In the months leading up to the Ellsworth County Cancer Fund’s annual triathlon, Jennifer Young can already sense the anticipation building among her clients.

Young, a direct support supervisor with Mosaic, heads up the agency’s team with fellow supervisor Dawn Saltzman. For the past six years, Young has helped clients develop stronger ties within their community with opportunities like the triathlon.

“As we start talking about it and start planning, you can already see that excitement,” she said.

Mosaic serves individuals with intellectual disabilities and creates social, volunteer and even employment opportunities that not only build confidence, but happiness.

The Mosaic team is a rather large group, Young said, averaging 15-20 people each year, including clients and staff.

“The staff really enjoys being involved in the walk, and our individuals really look forward to it,” she said. “And some of our individuals really like to run the games we have that night.”

Another way the Mosaic team raises money is by running carnival games at their campsite. Games usually vary by year and have included a scavenger hunt, dart balloons and Yahtzee using large yard dice.

“We had a lot of kids coming back to roll the dice that year,” she said.

While this year’s fundraising efforts have been a bit of a challenge, Young said the Mosaic is still collecting donations through luminary sales. Because the triathlon won’t be at Shanelec Field this year, Young said clients are making luminaries that they hope will be lighted on Friday evening.

“It’s been hard this year, and we’ve done some luminaries,” she said. “That’s really the only way for us to raise money. And on the day the cancer (walk) was originally scheduled, we were going to set them out and illuminate them in the evening.”

Each year, Young herself purchases luminaries for each client or staff member who has passed away from cancer.

“It’s something that touches me and brings back memories,” she said. “It also gives us all a chance to remember that person. To see the look on the faces of our individuals, that’s what keeps me going. That’s what keeps me involved every year.”

A few years ago, the Mosaic team was invited to lead the first lap of the walk, kicking off the night’s activities. It’s an honor she’ll never forget.

“That really meant a lot to us,” she said. This year, the Mosaic team is facing off against the United Methodist Church, Ellsworth County Medical Center, the Ellsworth Junior-Senior High School student council, Ellsworth Correctional Facility, Finke’s Retail Liquor, First Bank Kansas, Wilson’s First Baptist Church, Maico Industries, Team Schultz and Team Mog.

“The teams are a very important part,” said Debbie Mog, ECCF chairperson. “They’re not only important from the fundraising aspect, but there’s also the competition and the camaraderie.”

“I think the cancer walk has brought a lot to the community,” Young said. “It brings businesses together for a good cause ... we’re all there for the same thing. And I really think the cancer fund has really a good job of getting all of our local businesses involved.”