Chilly walkathon a warming experience

  Hundreds of eager pedestrians gladly accepted tender feet Saturday morning while hiking in the second annual Josefina Yepez Walkathon. They cheerfully endured frigid morning temperatures to help raise money for cancer patients in Yuma County.

  “They walked 6.7 miles from Gadsden Park to Somerton,” said Irma Yepez. “The purpose is to help raise funds to help people pay their medical bills. Last year we had 100 participants. This year we had 250. I’m really excited about the turnout.”

  “We started registration at 7 a.m. and began walking at 8:30,” said Consuelo Camarillo-Yepez. “We arrived two hours later. The entry fee was $10 per person, and we handed out 200 T-shirts.

  "All the money goes to the Josefina Yepez Foundation to help people who don’t have the means to care for their sick. We want to get the word out so people can get the help they need.”

  Many who participated in the walkathon had family who had died or were living with cancer.

  “This is my second year helping in the walkathon,” said Maribel Zavala. “My mother died at 57 from breast cancer, so this is very personal to me. We were not aware of any organizations that helped cancer patients when she was sick, so it is important to let other people know about us.”

  Besides devastating its victim physically, cancer can also cause emotional trauma for surviving family members.

  “This is important because we understand the pain that is caused by cancer,” said Irma while choking back tears. “My mother Josefina was a 16-year survivor of breast cancer. She finally succumbed to it in September of 2007. The cancer had spread all over her body, but my mom stayed strong until the end.

  "She lived life to the fullest. She kept us going; she even had us all laughing together before she died.”

  “This is in memory of my mother,” said Jose Yepez. “But it is also for all the people in need, especially here in south Yuma County. We want to make it simple for people going through cancer. We try to donate wigs, removable shower heads and other items to people to help ease their lives.”

  Saturday was a chance for survivors, friends, and family members to get together and enjoy each other's company.

  “People ask me why we do this during the holidays," said Irma. "We do it because Latinos tend to gather together during Christmas time. People have gathered here from all over Yuma County. Parts of my family came from Georgia, Louisiana and California.

  "It’s kind of like a big reunion. Besides, it gives us a chance to walk off all those extra holiday calories.”

  “Today was very much a success,” said Jose. “I would like to personally thank the Zavala family, the Figueroa family, the Somerton and San Luis police departments, our sponsors and anyone else who helped us put on today’s event.”

  Jose says the foundation is ready to help those in need.

  “People will be able to apply for our services by calling 928-920-2699. If they either have cancer, or know someone who does, then the board will investigate their case and provide the appropriate funding.”