by Christy Parrott
On Sunday, September 30, many Kremmling residents gathered at Grand Lake to participate in the Taking Steps for Cancer 5k walk/run in honor of a Kremmling native recently diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma Ex Goblet Carcinoid. The Mountain Family Center hosts the annual event, and this year, Cassandra Woog provided the inspiration behind Team Jason Bock, “We decided to support Jason and his fight,” Woog explains of the donation to the event from Alpine Motor Sports in his honor. “He is a customer, but more than that, he’s a good friend. There are so many people that care about him, and we wanted to show that.”
Each year the Mountain Family Center raises money to support Grand County residents. Originally founded in 1979 as the Fraser Valley Women’s Resource Center to combat the isolation of living in rural, remote Grand County, the Mountain Family Center now offers resources for those in Grand County who may be struggling financially. Their cancer-related services provide financial assistance for up to $2500 annually per person for travel expenses, which include gas, hotel, meals and even prescriptions. This service is available to any Grand County resident undergoing diagnosis or treatment for any type of cancer. As recent as 2012, multiple Grand County cancer patients had been denied assistance from the Susan G. Komen foundation. In fact, according to KomenColorado.org, 2015 data suggests that individuals most at risk for significant barriers to receiving care include, for example, women living in rural, mountain and resort communities.
“Expenses really add up when you’re going back and forth to Denver for treatment,” Dawna Heller explains. Heller volunteered her time and effort to Team Bock, providing
Jason Bock was unable to attend the walk, due to treatments that prevent him from being in cooler weather, and he insists, “I am very humbled by all of the support I have received. I am very fortunate to have so many friends and such a great family. I feel blessed to call Kremmling my home.”
Participant Rosie Stahl reflects, “It was really a touching gathering where the public came out on a beautiful fall day to celebrate life and lives lost.” Brenda Bock agrees, “The people in this community are amazing. Whenever something is going on, people jump right in and help.”
All proceeds raised go directly to The Mountain Family Center. “Of course Jason asked for whatever money was donated for him to go directly to the center,” Heller says. “That’s just who he is.”
The Mountain Family center accepts donations year round. “They helped pay for the rooms my mom had to get and helped pay for the gas and food. It all stays in Grand County. It’s a wonderful organization.” Jason Bock says. The Mountain Center also provides children with school supplies, assistance with rent, mortgage and
