Although Tracy Ruth has never been diagnosed with lymphoma, the disease has touched her life.
Last year, Ruth's older brother, Robert Bauman, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system.
"It really hit home. He is the only brother that I have," Ruth said. "That's when I found the society's page online."
Ruth, 38, is referring to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world's largest voluntary organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and patient services.
Her brother is now in remission, but Ruth is still helping those with blood cancers. She is creating a 2009 calendar featuring artwork by children affected by cancer.
Proceeds from the calendar, titled "A Child Smiled ... A Calendar of Art from the Heart," will benefit the society's "Hike for Discovery" fundraising program.
Ruth is still in need of artwork to complete the calendar. She will collect submissions until Sept. 30.
The calendars will cost $12.
"This is a new idea, and I think it's a great idea," said MaryAnn Kennedy, Central Pennsylvania Hike for Discovery campaign director.
"There are quite a few children that work with us as our honored hikemates and teammates," Kennedy said.
Honored hikemates are those who have been diagnosed with blood cancers.
Hike for Discovery participants raise funds for the society by soliciting sponsors for an annual hiking trip. Ruth became involved with the program shortly after her brother's diagnosis.
In June, she and a dozen Central Pa. chapter Hike for Discovery members completed a hiking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
"Almost every chapter has a group that does the hike. We were out in the Rockies for five- or six-hour day hikes," Ruth said.
Hike for Discovery group members meet and train over a 14- to 18-week period before the fundraising hike.
"It's hard on the legs, but worth it," Ruth said. "Before we go, we read a letter from a patient. It's really touching."
Ruth's hiking group was joined by honorary hikemate Jon Gracey. In January 2007, Gracey was diagnosed with stage three multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that attacks the plasma cells.
Currently, Gracey is participating in FDA-approved clinical trials at the University of Pennsylvania. Diagnosed in his mid-40s, Gracey is an exceptionally young patient.
"Statistically, 70 percent of all multiple myeloma patients are over 70 years of age," Gracey said.
The average life expectancy after a diagnosis of stage three multiple myeloma is 15 months — but Gracey has responded well to trial treatment and already has beaten the odds.
"I completed the hike. It was just awesome," said Gracey, father of 16-year old twins Erin and Haley and 13-year old Nathan.
"I was so amped up on endorphins. I was prepared for this trip. Our local training was phenomenal," Gracey said.
Gracey was named as the Central Pa. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2008 Honored Patient. He is now a regular speaker for the society.
"You lend support every possible way you can," Gracey said. "When I talk to people, they know it comes from my life. It's from the heart, and people respond to that."
An estimated 135,520 people in the United States were diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2007, according the to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Web site.
Ruth hopes that "A Child Smiled ... A Calendar of Art from the Heart" will aid Gracey and others with cancer.
"I'm just getting the word out to treatment facilities," she said. "It's such a great organization of people."
Parents interested in submitting their child's artwork, or businesses wishing to purchase advertising space in the calender may contact Tracy Ruth at 738-2074 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday), or at 336-5875, or by e-mail at truthisnature@yahoo.com, subject line "LLS calendar." Send artwork to 1450 South Cocalico Road, Denver, PA 17517.
E-mail: kobrien@lnpnews.com
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