Cancer survivor rallies bank in fundraiser

When Pontiac, Ill., banker Jane Ellis-a two-time cancer survivor-- finally rounded the last bend in the track on Aug. 5, she was ready for a good, long rest. For 18 hours straight, Ellis and her teammates took turns walking the track at Pontiac Township High School to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Fatigue and blistered feet aside, Ellis was among the dozen employees from The Pontiac National Bank who raised $3,200 for the fight against cancer as part of the annual Relay For Life-a fund-raising program the bank has been involved with since 1996.

This year, bank employees had added incentive for taking part because the 46-year-old Ellis, the institution's vice president of mortgage lending, was celebrating her victory against breast cancer.

"Jane is probably one of the few staff members who has been directly affected," said Edward Vogelsinger, president of the $176 million bank.

"The fact that we have seen her go through it has had an impact on the rest of the staff. Jane is one of those people who has wonderful faith and believes in herself and believes that she will get through this. She really has a positive attitude."

A 25-year banking veteran, Ellis was first diagnosed with breast cancer in June 1997. After six solid weeks of radiation treatment, Ellis was given a passing grade, and the cancer apparently was gone. Ellis' sense of security lasted another year and a half until she and her family were jolted by news that the cancer had returned. This time, the threat was more severe.

Eight months of chemotherapy and radiation followed for Ellis, who also had a tumor and lymph nodes removed. Now, with the help of the drug tamoxifen, Ellis hopes to keep the cancer in check. The drug has been used for more than 20 years to treat patients with advanced breast cancer.

Because of her personal bout with cancer, Ellis knows firsthand the disease can be licked. She does not downplay her experiences, rather Ellis has taken them to heart as a key member of Pontiac National's Relay For Life team.

"The relay is so important to me because it provides funding for research," said Ellis. "We truly need the research. It may not help me or my generation, but it may help my daughter [21-year-old Amy] or others who come after me."

Relay For Life began in Tacoma, Wash., in 1985 when Dr. Gordon Klatt ran and Walked the track at the University of Puget Sound, raising $27,000 for the fight against cancer. Today, more than 2,700 communities participate in the American Cancer Society's signature activity. One night each year, people from all walks of life form relay teams of up to 15 members, camping overnight at a local high school, park or fairgrounds as they take turns walking around a track or path for 12 to 24 hours.

This year, Ellis was the captain of her relay team-Loose Change -- made up of 12 bank employees. The relay - a family-oriented event - usually begins with a "survivor lap" during which cancer survivors walk together in a victory lap around the track. Naturally, Ellis was among the 180 survivors to kick off the event at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4. The relay continued until noon the next day, with team members taking turns walking in one-hour shifts. A total of 45 teams participated, bringing with them hundreds of supporters.

Pontiac National's leader, Vogelsinger, said being in the relay has been a positive experience for the bank's employees. "I think any institution this size has a number of people who have been touched directly or have a family member who has been touched by cancer," said Vogelsinger. "The relay had appeal and became very much a bank-wide involvement."

Although the event takes place in one evening, preparation and fundraising occurs year-round. In the past, Pontiac National has sponsored fundraising activities such as a Hawaiian luau, a St. Patrick's day celebration, a chili cook-off, raffles for television sets and a Chicago Cubs opening baseball day for customers. The entire community gets involved.

"Even though there are only 12 people who actually participate in the walk," said Vogelsinger, "all of the bank employees and their families get involved in the fundraising."

With more than 1.5 million people participating in the event nationwide, the Relay For Life is expected to raise $120 million. But Relay for Life is not only about raising money for cancer; it is also a time to celebrate survivors and to remember those who died.

"You feel really supported and that people care," Ellis said.

Besides entertainment and activities for children, the evening held emotional moments including a night-time candle-lighting ceremony in which participants read tributes to those who died from cancer. Ellis' sister, Mary Oltman, was among those honored. She lost her life to cancer in December 1999.

The relay marked another mile-- stone for Ellis. On the day of the event, Ellis found out that her cancer is finally in remission.

Since her battle with cancer, Ellis admitted that she's changed for the better. "I don't get upset if my house gets dirty or the lawn doesn't get mowed," said Ellis. "My family and friends mean so much to me. They are my top priority. I wish everyone would stop and value every day they walk on the earth."