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TOTAL of $111,468.60 was collected for this year’s 2012 Marianas March
Against Cancer at the Hopwood Junior High School field from 6 p.m. on
Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday, but the committee is expecting more
collections from sponsors.
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| Juan Vicente Blanco |
An estimated 2,000 people joined this year’s march, which committee member Reina Camacho described as a “big success.”
One of the march participants, Juan
Vicente Ehsa Blanco, 10, touched the hearts of many with a story about
his battle with cancer, which started in May 2007. Blanco had to go to
Hawaii for treatment every three months from 2007 to July 2010, and now
has to have blood tests here every two months.
Blanco told of how he got the chance to
meet President Obama at the White House when the Make-A-Wish Foundation
granted his wish in Oct. 2010.
Blanco said that his fight with cancer
continues, but doctors, family and friends are helping him in his
recovery one step at a time.
“It’s been tough, but I know I must get through this. God knows there is no sense in giving up now,” Blanco said.
“For those of you who took the time to
come to the Marianas March Against Cancer event, you are my heroes. This
is a great cause you are supporting, and each step you take tonight is
one step closer to defeating this dreaded disease,” Blanco said.
Team awards
The Best Baton Award went to Team Bodig’s “Kung Fu”-inspired entry.
Team #Free Dave made the Most Laps and had the best tent.
Team Aschocho won the Most Spirit award, while Team Joeten Charitable Foundation/Marianas High School sold the most luminaries.
For the most money raised, Team Knights
won in the Napu or school category, while Team Bodig won in the Pulan or
family category.
Team NMPASI raised the most money in the
Atdao, or non-government agency category, while Team Pacific Islands
Club raised the most in the Puti’on, or corporate category.
First published HERE
