Cancer Walk rains in money

SALEM – The conditions might have been more appropriate for staying indoors and having a hot cup of coffee, but they didn?t deter more than 2,000 walkers who braved Sunday morning?s Nor?easter-type rain and windstorm to take part in the 25th annual North Shore Cancer Walk.The walk, sponsored by North Shore Medical Center in Salem, was deemed a success anyway.Organizer Rose Fisher said there were more than 2,000 walkers. In the past, the event has seen some 6,000 participants.Fisher said the photo booth and water stations were just as busy as they would have been under normal circumstances.The 6-mile route spans from Salem Willows to Salem State University (Lafayette Street side) and back again, and Fisher said most walkers made the trek in soggy conditions.?A lot of walkers did the full course,” Fisher said. “Some shortened it. Salem Trolley Company and North Shore Medical vans also transported participants who were too drenched to continue.”Fisher said seeing thousands of dedicated survivors, family and friends is what the walk is really about.?After planning my seventh walk, I am amazed at the sea of umbrellas,” Fisher said after the walk. “It was an incredible turn-out in the rain. So many die-hard, dedicated people came out.”Walkers were in the elements from 5-11 a.m.Children enjoyed a balloon twister as well as sand and spin art.?To have all that in the rain is pretty amazing,” Fisher said.The amount raised was not calculated Sunday afternoon.Kim Pelletier, 39, walked with her husband, Bob, 39, and their children, Hannah, 8, and Luc, 5. They were walking in memory of their late uncle, Ken Enos, who died from lung cancer in the ?90s, and in honor of her mother, Connie, who is a breast cancer survivor.Pelletier said the rainy day was tolerable.?It?s really fun in the rain, believe it or not,” Pelletier said. “The rain pouring on us was definitely a challenge, but if it was 90 degrees, I?d find that much more difficult.”Her raincoat, breast cancer awareness sneakers and socks were soaked during the 1?-hour walk.?After we eat lunch from Peppy?s Pizza, I can?t wait to have a warm shower and a cup of tea,” Pelletier said. “I would encourage a rain date next time.”Pelletier spoke of why she brought her family out in the elements.?My mom just finished her radiation, and we were determined to do it, no matter the weather,” Pelletier said. “That?s why we?re so dedicated.”Janet Melanson, of Lynn, walked with her niece, Carolyn Melanson, Carolyn?s boyfriend, Randy Smith, and his daughter, Ashling. She began to walk 16 years ago after her father died and when she began to feel lost without him. The walk was held on Father?s Day up until four years ago. Several of her friends passed away from cancer, too.Melanson said the walk was even more rewarding in the storm.?You kind of feel a little more rewarded doing something like this (walking in the rain),” Melanson said. “It?s a rewarding feeling anyway, but it felt extra good.”She found the rain to be fun.?When we got to the Salem Common, the puddles were in the walkway. We tried to go around them, but after a while, we said, ?what?s the difference??” Melanson asked. “I felt like a kid again. We walked right through the puddles. I was laughing. Normal adults would walk right around the puddles.”Carl Stoodt, 24, mix engineer, said he found also the rain to be hilarious.?Every time I do this, I learn more funny quotes about the rain,” Stoodt said. “On a more serious note, it?s nice to see people do something like this in spite of the weather as a communal effort.”Stoodt said the amount of times that walkers were called troupers was encouraging.?I believe in a struggle,” Stoodt said. “It brings people together. We?re here – have no fear.”Kevin Noyes, 51, walked in memory of his father, Robert, 77, who died of lung cancer. Seven of his aunts and uncles also died from cancer.?Knowing what the forecast was going to be can?t dampen my spirits about doing this,” Noyes said. “It?s an important eve