YANCY BONNER Powell Tribune | Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008 12:00 am
POWELL - Photos of 20 local cancer survivors are on display in businesses around Powell - joyful images, full of strength and courage.
The pictures, taken by Woody Wooden's student-residents of Northwest College's Photo Theme House, portray people victorious after their battles with cancer. Their smiles convey that there is, indeed, hope on the other side.
The first Wyoming Weekend of Hope, on May 22-25 at NWC in Powell, will reinforce that feeling.
According to organizer Anita LaFleiche, "This weekend is about all those heroes out there who survived this dreaded disease. It's all about attitude and hope."
The weekend will provide an "opportunity for education, enlightenment and recreation for cancer patients and survivors with any type of cancer … and their families," says the event brochure.
LaFleiche began thinking about this event while she was undergoing chemotherapy during her own fight with cancer in 2006-07.
"I read about a similar event in Stowe, Vt., that was to provide support for cancer survivors, caregivers, patients and their families.
"I thought, 'What a wonderful concept. We need to do this in Wyoming.'"
She finished that day's dose of chemo and went down the hall to speak with her treating physician, Tom Anderson, of Hematology-Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies. The Cody doctor agreed to help bring her idea to fruition. About 20 other Powell and Cody residents were quickly on board to assist.
They soon found that one major obstacle existed: a shortage of hotels and motels to house conference attendees. In the resort town of Stowe, that wasn't a problem, but Powell presented a challenge. LaFleiche decided to approach Northwest College about possibilities.
NWC officials determined that the college could accommodate the event over the Memorial Day weekend. Aramark, the college's food service provider, will feed attendees, who will bunk in dorm rooms, and classrooms can hold the crowds.
"I can't praise Northwest enough," LaFleiche said. "People there have been so helpful. I'm just so grateful."
The Weekend of Hope events are varied - there are educational workshops as well as activities and entertainment. Oncology doctors, therapists, financial advisers and insurance experts will host seminars. Attendees will hear about the latest technology and treatment for cancer, as well as how to cope with the financial crises and insurance dilemmas many cancer patients face.
Activities and entertainment include a barbecue, river raft trips and musical groups and inspirational speakers. Tours of Homesteader Museum, the Buffalo Bill Dam and the Heart Mountain Relocation Camp, and a historic walking tour of Powell are offered. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center also has provided museum passes.
LaFleiche stressed that the weekend is a time for people to come together to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of those who have faced similar hurdles.