Juneau Cancer Walk Celebrates Survivors Fighting On

When Natalie Sasser rang the cancer survivor bell at Bill Overstreet Park, she was celebrating six years cancer-free and facing a new brain tumor diagnosis all at once. She and her husband Ed, a kidney cancer survivor himself, were among 40 people who walked through downtown Juneau on Sunday to honor those touched by cancer.

The couple started at Sealaska Plaza and made their way down Egan Drive, joined by bagpipers for the final stretch along the Totem Pole Trail. Natalie now uses a scooter instead of her beloved bicycle, but she's clear about one thing: they're not stopping.

"We're not going to stop. We're going to keep on looking," Natalie said after learning doctors can't do more treatment right now.

Many walkers wore paper hearts pinned to their clothing with names of family and friends lost to cancer. At the park entrance, survivors rang a ceremonial bell before the Yées Ḵu.Oo Dancers performed and invited everyone to join a finale dance.

Angela Miller knows the unpredictable nature of cancer firsthand. Diagnosed in 2017 and again in 2021 despite low recurrence odds, her treatment left lasting digestive issues that changed her daily life.

But she and her husband Matt found strength through Cancer Connection of Southeast Alaska, the nonprofit organizing the event. The group paid for two flights to Seattle for Angela's surgeries and connected them with others walking similar paths.

Lin Davis, diagnosed with leukemia 18 months ago, described the experience as "getting an advanced degree in kindness." The community support opened her heart to unexpected goodness during her toughest moments.

Not everyone's journey is the same. Crystal Barnett attended seeking help for her husband Robert Buell, diagnosed with lung cancer and advanced emphysema in April. Both previously employed, they're now struggling with treatment costs and trying to fundraise while neither can work.

The Ripple Effect

Cancer Connection is expanding beyond monthly support meetings and a Seattle apartment for patients receiving treatment there. This year brought the organization's first caregiver retreat, recognizing that supporters need support too.

The nonprofit also revitalized Let's Talk, a peer mentoring program connecting people at any stage of their cancer journey with others who've walked similar paths. President Sheryl Weinberg told walkers the group tries to honor support requests as they arise throughout the year.

The organization hired its first executive director, Christy Ciambor, marking a new chapter in serving Southeast Alaska's cancer community.

After the walk, participants gathered at the park shelter for a cookout. Ed Sasser noticed the mix: people remembering loved ones, people mid-treatment, people finished with treatment, and full-time caregivers all coming together.

These 40 people represent countless stages of survival, proving that beating cancer isn't always a straight line to celebration, but it's always worth walking together.