Pennies make we can weekend

~ The upcoming "Pennies from Heaven" auction on May 5 will help fund the annual retreat.

Rob McClary and his family were hesitant about attending last year's "We Can Weekend," sponsored by Southeast Missouri Hospital Regional Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society.

"I'd gone through a year of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and couldn't see the point of donating a whole weekend to cancer when I was trying to get away from it," said McClary, who had been recovering from colon cancer.

But McClary said he was pleasantly surprised with the results of the weekend. "It's not about cancer, but about living and recovery -- very uplifting," he said. "You find out you do have a life."

Living and recovery is the focus of the 21st annual "We Can Weekend," to be held June 3 and 4 at the Sunnen Lodge in Potosi, Mo. The event also focuses on methods of coping with and understanding cancer and its impact on family members through education about related health problems, current treatments, available resources and family communication for coping with the disease.

Auction provides support

The retreat is supported by proceeds from Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation's "Pennies from Heaven" auction. This year's auction will be held at the Arena Building on May 5. Last year's auction provided $21,600.

To ensure that spots are filled and people who want to attend are given the opportunity, a $50 charge to hold reservations is returned to families attending the weekend. The event is free.

Support staff, including physicians, nurses, social workers, pastors and those involved in the care and support of cancer patients and families volunteer their time and expertise to provide a positive experience. Last year, almost 100 people in 37 families attended.

To McClary and his wife Mary, however, the weekend is about more than just coping with cancer. A lot of living with cancer is grim, he said, and smiling and laughing are often forgotten. "You find out there's life during and after recovery" from cancer, he said.

Chance to get away

Mary McClary said the weekend was their first chance since the diagnosis to get away and go somewhere fun.

"The doctors, nurses and American Cancer Society volunteers perform wonderfully funny skits," she said. "For those in the midst of cancer, you often don't have time to laugh. The weekend also gave my husband the opportunity to hear from someone else that he was going to get better."

The experience was so meaningful to the McClarys that they decided to return as volunteers for this year's event.

Mary McClary said there was something for everyone at the event, even their 11- and 12-year-old grandchildren.

"Over the weekend they had wonderful activities for the kids -- games, swimming, crafts, horseback riding," she said. "And there's no cooking. I think the kids participating took some of the stigma from the dreaded disease away. When it was over they said, 'When is the date next year?'"

The "Pennies from Heaven" auction will begin at 5 p.m. when doors open at the Arena Building. A silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. and oral auction at 7:30 p.m. by Chug Crites Auction Service. Sponsors and auction items are still being sought. Individuals wishing to donate may call 334-9254.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133