Lake Placid Skaters Raise $26K for Cancer Care Travel

Hundreds of skaters turned an Olympic ice rink into a circle of hope, raising $26,152 to help cancer patients reach the care that could save their lives.

The annual Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer event took over Lake Placid's Olympic speedskating oval on February 21. Families, athletes, and supporters skated together to benefit the Merrill Oncology Travel Fund at Adirondack Health and the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation for nationwide cancer research.

This year's guest speaker knew firsthand why every dollar mattered. Michael DeYear, cancer-free since 2019, started his treatment at Adirondack Medical Center but needed specialized care that took him to Plattsburgh for radiation and eventually to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

The Merrill Oncology Travel Fund covered his travel expenses so he and his wife Janet could focus on fighting cancer instead of worrying about gas money and hotel bills. "Adirondack Health never hesitated to find the right team for me," DeYear said. "Through it all, the oncology team was our constant."

DeYear shared the ice with Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie, who helped draw crowds to the cause. The Olympic Regional Development Authority opened their historic oval, the same track where speed skating champions trained for glory, for a different kind of victory lap.

The Ripple Effect

The funds raised will help dozens of rural cancer patients access specialized treatment far from home. For families in the Adirondacks, the nearest advanced cancer centers can be hours away, turning medical appointments into expensive multi-day trips.

The travel fund removes one massive burden during an already overwhelming time. Patients can accept the best treatment available without calculating whether they can afford the drive or the overnight stay.

DeYear's gratitude fuels his advocacy now. "Support like the Merrill Oncology Center Travel Fund gives people access to the care they need," he said.

The event proves that communities rally hardest for the neighbors who need it most, one lap around the ice at a time.