Amy (Uraynar) Clarke was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer in 2012 at the age of 33. Her initial treatment included chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The following spring Amy signed up with about a dozen others for our first ST&BF “Hiking Along the Cancer Journey” overnight backpack trip on the nearby Ice Age Trail. There was a threat of thunderstorms and bad weather on the first day of hiking and everyone else, except for Amy and her boyfriend at the time (now husband) Alan, had cancelled. As it turned out, the three of us enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous evening around the fire as the threatening weather turned out to be a few raindrops on my tent at about 2AM!
As we sat around the fire that night, I interviewed Amy and Alan for a “Survivor Spotlight” article for the TLC Supportive Newsletter, during which she stated, “I think anybody that wants to have a more positive outlook should find a way to brighten something up in their life and it will help.”
About eight years later, Amy joined us for our June visit to the CF&G. She was among several survivors who spoke that night and mentioned, “2020 was bad for all of us. It was made worse for me when I found out the rectal cancer had come back and metastasized to my lung.”
As Amy was recovering from one of her recent treatments/procedures she decided to paint some rocks. So, it seems Amy is continuing to find ways to brighten up her life, including rocks, as she continues on her cancer journey!
Some of those rocks she painted (which can be identified with “scccf.org” painted on the back) have been scattered in the Ye Olde Tennis Court Garden for you to find!
If you find one... it’s yours to keep! You are asked to take a photo of the rock (or a selfie of you with the rock if you’d like) and submit it at www.scccf.org/contests/AmyRocks along with a message of support and encouragement for Amy and/or anyone who may be in the midst of the cancer experience!
Anyone who posts a photo with a message will be entered into a drawing for several $25 gift cards! But don’t worry, even if you didn’t find one of Amy’s painted rocks... you can paint your own rock... or just take a picture of a rock at the Gardens and submit that with a message of support and encouragement and you will be eligible as well!
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