It was a little cloudy in Norton Shores to begin the festivities early on for the Stand Up for the Cure event at Ross Park this year. Early on and the night before however, the work had been put in to make sure that the event happened here where in other markets this event usually takes place, it was silent or virtual this year again. We're still seeing things all discombobulated from the virus that just won't go away. Muskegon however with the vast spaces and the drive we have to take care of our own, we got it done.
The event is held to help fund treatment for cancer patients at Hackley Community Care and a portion of the proceeds go to help the Van Andel Institute for Cancer Research as well. The event normally held in July was given a little extra time for planning and safety this year and while it might have been a little lower key event, the dedicated group that puts the event together made it larger than life as expected with a day filled with beach activities, a chance to try stand up paddle boarding, some amazing food, plenty to drink, silent auctions and more. One of the key fun items was the gift card pull. For $20 you had a chance to pull a gift card from local business that help support and it could have been worth up to $100 bucks! Justin Abdelkader donated a jersey from his championship season in Switzerland that went for a pretty penny and the sponsors of the event showed up in force to make sure that the financial needs are covered. It may have been scaled down, but the impact is still heavy and so very much needed. 
Stand Up for the Cure on Facebook
As the day progressed, there was plenty of activity. Yoga on the beach, plenty of kids enjoying the water and sand, dogs in on the fun. There was also the very touching moment of remembrance where the survivors gather to remember why they are there, and why they "Stand Up" for the Cure. It's how Muskegon does it. We had a minute to catch up with Linda Juarez from Hackley Community Care to talk about the impact of this event and how far it goes to help those in their care, and Dianne Hoofman who's part of the planning of this incredible event. Never mind the untucked shirt on the guy in the video with the guests, he was duly cussed out for looking sloppy when he got home. :)
We don't fail those in need in Muskegon. The team for Stand Up for the Cure locally is dedicated to this cause out of personal stories of survival and loss. It's in their triumph and grief that the work is done to support others that are going through the same fight they endured and it's the experience of what they new, and how we've all advanced in ways of treatment, and knowledge of what it takes to pull on the rope to get one more cancer victim past the hopeless stage to the part where they too understand that strength in unity is one of the key survival factors. If you'd like to donate to Stand Up for the Cure, you can follow the link below to share a gift online.
