Walk to benefit county cancer patients

 SOMERTON - Starting next year, the benefits of the Josefina Yepez Annual Walk will begin to reach people in the communities in south county suffering from cancer.

 But first, the existing funds must grow. Participants can attend the second walk Dec. 27, beginning at 7 a.m.

 Jose Yepez, member of the Josefina Yepez foundation and event organizer, said everyone is invited to participate in the event, which aims to raise funds to support those suffering from cancer and needing resources to continue with their treatment.

 "We need the community’s participation to help these people in their battle against cancer. Sometimes, the hardest thing for them to do is to maintain their treatments because they do not have money for their relocation or for the demands of their treatments."

 He added that it is often small needs, but they mean the success or failure of those treatments.

 The event will consist of a 6.5-mile walk from Gadsden, along Highway 95 to the Main Street park in Somerton.

 To raise funds, a $10 contribution is being ask to participate. That money will be added to this year's event fund, currently at $1,900.

 Yepez said that during the walk, they will be assisted by fire department personnel for possible first aid needs and will also have protection from the police department.

 Once at the park, cancer survivors and cancer patients will share testimonials, and information will be provided on prevention and how to combat the dreaded disease.

 Yepez said the event is the first effort of its kind in south county. There are support groups and programs for other ailments but not for those suffering from cancer, one of the diseases of higher incidence in the community.

 He indicated that participants receive an event T-shirt and a special one for cancer survivors, in recognition of their efforts.

 Registration for the walk will remain open until shortly before the
event, at the start of the walk, or by phone at 627-8990, ask for Consuelo Camarillo.