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Mother Nature has not been kind to Tomah Area Cancer Support, Inc. (TACS) in 2008.

The TACS chili cookoff in January will be remembered for bone chilling sub zero temperatures where chili recipes provided a blanket of warmth for those who braved the weather and attended.

TACS members were geared up to host Gary Brueggen and the Ridgeland Dutchmen at the TeePee Supper Club in early February. Once again the harsh winter of 2008 threw a curve. Due to a snowstorm, the decision was made to reschedule Gary and the Dutchmen for an open date in March.

One n actually two n drawbacks, the March date conflicted with two other events in Tomah the same day. We appreciate the effort by some to divide their time between each event that day, but also understand it was hard to be two or three places at once.

We had respectable attendance at the cookoff and TeePee, but far from what we had hoped for key fundraising events for TACS. This leads to the upcoming TACS Trek on May 16 at Recreation Park (or Monroe County Fairgrounds). Since the inception of TACS six years ago, the Trek has been the primary funding source for the organization to carry on its charge.

For those still unaware of TACS, the organization exists as a resource for individuals or families who are dealing with financial challenges due to cancer related expenses. In 2003 TACS provided $2,501 in financial assistance for seven applicants. In 2007 TACS provided $21,270 in financial assistance for 31 applicants. The number of applicants is steady and so is the need for financial help.

A board reviews applications on a regular basis to determine need. We also confer with a medical liaison who confirms the medical diagnosis before applications are approved. This is our safeguard against people who fake a cancer diagnosis to defraud financial help. Sad, but true, this scenario has happened in other Wisconsin communities.

Despite successful Treks the first few years, participation has declined. While the number of participants continues to dip, the amount of money raised has remained steady to help our cause. But as expected, the lack of participation in the Trek is taking its toll on our ability to sustain applicants.

The 2008 Trek is still in the planning stages, but this much we do know. The event runs from 4 p.m. to midnight. It will be based out of the Exhibit (green) Building. There is musical entertainment planned. We are planning a silent auction and homemade baked goods will be on sale. We will have a luminary ceremony.

The makeshift walking track is behind the grandstand. We encourage people to secure pledges and walk as an individual, family or corporate team. The cost is $10 per person, a nominal fee, and remember your money stays in Tomah or helps finance cancer research in La Crosse. You can sign up the day of the event. Pre-registration packets are also available.

Trek organizers are coordinating with the Wilton American Legion to serve a BBQ chicken meal starting at 5 p.m. The Tomah Lioness Club will serve barbecue and hot dogs so there will be ample nourishment for hungry walkers.

Two local residents, Tina Bernhardt and Ann Thompson, will serve as honorary co-chairs for the Trek. Our main goal is to raise money to continue our mission. But equally important is the recognition of cancer survivors and those who remain with us in memory.

If you would like more information on the Trek or a registration packet feel free to call me at 372-7892. We need your help to help others. We look forward to seeing you May 16 at Recreation Park and let’s hope the weather cooperates. Come out and spend a few hours with us for a very worthwhile cause.

Bob Kliebenstein is a Tomah resident and TACS board member.