The Reality of Cancer for
One Elk Grove Teen

Statistics show that Cancer is the second largest known cause of death for Americans. Men have a 50% chance and women have a 33% chance of developing cancer sometime in their lifetime. Surprisingly, cancer is considered the chief cause of death by disease in children between the ages of 1 - 14.

In order to change those numbers, Elk Grove residents are joining forces on June 26, 2004, to participate in the 1st Annual Run for Research. The event is being sponsored by local businesses and all proceeds are being donated to the UC Davis Cancer Center. The event is being held in beautiful Elk Grove Regional Park with participants having the option of running or walking a 10K, 5K or for our younger readers, a 2-block cookie caper.

Research funds are important for all and in particular Elk Grove teen Ashley Barnes who has Ewing’s Sarcoma, a malignant bone tumor. Ewing’s is an aggressive cancer with a low survival rate and the cause of this type of cancer is relatively unknown. It accounts for 1.8% of all cancer in children 1 – 14 years of age.

Although this Elk Grove High School tenth grader has Ewing’s, her attitude and strength are second to none. Ashley’s friends and family have always come first in her life, even before she became ill. Proof of her strong support system was evident by the Sweet 16 Birthday Party that was recently given in her honor.

Ashley’s condition changed when a brain tumor was found and removed in August 2003. She is currently facing the reality that the cancer has returned for a third time. Ashley is not currently attending school, but she is excited about the prospect of returning to school, spending more time with her family and friends and dancing again. Since the age of three, Ashley has trained in ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop style of dance. Although she loves to dance, Ashley really wants to be a teacher.

Ashley and her parents want to “Thank” Elk Grove residents for the tremendous outpouring of love and support they have received from their neighbors and the entire community. Ashley’s mom Lori stated that “no child should go through this, so it is important to support Cancer research activities so Ashley can be cured”.

If you would like to participate in the upcoming 1st Annual Run for Research, register at: http://www.ewebsites.ws/run4research/ or call Kara Myers at (916) 478-2249.