Health | National

Lakota Country Times: Cancer survivor finds support at Rosebud

Friday, June 17, 2016

Citizens of all ages walked for cancer awareness and in support of Tonya Whirlwind Soldier. Here they are shown at the 1-mile marker just east of He Dog School. Photo by Vi Waln

Rosebud Observes Cancer Survivors Day
By Vi Waln
Lakota Country Times Correspondent
www.lakotacountrytimes.com

HE DOG SCHOOL – Over 150 people participated in a National Cancer Survivor Day event to offer prayers and support for Tonya Whirlwind Soldier, who is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.

“Chemo therapy is really hard on the body,” Tonya told the people who gathered for the event. “It’s especially hard if you are used to being active and doing a lot of things.” Tonya is a cross country/track coach at Todd County High School. She is also an avid runner who makes a point to stay physically active.

On Sunday, June 5, 2016, cancer survivors and supporters in communities around the world gathered to celebrate the 29th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. These events are held to raise the awareness of cancer survivorship. There are nearly 14.5 million people living with and beyond cancer in the United States today. There are more than 32 million cancer survivors worldwide.

National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual worldwide Celebration of Life that is held on the first Sunday in June. It is the one day each year that people around the world come together to recognize the cancer survivors in their community, to raise awareness of the challenges these survivors face and, most importantly, to celebrate life.

“Thank you so much for praying, I can feel your prayers, it comes as positive energy,” Tonya stated. A theme of this local National Cancer Survivors Day was the power of prayer. The t-shirts everyone received read “Power of Prayer with Family & Friends.”

Walkers and runners of all ages formed a circle for the opening prayer on the 29th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day. Photo by Vi Waln

“This is healing right here,” stated Totes Waln told the people who stood in a prayer circle before and after the walk. “Start each day with a prayer and look for the positive things in your life, even though you might be surrounded by negativity." CFCs

“Don’t pay attention to people who might talk about you,” stated Homer Whirlwind Soldier. “When you make your peace with God, nothing people do around you will affect you.”

Tonya announced that it was also her parents’ 53rd wedding anniversary. Homer and Rosalie Whirlwind Soldier received a round of applause from the crowd.

The event was organized by volunteers Totes Waln and Karita Marshall, along with several helpers. Everyone who attended received a t-shirt and other incentives. Prayers were offered by Roy Stone, Sr. and Homer Whirlwind Soldier.

Those who attended walked or ran along He Dog’s BIA Route 4. White balloons marked the 1-mile point, 2-mile point and 4-mile point. Volunteers along the course offered water to participants. Snacks were available after the event.

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Local residents are also invited to attend the 9th Annual Todd County Relay For Life event scheduled for June 11-12. This activity will be held at the Todd County High School Track. Relay For Life events are affiliated with the American Cancer Society. These events are organized by over 4 million people, many of them volunteers, in 20 countries every year.

These events are held to raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. A reception for cancer survivors will be held at 5pm to kick off the activity. Events will run through midnight.

For more information, please contact any of the one of the Todd County Relay For Life Committee members. They include: Billie Artichoker, Maureece Heinert, Whitney Meek, Rose Ruff, Casandra Artichoker, Paulette Emery and Meredith Haukaas.

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