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May 14

Ballinger, TX

by Dennis Cavner (LAF BOD)

LIVESTRONG Day in Ballinger was the essence of grassroots advocacy. Over 200 people (out of 4,200 total population!) came to the Courthouse lawn to sign letters to members of Congress urging greater support for the fight against cancer. To give you an idea of the high turnout, an Austin event that had similar participation would need to have almost 50,000 people show up! The local LIVESTRONG Army also provided a video and other information to educate and inform. The local TV and newspaper covered the event, and the paper had run a front page story the week before. The highlight of the day was the release of over 200 beautiful yellow balloons to signify that the cure for cancer may be just over the horizon if we work harder at it.

The main organizers of this amazing day were Misty and Dave Ueckert, who lost their 15 year old son Trent to cancer last year. Trent battled valiantly for 2 years with a spirit that embodies LIVESTRONG. He never gave up the fight: he played high school football while undergoing chemo, was always positive and energetic, and inspired all who were around him. Misty attended the LIVESTRONG Summit in Austin in October 2006 and so moved by the experience that she became actively involved with the LAF.

The small Texas town of Ballinger can be very proud of Misty, Dave, and their family and friends who made LIVESTRONG Day a special time. When we win this fight against cancer, it will be because good people are working hard together to achieve that goal. I was enormously proud to be with them on this day.

Dennis Cavner



3 Responses to “Ballinger, TX”

  1. Debbie Gordon says:
    May 16, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    Thanks to LAF for sending Mr. Cavner to Ballinger. Next year we would like to have him again and hope Lance will come with him.
    Yes, Trent did show the true meaning of “LiveStrong”. Even when he felt the very worst, he always had a smile, please/thank you, and “so sorry to be so much trouble”. Oh, how I wish he was still here giving us any kind of trouble he could!
    Trent had his priorities straight! God, family, friends, life!
    Check these websites:
    http://reporternews.com/news/2007/aug/30/remembering-trent/
    and
    http://obituaries.sanangelostandardtimes.com/obit.cfm?ID=8289

    Thanks again to LAF!
    Trent’s grandmother,
    Debbie Gordon

  2. Fred Hederson says:
    June 15, 2008 at 11:35 pm

    Thank you for bringing cancer to light amongt the Black community. prostate cancer is a big issue in the Black community.It is something that is nottalk about enough.

  3. Charlie Gawley says:
    June 24, 2008 at 8:28 am

    Lance et all

    You are truly an inspration not only to those within the sport but to those who are confronted with the battle against cancer.

    We have all unfortunately lost someone close and afar, so much so colleagues of mine in Ireland have been inspired to cycle the route of the Earls some 2200km over 3 weeks through France down to Italy to raise awareness and funds for the Irish Cancer Society starting on June 29th. The team are funding everything out of their own pocket.

    See their website which traces their route http://www.flightoftheearlscycle.com/index.htm

    It would be great to see you along the route if you happen to be in the area, any assistance that you and your team can give to further raise the profile would be of great assistance.

    Live Strong Always

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