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THE MCCSN ANNUAL WALKATHON
A HISTORY OF OUR WALKATHON MCCSN began in early 1992 as an emotional support group and a clearing house for cancer information and education. After a few months, it became apparent there was a need for financial as well as emotional support, and the search was begun for appropriate fundraisers. Larry Shelnutt, the first President of MCCSN, attended a walkathon for the American Cancer Society in Georgia, and persuaded the board members of MCCSN that this was the perfect fundraiser for our group. In a matter of weeks, the first annual walkathon was planned, and 1994 started a tradition that will most likely take us far into the next century. We raised just over $16,000 at our first walkathon, with each successive year growing both in participants and monies raised. The fourth walkathon, held in September of 1997 consisted of 47 walking teams; almost 150 survivors in the survivor lap; 1100 candles in the candle lighting ceremony; and for the first time, The Heartfelt Dreams Beauty Pageant. We raised over $42,000 in our fourth walkathon, and with these funds, we are able to provide various beneficial services to the community. During our last walkathon in 2006, we raised over $100,000. So what does a walkathon consist of? The walkathon takes place at the old Franklin Co. High School Football Stadium in Winchester, Tennessee around the middle of September. We begin at 6:30 on Friday evening, kicking off the walkathon with the survivor lap. Cancer patients and survivors walk the first lap singing "Amazing Grace." Those survivors unable to walk ride in wheelchairs and golf carts; we've even had children pulled in wagons. After the survivor lap, walking teams take to the track, with a member from each team taking turns on the track for the next 18 hours. Typically, teams are made up of 12 members, giving each member a two-hour trek around the track. At 9:15 PM the candle lighting ceremony is an awesome tribute to honor cancer survivors, and remember cancer victims. We also have live entertainment; a concession stand; tents set up on the end zones to provide rest for weary walkers; an ambulance service who donates their equipment and staff in case of emergencies; and more fun and fellowship than anyone who hasn't attended could imagine. On Saturday afternoon just before 12:30 PM everyone present walks the final lap, then we are dismissed with a prayer led by our chaplain. There is no cost involved for participants in the survivor lap. Each survivor receives a T-shirt, in a different color from the walker shirts. Teams are formed from businesses, churches, individuals, and civic organizations - the fee is $50.00 per team member, or $600 for a team of twelve members. Each team member also receives a T-shirt. Candles are $10.00 each, and consist of white luminaries with the name of the honoree and the person honoring them printed on the front. The MCCSN walkathon has become a tradition in Franklin County, and once anyone has participated, you can be sure they will be back the next year. For more information on participating in the next annual walkathon, contact the MCCSN office at 931.393.4443 or 1.800.497.4322.
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