.

Looking past the smiles and wagging tails, there was a more meaningful thread ' the heartbreak and redemption of cancer. Every individual at the event had some tie to cancer, and each story a unique way of giving back.

Mary Ann Tasker-Thompson of the Purples and Pinks Cancer Stinks (PPCS) relay team enjoys the fact that Bark for Life gives people a chance to support both human and canine cancer. Her inspiration for giving back, simply put, is people.

"For the people that I know that have personally been affected. I do it for them and for those who can't anymore, because I can. I do it for them.GÇ¥ Tasker-Thompson said.

Tanya Doty, also of the PPCS, has been a part of Relay for Life since 2000. She is motivated by the family and friends that were diagnosed with cancer, the closest being her mother, who was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and died a year later.

"I've been involved ever sinceGÇ¥ Doty said. "To raise money and to make it so we can fight it.GÇ¥

Official vendors sponsoring the event included Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, Pet Pros, Pet Smart, WABULL Rescue, Maria's Grooming, the City of Monroe, McGruff/Sparky and Emerald City Hot Dogs.

Pearl is happy everyone attending could make a difference.

"The fact that we can make a difference,GÇ¥ Pearl said, "that is what's important.GÇ¥

Linda Huskey, co-chair and 14-year cancer survivor, said Bark for Life is her way to give back. She is also glad the research done by ACS benefits the animals as well as humans.

Kelsey and Carolyn from Pet Smart made their debut appearance as a sponsor. They were happy to share the services and supplies offered by Pet Smart and reach out to the more rural communities in the Monroe area.

"It's good to be able to give back,GÇ¥ Carolyn said "to come out and support a cause that we really believe in.GÇ¥

Excitement was already in the air in anticipation for the 24 hour event, Relay for Life. Relay for Life will be held Saturday, June 4, at Monroe High School, 17001 Tester Road, in Monroe.

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