Photo Information

Tech. Sgt. Diane Speas and Capt. Jarius Wallace joined celebrities such as country singer and American Idol winner Scotty McCreery at the Jimmy V Gala for Cancer Research in Raleigh, N.C. on Aug. 24, 2012. Speas and Wallace have dealt with the effects of cancer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Shannon Mann)

Photo by Maj. Shannon Mann, ARWPA

Reservists share experiences at cancer fund raising event

7 Sep 2012 | Maj. Shannon Mann

Cancer is a disease that affects friends, families and co-workers. The 'family' in the 916th Air Refueling Wing here is no exception.

On Aug. 25, members of the wing took part in one of the largest charity fundraisers in the nation, the Jimmy V Gala for Cancer Research.

Jim Valvano was a former basketball coach for N.C. State University, until cancer ended his life. For 19 years, his friends, family and supporters have come together in late August to pay tribute to the man by raising money so that cancer research can continue. The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic takes place in the Raleigh, N.C., area and a weekend of events surround the tournament.

This year, Capt. Jarius Wallace, 916th Maintenance Group, and Tech. Sgt. Diane Speas, 916th Mission Support Group, were special guests of the event's executive director, Frank McCaan.

Wallace has been cancer free for six years. This was his first time at the event representing the wing.

"On the surface, I thought this event was about celebrities and other wealthy people coming together to have a good time and give money to the Jimmy V Foundation," he said. "So, I reserved my expectations."

The experience was different than he had imagined.

"The event wasn't about what tax bracket you fell in. It was about 700 individuals coming together for the cause of raising funds for cancer research and continued awareness," he said.

Speas has a different experience with cancer. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 34. Her father learned he had prostate cancer in 2011.

Like Wallace, Speas doesn't believe the dinner was about spending an evening with celebrities.

"It was about the dedication and commitment across the entire room from every individual there with one common goal," she said.

This year's Jimmy V was especially memorable for the Air Force reservists because it raised money to support the 9/11 New York first responders who now suffer from cancer due to the contaminants they were exposed to at the World Trade Centers.

Wallace stood out in the crowd because he wore his mess dress uniform instead of a tuxedo.

"The military presence was an eye opener for some people, as I found out in conversation," he said. "A lot of what the world sees about military personnel is associated with the war. Most of the coverage hasn't anything to do with cancer. I spoke about my condition and the condition of those I know of in the 916th. Though a small number in the 916th, imagine how much greater the number over the entire Air Force; over all military branches of service."

Speas' sister was on active duty with the Army when she was diagnosed. She has been in remission for seven years but still struggles with the psychological impact the disease creates.

"'She asks why did God put me through this, what did I do wrong...why can't I be my old self again?"' Speas said.

Speas said there is no good answer and often times finds herself asking why it didn't happen to her instead. "Maybe I would have been a little stronger than her to deal with it."

At the gala Speas realized, "I know so many people have so many questions about cancer whether you're a battler, a survivor or just a loved one that's a supporter. I feel the Jimmy V Foundation will find the 'good enough' answer to so many unanswered questions."

She talked to her sister about making the annual event a tradition in their lives.

"It will allow her to meet others that have and are experiencing what she has been through," Speas said.


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