Releasing hope on New Years

PLAINS – The New Year’s Eve night sky was illuminated with every color of the rainbow. Sky lanterns were released at the fairgrounds to honor loved ones that have suffered from cancer. The lanterns seemed to be beacons of hope warding off the ever-present darkness.

The Lantern Launch is a fundraiser put on by the Cancer Network of Sanders County and all proceeds go to those currently suffering.

The event went another consecutive year without a hitch.

“We sure lucked out on the weather for the third year in a row so someone is watching out for us,” Fairgrounds Commissioner Mike Hashisaki said.

Hashisaki was the one who came up with the idea of the Lantern Launch fundraiser in the first place.

“I went looking for fireworks and discovered the lanterns,” he said. “I bought six and showed them to Kathy at the Cancer Network and asked if they wanted to try them as a fundraiser and that is how it came about.”

After the Cancer Network of Sanders County’s fall event concluded, the lanterns went on sale for $10 apiece. Lanterns are donated so any and all proceeds go to the network. The Cancer Network then finds a local in need.

“Any person who is a resident of Sanders County and is currently undergoing treatment for cancer just needs to fill out an application and send it to us. Then we send them a check no strings attached,” Cancer Network of Sanders County President Kathy Miller said.

Since 2001, the network has given approximately 604 gifts and has raised a total of $203,050. These figures are without factoring in their last couple of events such as the spring event Music for Mom and the fall event Brats, Hops, and Grapes. Factoring those in, the network has earned an additional 37 gifts and $20,000 to help fight cancer.

The Cancer Network of Sanders County puts on several events throughout the year, but the Lantern Launch is a favorite among many. Participants customize their lanterns by writing personal notes to their loved ones.

“A lot of people write little messages on them. It might be for someone who is a cancer survivor or for someone who was lost to cancer to honor them,” Miller said.

The multi-colored lanterns were coated in personal touches such as “I love you,” “I miss you,” “Happy New Year,” “I wish you were here.” They honored all kinds of kin and friends who battled cancer.

Participant Evelyn Schenavar of Thompson Falls brought her son Greg and his girlfriend Aly Piccolo out to release lanterns and to support her mother. Judy Bertram is a new member to the Cancer Network and embraced the event.

“We did one lantern for my stepdad and one for my grandpap,” Evelyn Schenavar said. “This [the Lantern Launch] rally brings out the feelings. It is the first time I have seen my mom cry. Her husband passed away a year ago in November.”

There was sadness associated with the event, but there was also joy. Real camaraderie is formed when people who have experienced similar loss come together.

“It’s a great event. My mom just joined the and is so excited to participate,” Schenavar said.

The third annual Lantern Launch was a great success and it is the Cancer Network of Sanders County’s hope that it grows a little each year.

“There is something magical about it,” Miller said.