Night of Hope gathers those affected by cancer

Survivors, afflicted and their supporters joined together in Legion Park Friday for the common cause of support for Night of Hope, an organization providing assistance to those battling cancer.

"After every storm, there is a rainbow of hope," was this year's theme, and despite a forecast of rain, supporters enjoyed a near-perfect summer evening for activities.

Pastor Lauri Beach opened the evening with an invocation, followed by the presentation of the U.S. flag by Boy Scout Troop 90 and the singing of the National Anthem by Sidney's Abby Fraas.

Area cancer survivors then became the center of attention as they participated in the Survivor's Walk, receiving applause as they circled the west end of the legion park pond. The survivors then gathered on the pond walking bridge, releasing white balloons that floated over the quiet crowd in a poignant moment of silent celebration.

A trio of corporate sponsors were recognized for what Night of Hope Foundation President Bev Noel said were "above and beyond" program contributions. Honored were Pat and Brenda Finney of Finney's Ace Hardware in Sidney, Dave and Susan Haack from Z&S Construction of Kimball, and Katie Heinemann of Shirt Tales in Sidney.

The pond buzzed with activity as vendors, sharing profits with the Foundation, joined Night of Hope-sponsored raffles and silent auctions to raise funds for those in need.

Heads nodded and a few eyes filled with tears when cancer survivor Beau Mathewson shared the story of his battle with a rare form of cancer, sarcoma, and the changes it has made on his life and how he approaches it.

"I shouldn't be here today," Mathewson told those gathere. "In fact, for the past three years I have quite literally cheated death."

Mathewson said if it wasn't for the medical advances, surgical techniques, and new chemotherapy options available, he would have been gone long ago.

"But, here I am," Mathewson said. "I rode my bike this morning, wrote this speech, and worked until I came here; and to me, that is nothing short of a miracle. I'm sure that many of you here tonight are also here because of advances in medicine, a will to survive, and friends and family who would do anything to ensure they can see you tomorrow."

Mathewson related seeing many others react in widely ranging manners to diagnoses of many different forms of cancer. His choice, he said, is to "chose to live the life I always wanted."

  "When you have cancer, you realize that many of the things you do routinely every day become unimportant.  You concentrate on the things that matter. You concentrate on relationships, on doing what makes you happy, you focus on creating memories," Mathewson said. "I live a life of no regrets; I've never been happier, and I urge you all to find what makes you happy, and live for that.  I guarantee that none of you will look back on your life and wish you'd gotten to know Microsoft Excel better."

Mathewson characterized cancer as a "formidable opponent" to be fought, like a identity thief, a mugger, or a tree stump hidden under the powder of a ski slope. All, he said are not something just to contend with, but to fight with any tools one can obtain.

He also spoke of taking a well-trained army to help wage the fight, and described his army, the care team at MD Anderson Cancer center in Houston, who he said he agreed with in putting forth 100 percent of their collective effort to battling cancer.

Mathewson closed his inspiring speech with encouragement for those attending to reach for the best they can give toward fighting their battles, urging them not to give in to cancer or let it control their lives. If they don't he said, no matter what the outcome, they win.

"The ability to tip the odds of survival in our favor is what sets humans apart from the rest of the natural world," Mathewson said in closing. "There is a light in the darkness, there is hope and healing and help.  You are not alone in this storm, and there is a rainbow after the chaos.  Let us make tonight a celebration.

"May tonight be a respite, and a joyous event where we come together to commemorate those whom we have lost, and those who are fighting the good fight.  Have a sense of humor.  If a robber is holding you at gunpoint and his pants fall down, it's OK for you to share a laugh, because sometimes life is funny.  Make your mark on the world, enjoy the ride, and above all, don't ever let cancer into the driver's seat. Now let's celebrate!"

The celebration, which continued into late evening, marked another year of successful fundraising, with the Cancer Walk being the main effort.

Funds raised by the foundation are used for a variety of purposes, with the focus on fulfilling needs of those battling cancer. Not limited to treatment costs, Night of Hope also helps provide funds for travel costs, hotels and other needs.

The foundation also contributes to an annual scholarship through the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation for students entering the field of medicine. The foundation also donates to the Eppley Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for continuing cancer research.

More information about the foundation and its work can be found at its Website, http://www.nightofhope.com.