Local Cancer Survivors Host Relay for Life Benefit Vendor Fair

Janice Coen and Carrie Kane aren’t just passionate about their work with the American Cancer Society—it’s helped save their lives because they’re both cancer survivors.

Together, Janice and Carrie, both of Washington County, have helped their Relay for Life Teams—Lucky Stars and Candle Crew—raise more than $60,000 to ensure more people around the world have a chance for one more birthday.

As part of the many fundraising events Janice and Carrie host is the annual Vendor Fair at Country Candles, splitting the profits for each of their Relay for Life Teams. Marking the second year for the event, various small businesses and home-based business sales will showcase their products during the event.

The event will take pace starting at 9 a.m. March 23.

For a $1 admission fee, visitors will receive an entry in the door prize raffle for a basket from one of the 25 vendors. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased, as well. Cancer awareness items will be available for purchase—handmade by Team Lucky Stars—and a bake sale with delectable goodies.

Childcare will also be provided by team members for moms who want to shop without a few extra hands.

In 2002, Janice was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma requiring her to endure chemotherapy and radiation. She was considered cancer free until October 2012, when she was diagnosed with a totally unrelated clear-cell uterine cancer. Janice recently finished chemotherapy and will soon start radiation.

After seeing so many of her family members battle the disease—including her sister, who is a two-time survivor—Janice was determined to make a difference with the American Cancer Society and she hasn’t let this recent bout with cancer slow her down.

In 2011, Janice was awarded with a spot on the Volunteer Walk of Fame for her dedication to the cause.

From ensuring all the survivors at the Chartiers-Houston Relay for Life event have a great time to creating beautiful jewelry pieces to sell—she is committed and driven to making each event a success. In fact, her dedication led to the Chartiers Houston Relay for Life event receiving a National Heart of Relay impact award in 2009.

“I started my team in 2003,” said Janice. “The team name was decided upon because I like stars and on the way home from my first Relay meeting, I saw a shooting star. I consider myself lucky to have survived a very dangerous cancer (and now to have caught a second bad one in the earliest stages) so Lucky Stars was an obvious choice.”

Carrie is no stranger to cancer either.

In April 2011, this non-smoker was diagnosed with lung cancer at just 38 years of age. After having her upper left lung removed in April of 2011, she was thankful not to endure chemotherapy or radiation. Early diagnosis was the key for Carrie, who had her last CT scan in February—one that showed she was cancer free, though she will continue regular scans for the next five years.

“It seems as though I don’t know of anyone who has not been touched by Cancer,” said Carrie. “My own paternal grandfather passed away from lung cancer. Because of this, I decided to get involved and help make a difference by starting my Relay for Life team in 2012.”

For more information about the vendor fair, click here or contact Hayley Martin at hmartin828@gmail.com.

Here is a current list of vendors:

• Country Candles
• Thirty one
• Tastefully Simple
• Scentsy
• Comfy Creations Needlecraft
• Silpada
• After Dinner Designs
• Gourmet Cupboard
• Averysgrace custom art, boutique hair wear
• Cookie Lee
• Initials, Inc.
• Origami Owl
• Pampered Chef
• Velata Fun Fondue
• Grace Adele Purses and Accessories
• Pink Zebra
• Shemasek Jewelry and Needlecrafts
• Premier Designs
• Jamberry Nails
• Dove Chocolate Discoveries
• Cover Me Handmade knit and crochet items
• L Cubed Expressions Handmade Jewelry
• Celebrating Home
• Norwex