St.Vincent Cancer Walk remembers young hero and others
By Mark Johnson
Three years ago, Zionsville residents Barry and Laurie Wasner were unaware that their oldest son would soon take up the mantle of a real superhero. In December 2010, five-year-old Michael was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. During his treatment, he became known as
“Iron Man Mike,” due to his unwavering spirit – and another reason.
“During his treatment, Michael had what is known as a central line into his chest,” Laurie Wasner said. “Iron Man was Michael’s favorite superhero, so he got his nickname because he had a chest plate like Iron Man! We knew he had a tough road ahead, but Michael had amazing faith. He was very courageous, very strong and it was fueled by his joy and laughter. He lived life to the last, and he shared that positive attitude with everyone around him.”
Michael died in October 2011.
Michael will be remembered on Sept. 21, when his mother kicks-off the three-mile walk for the St.Vincent Cancer Walk held in Zionsville’sLions Park. The event serves as a memorial to those who have been lost to cancer and a way to honor current patients, caregivers and survivors. Previously known as the Walk of Hope, the annual fundraiser will also feature a 10-mile walk. Ambassadors, patients and family members will be honored at the conclusion of the walk.
“Cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers are superheroes,” said Candes Shelton, co-chair for the event. “The theme of this year’s walk is hope. Our walk is unique because, unlike some national organizations, 100% of the funds we raise stay with the community. We are blessed to have very generous sponsors to offset the cost of the walk.”
This year, proceeds from the event will be used to purchase a new mobile screening van. This will provide more accessibility for people who are busy and offer a variety of cancer screenings. The goal is to have the van by late spring 2014.
This year’s walk not only raises money but also brings hope and support to patients and loved ones affected by cancer.
“Cancer is hard,” Wasner said, “But it’s walks like these that offer support and encouragement. No one knows what their end is going to be but it’s the journey that you take. It’s the journey that Michael took. That’s what the Cancer Walk is all about.”
Wasner explained that a large part of their journey took place at St.Vincent’s Peyton Manning’s Children’s Hospital. There, Wasner recalled, her family became part of the hospital’s family.
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Peyton Manning Hospital. Everyone there was absolutely amazing,” she said. “When Michael first went in for treatment, he responded positively. When he relapsed, he had to go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for a bone marrow transplant. His doctors were on the phone immediately to set up the transplant. They were
very dedicated, and they were going to see Michael’s case through.”
Wasner said it was a blessing that their youngest son, Robert, who is now six, was a 100 percent match.
“It was a great gift for him to give to his brother,” she said. “We can’t make new memories, but we still keep Michael’s memory alive and Robert remembers him. We still want to talk joyfully about him and celebrate his life. We were a family of four when we began this journey, and we are still a family of four!”
Wasner hopes that Michael will be remembered for his sense of humor, his courage and his positive attitude. She wants that attitude to serve as inspiration not only to those who lives have been touched by cancer, but to all.
“I want people to remember how Michael faced his life,” she said. “Stay positive and stay strong. Find the joy that you are given each day.”
For more information on how to become involved with the St.Vincent Cancer Walk visit www.stvincentcancerwalk.org.