Memory Markers commemorate those who have battled cancer

Deadline for ordering markers Sept. 12

Maxie Sanphy, a native of North Conway, was a healthy man, who had no reason for medical appointments. However, in March 2001, a hip ailment sent Maxie to the doctors office. Examination and testing revealed that Maxie had prostate cancer. Sadly, he passed away in November of that year.In the fall of 2002, his daughter, Rebecca Pelchat, decided to hike Cranmore Mountain as part of the Jens Friends Cancer Foundations annual Climb Against Cancer. Pelchat has been participating each year in Sanphys memory. When Jens Friends introduced Memory Markers as a sponsor item last year, Pelchat acted. When I heard about [the Memory Markers], I thought it was perfect a way for everyone to see Maxies name, Pelchat said. It helps to keep his memory alive, and the money is helping those who are battling cancer now.Kay Beggs, a member of the Anglican Church and the Mount Washington Valley Garden Club was also remembered at last years 10th Annual Climb Against Cancer. Her friends, Ann and John Wilcox bought a Memory Marker in Kays name. Ann and Kay first met in the Garden Club; later Ann and John introduced Kay and her husband, Adrian, to their church. Kay was a dear friend, Ann Wilcox recalled, and John and I would do anything to eliminate cancer. What Jens Friends does is wonderful. If you would like to remember someone who has battled cancer, consider purchasing a Memory Marker for this years 11th Annual Climb Against Cancer to be held on Saturday, September 20th at Cranmore Mountain Resort. These 9 inch by 12 inch signs, placed along the hiking route, will have the names of loved ones you wish to commemorate. You may choose between a marker reading, In Memory of or one stating, Celebrating the Life of. Deadline for ordering Memory Markers is Sept. 12. To purchase, call the office at 356-5083, send a request via the Web site www.jensfriends.org, or stop in at Fields of Ambrosia. Located in North Conway at Norcross Place next to Schouler Park, Fields of Ambrosia is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost of each placard is $50, and you may take the marker home after the event. First held in 1998 to raise money for local resident, Jennifer Hill, the Climb Against Cancer is symbolic of the uphill battle which cancer patients must overcome to win the fight against cancer. It is now the major fund raising event for Jens Friends Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer patients who are in financial need and living in the greater Mount Washington Valley area and Western Maine. Support includes payments for groceries, mortgage, rent, utilities, and travel costs for medical treatments. Over 140 families have been helped since Jens Friends Cancer Foundation began in 1998.