SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019
WINNEMUCCA, NEVADA
SPONSORS
BLESSINGS The following are quotes from some of the cancer fighters who have been blessed by La Rena’s Race.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors:
Platinum
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Humboldt General Hospital In Memory of Brian “Jimmy” Green Norco Bengoa Eye Care Newmont Mining Company Marigold SSR Mining Company
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“Your kind gift was appreciated and helped with transportation to and from Salt Lake.”
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“Thank you very much for your donation. It made me breathe a lot easier, allowing me to pay my mortgage up so I can stay in my home.”
Gold
Wolfsteller/Abrego Family Sage Petroleum Products Jeremy M. Keener, DDS Etcheverry’s Food Town Lander Hardware AB Beck Plumbing
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“The generous help I received from La Rena’s Race made my life so much easier. I will be forever grateful.”
Silver
AMS Enterprises, Buddy and Delphine Howard, Hunewill Construction Co., DeLong Construction Inc. rlittlefeet and Robert Padilla, Mertens’ Repair/ Mertens’ Parts Co., Simplot, Vera Smith Insurance, Next Level Fitness, Wells Fargo Bank/Battle Mountain, Lithium Nevada, Small Mine Development, Keystone Vet Hospital, Winger’s Roadhouse, Quinn River Mercantile, Lucas Land and Livestock, Western Title, Rick L. Grant, DMD, Gibson Dental, Walt Vetter, Tutu Toppers, Carquest Holland Auto Parets, Niki McQueary
Helping Hands
Aaron’s Furniture, Echeto Construction, OK Tire, Dale and Maryanna Enochson, LBJ Drilling, Tom and Marlene Brissenden, Dakota Diesel, Les Schwab Tires, Judy Gillihan and Family, Jen Anderson Signs, Lander Physical Therapy, Jim Dandy Productions, Scott Shady Court, D&B Supply, Zimmerman Vet, Danielita Kershner
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Participants in the annual La Rena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure get to the finish line in all sorts of ways, including running, walking and even “riding” the race course on bikes, horseback, in golf carts and in wagons. In all, the event gathers hundreds of individual and team participants who help raise money for cancer fighters in Humboldt and Lander counties.
‘Run, Ride, Walk for the Cure’ planned for Saturday, May 11 Saturday, May 11, the 17th annual La Rena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure will take place at French Ford Middle School. The race will begin at 10 a.m.; registration is from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Registration fees are $25 for adults, $20 for phantom racers, $20 for team members or senior citizens, and $10 for children under 10. All registrants will receive a free goodie bag with a race t-shirt; a continental breakfast will also be available free of charge. A Mother’s Day raffle will offer a beautiful cake, dinner tickets, a platter and bowls donated by Pioneer Woman, a handmade quilt and more. A quilt raffle will offer up another handmade masterpiece, and the “Wheel of Fortune” game has its own bounty of prizes for lucky winners. Participants should also be sure to take part in this year’s amazing silent auction.
All proceeds from the race event go to help those in Humboldt and Lander counties who are undergoing cancer treatments. The race course is 1 mile, 3.1 miles/5K or 5 miles long and participants are encouraged to have fun. Runners, strollers, bikes, wagons, carts, horses, golf carts or motorcycles are welcome! Each year’s event revolves around the theme of hope. Mary Maher Bengoa, who co-organizes the event with her mother Amorita Maher, said the past 17 years have helped local residents focus on hope in conquering cancer. “As I look back over the years of this event, it has been beautiful to see that loss and feelings of sadness and frustration have turned into an active way to fight cancer and to change people's lives for the better.” Applications for financial assistance are available by visiting larenasrace.org.
“What a terrific resource you are—the fight is real and I am so thankful that I have found really good doctors, nurses and people like yourself to help.”
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“Thank you so much for the check you sent me. It will help greatly in the travel expenses involved for me to continue treatments. It was very hard for me to ask for help, but my funds have simply vanished with all the expenses involved.”
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“Thank you so much for the recent check you sent me to help me during these very difficult times. I am currently going through chemo and traveling back and forth to Salt Lake. I am very grateful for your help. God bless you!”
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“I am very humbled and so very g ra te f u l t o yo u a n d yo u r organization. (I had to quit work secondary to taking pain meds to manage the pain caused by the cancer). The money you sent me is much needed for medications, doctoring, and living expenses.”
Remembering those we’ve lost La Rena Smith Bengoa “LaRena was about ‘family,’ and she was dedicated to her cause. First, her parents and brothers, Earl and Frank, were a priority as she was always doing for them, and enjoying family time together. She enjoyed her husband, Chris, and boys, Rusty and Kelsey, as she supported them in their roping events. La Rena was an avid score keeper during their competition and I can still see her sitting in the stands with pen and score sheet in hand. Teaching children was her profession and passion. I remember seeing her in a classroom setting, even though she was undergoing treatments, giving it ‘her all.’ LaRena was a gracious daughter-inlaw to Grandma Mary and when her illness came, Grandma Mary was there to support all of the family. As neighbors and friends, our family took dinner to the family once a week. LaRena accepted our small effort to be of help with gratitude, and was always willing to visit even though she did not feel well. I still have a Christmas cookbook and a small flower pot she gave me. She was anxious to share her health results with us, as her treatments continued. La Rena was not a person to be ‘open’ to a lot of folks, so we felt special that she was willing to share.”—Judy Wilkinson remembering her friend and neighbor La Rena Bengoa Brian (Jimmy) Green “Brian (Jimmy) Green was a wonderful man who passed away way too early. He was full of life, even when he was fighting for his. He was a generous person and would do just about anything for anyone in need. We have chosen La Renas Run Ride Walk to donate to in memory of him, so he can continue to help those in need. He will forever be missed by all.”—Paula Green remembering her husband Jimmy Green Paula Copeland “Paula Copeland passed away too soon at age 56 from breast cancer. She was a beautiful woman, who was always dressed with beautiful jewelry, no matter how sick she felt. She was an incredible artist and a friend to all who met her. (I left her for five minutes in a
tattoo parlor in Vegas and came back to find her eating pizza and becoming besties with a bunch of gangsters once!) She loved to laugh and garden and spend time with her family. She had a special way of running the family and keeping us all together. She always made her grandchildren feel loved and special and took delight in making memories with them. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and is missed greatly by many! Her granddaughters also want to add that she was a ‘freaking Christmas Nazi’”—Shana De Anda remembering her mom Paula Copeland who passed in 2015 Frank Tinney “My husband, Frank, had stage 4 colon cancer and it was such an expense to travel to Reno for treatments, motels, meals and gas. This group was there for us to help with expenses and became family. We are forever thankful for the group. Frank always looked forward to the walk. He loved riding in the golf cart!” —Delphine Tinney remembering her husband Frank Tinney Brad Larson “My father, Brad Larson, will forever be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and friend! Brad was a hard worker, loved a challenge, and was the most selfless person many had ever met! He was never too busy or tired to help someone out—family, friend or stranger. In fact, if there were any sort of challenge involved this was even more incentive to lend a hand. He always seemed to have a positive, upbeat, can-do attitude (even at times when it should have been ‘no way, no how,’ Brad took pride in finding or making his own way!). Brad enjoyed, working, hunting, fishing, telling jokes, camping, singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, and time at the family cabin working and the great outdoors. Anyone who knew Brad knew his love of Jokes. He didn't just tell a joke, he often started out by making you believe he was telling you a fact or experience he had. His kids came to call these ‘Bradisms’; they were so unique.” —Tammy McLean remembering her father Brad Larson who passed in 2018
GAMES GALORE! Check out the fun at this year’s event: Quilt Raffle – Beautiful queen size quilt; fabric donated by Jeannie McRae, sewn by Betty Lawrence, and quilted by Di An Putnam. Mother's Day Raffle – Cake by Tutu Toppers, Joy Sanders; Sign by Jen Anderson; 4 dinner tickets donated by Winger's; floral serving platter and bowls donated by Pioneer Woman; handmade quilt by Gay Lynn Miller, quilted by Di An Putnam. Wheel of Fortune Game prizes - (1) 2 bicycles donated by Walmart; (2) 4-piece place setting of cotton fronds plates and chargers, Mason jar salt and pepper shakers with chicken wire napkin holder, metal rooster, Mason jar measuring cups, spoons and spoon rest, matching drying mat and dry flower arrangement; (3) 3-piece outdoor folding chairs and table, tickets to the Reno Aces, one night stay at Atlantis (4) 48” flat screen TV; (5) Wooden quilt ladder with quilt made by Gladys Elordi, towels, sheets, additional floral quilt from Tips Western Wear (6) Young Living Oil Diffuser with oils, cleaner, blanket, sign, coffee cup and an overnight stay at the Peppermill (7) Reno 1964 Soccer Club tickets and player autographs.
WINE TASTING For the second year, Total Wines & More in Reno has donated a wine tasting for 20! This opportunity will be auctioned online from May 112. To make your bid, please visit our facebook site at The La Rena Smith Bengoa Run Ride or Walk and search for our 32 auction post. This package retails for $500 so take this opportunity to get an amazing experience at a great price.
RITA AND HAROLD CHAPIN: FIGHTING THE FIGHT TOGETHER Harold and Rita Chapin are no strangers to hard work and hard times, but what is most apparent to those who know them are their happy hearts and gracious spirits. Harold and Rita were married September 2, 1955. They have spent the majority of their 64-year marriage in Humboldt County. Like most young couples, their early years were pretty lean. Their first job was at the 25 Ranch out of Battle Mountain, Nevada. Harold broke horses, worked cattle and did all of the typical cowboy things, but he also participated in rodeos frequently. When he traveled, he was not a one-event kind of guy; he entered in bareback, saddle bronc and team roping. He often traveled with Rita's brother, Dutch Zabala. Harold retired from the rodeo circuit about 1963 after 14 years of excitement, fun and yes, injuries. Rita Zabala Chapin started her career in the banking industry with First National Bank in Winnemucca. She did not share with them that she had been fired from a job at the movie theatre for eating popcorn on the job; she reasoned that it didn't count as she was hired back the next day. She had a long career with First National, then Valley Bank before her stint with Bank of America. She retired from there for a less demanding job, working at the Sundance Casino. She loved counting money and visiting with customers. Like many people who get cancer, the Chapins had
never gave cancer much thought. Then, there it was. Harold's brothers Charlie, George, and sister-in-law Patti succumbed to cancer. Before too many years, Harold and Rita themselves would face it head
on—Harold with prostate cancer, and Rita with breast cancer. Harold did his early treatments in Fallon, Nevada, which consisted of hormone shots every six months. That seemed to keep his cancer at bay for nearly 10 years, but in the last couple of years, it has reoccurred, more aggressive than ever. He has completed a round of chemotherapy, and is now looking at other options such as oral chemo, and immuno-therapy. Some time into his cancer treatment, Rita was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to attack it quickly and aggressively with a mastectomy and chemotherapy and radiation. That has been almost 10 years ago, and she continues to be healthy and optimistic. Their situation is not that unique; many times cancer strikes more than once in one family, or reoccurs in the same person, stretching one's resilience and ability to conquer it. The mission of La Rena's Race is to step in and ease some of the stress, and offer encouragement and support. The La Rena's Race team started out with mostly family members, and now has become a large, inclusive extended family waiting to reach out and help quickly. La Rena's Race has now provided monetary contributions to more than 280 people, with grants totaling about $340,000. We are so honored to have Harold and Rita Chapin as members of our group of Cancer Warriors!
NEW LIFE, NEW ENTERTAINMENT
Two thousand nineteen will be an exciting year at the La Rena's Race event. There will be all the great
activities that are now our tradition, but there will also be some new entertainment! We are proud to welcome Surapong Yaemmuan (Lek) to our amazing group of volunteers. Not only is Lek new to La Rena's Race, he is also new to our country. Lek recently moved to Winnemucca from Thailand to be close to his daughter Athiwan. They have been separated for 21 years since Athiwan moved to the United States at age 10. Now that they are together, they are enjoying making up for lost time. However, like all change, the transition has come with some challenges. First, the visa process took four years, which required a great deal of patience on both Lek's and Athiwan's parts. Lek, however, kept busy in his native Thailand performing music most nights and holidays. he now spends most days helping his daughter around her property and enjoying a quiet life with her two Labradors. Athiwan started doing La Rena's Race a few years ago as part of her running hobby. Now she participates with a friend who is a skin cancer survivor. This year, she
Demand grows for events As the needs of cancer patients in our area have grown, it has become a challenge to keep up with innovative ways to raise more money and spread our mission to help throughout Humboldt and Lander counties. We began working on a cookbook last October. It is called: The Taste of Hope, A Cancer Warriors Cookbook. It was exciting, satisfying and lots of typing, which could never have been completed without Darlene Albisu and Vickie Easterday. The cookbook contains 400 recipes, contained in a binder to which we hope to add about 50-100 recipes a year, until it is full. We have sold about 250 copies to date, and are holding a few to sell at the Run, Ride, or Walk on May 11, 2019. After that we will order again to sell throughout the year. Presently, this publishing will provide help to three people. Cookbooks are $20.00 each and there are still some available. Several members of the McDermitt Rodeo Board, many having a dual membership in La Rena's Race, sponsored a Horse Roping on April 20. Everyone had a good time, and enough money was raised there to help with a grant for one person taking treatment. One final attempt at something new before the actual fundraising event on May 11 will take place on May 4, 2019, at the Harney Electric Dinner in McDermitt. Judy Wilkinson has quilted a cozy denim quilt that will be silent auctioned at the event. Also, Rodeo Board/La Rena's Race members will be catering the event, which will add more money to the coffers. We are always looking for more team members and ideas for generating income! Please contact Amorita Maher, 208 484 0136, if you can help, or if you have ideas to help a worthy cause whose needs continue to grow!
kindly offered to bring her father who will share his talents with us. Lek is excited to return to performing. He always enjoyed including Athiwan in performances when she visited Thailand. Now he will be able to include her on a regular basis. This will only enhance the performances, as Athiwan is an experienced performer herself, having performed at numerous charity events throughout her time in college in Reno. Their performance at La Rena's Race is bound to be a special moment for Lek and Athiwan, not just because they are finally reunited, but also because it will be cause to celebrate a friend. In Thailand. Lek had a running buddy whom he supported through a battle with colon cancer. There is no doubt he will be celebrating that friend along with all our other survivors in attendance and far away. We hope you can join us to enjoy the event and our new performers. Music ties our memories to sound and we will be blessed to create new memories with new friends on this special day!
MIRACLE JAR CAMPAIGN Never underestimate the power of pocket change! That's the message behind a campaign aimed at raising money for cancer fighters in Humboldt and Lander counties. The “La Rena's Race Cancer Miracle Jar” campaign invites local individuals, families, businesses and organizations to collect as much pocket change as possible each year, tally the total in early May, and give it to the La Rena's Race Foundation as an anniversary gift for community residents who are fighting cancer. “Your coins will make a big difference in someone's fight with cancer,” said Mary Maher Bengoa, who co-manages the foundation with her mother Amorita Maher. “The past 17 years have shown that out of the smallest efforts, we smallest efforts, we can bring about a very large commitment that can help push back against cancer.” Bengoa continued, “Cancer—the disease—is just one impact of what these people are facing. The other thing is the financial devastation—and we can definitely help with that.” In all, there are 30 actual “Miracle Jars” distributed throughout Humboldt and Lander counties. Just this past year, kind and generous residents donated $1,358.50 in pocket change through the campaign—enough to fund one cancer fighter. For those who find it inconvenient to donate to an existing jar, “create your own miracle jar,” said Bengoa. “We will accept any and all donations that will help alleviate some anxiety for our cancer fighters.” All “Miracle Jars” can be turned in at this year’s “La Rena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure” on Saturday, May 11. New jars will also be available to take for filling during the coming year.
Together we can create a miracle!
Run, Ride, Walk silent auction angels return in 2019 Delphine Tinney (pictured at right) and La Donna Peluaga (pictured at left) have been queens of the La Rena's Race Silent Auction that takes place every year at the Run, Ride, or Walk event. This year is no different. They have worked much of the year gathering unique and lovely items to fill the display tables at French Ford Middle School. Delphine continues on with the organization that she and husband, Frank, contributed so much to. The La Rena's Race team remembers Frank Tinney every year for his devotion to us and his hard work putting on past events. Equally devoted is La Donna, a breast cancer warrior, who is now enjoying 13 years in remission. She joined the team shortly after her diagnosis and treatment.
Among the many beautiful, fun, useful and unique items that will be up for grabs at this year’s La Rena’s Race Silent Auction are this quilt and this red child’s recliner.
Racing For A Cure!
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