There’s a plaque hanging on the wall in Kris Finke’s office that reads, “Life is Good.”

It reminds her of her late husband, Bill, who was known for quoting the phrase throughout much of his life. He recited it so often, in fact, it kind of became his catchphrase.

Even during some of the roughest moments in Bill’s cancer fight, he still found a way to rejoice, celebrating the goodness in life.

“It’s something he always said,” Kris said. “It was kind of his mantra.”

A former educator, football and golf coach in Ellsworth and Kanopolis, Bill later worked at Ellsworth Correctional Facility for nearly 22 years and was eventually named deputy warden. He was also an entrepreneur, owning and operating Finke’s Retail Liquor Store and Water Works Family Laundry in Ellsworth.

Even before cancer affected his life, it touched a friend’s. Bill showed his support by shaving his head. Years later after Bill was diagnosed, a group of male corrections officers at ECF did the same.

As the Ellsworth County Cancer Fund got off the ground in 2009, Bill was honored as a cancer survivor and invited to speak about his diagnosis during the organization’s first-ever fundraising event. Bill later passed away in February 2010 at the age of 56.

Not long after Bill’s death, teams were welcomed to compete in the annual cancer walk. Hoping to keep Bill’s memory alive, Kris formed Team Finke to raise money for the organization. Making up the team were the couple’s five children as well as other family members and friends. Ten years later, she and her team are still raising funds for the charitable organization. Last year, Kris’ team raised $4,395, earning third place.

Each team member is asked to either raise or contribute $100 each. On her own, Kris sends a letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope to a host of family and friends, requesting donations. This year, Finke’s team is competing against the United Methodist Church, Ellsworth County Medical Center, Ellsworth Junior-Senior High School student council, Ellsworth Correctional Facility, First Bank Kansas, Wilson’s First Baptist Church, Mosaic, Maico Industries, Team Schultz and Team Mog.

While this year’s fundraiser has presented its own unique set of challenges because of the coronavirus, Kris’ employees didn’t let her down. To comply with social distancing requirements and keep customers safe, the liquor store offered curbside pickup. As employees ran back and forth filling orders, customers often told them to keep the change. The extra coins and dollar bills started adding up, Kris said. In all, her staff collected $700 for the cancer fund.

As Kris prepares each year for the triathlon, she admits it’s a lot work putting together the campsite, and making sure team members are comfortable, with plenty of snacks and drinks. But the time spent together with her family and friends is something she always looks forward to.

“It’s so worth it,” she said.

Another one of her favorite portions of the triathlon is the lighting of the luminaries in memory of those lost to cancer, those still fighting and survivors who have overcome the odds.

When the lights are off with the luminaries, it’s just kind of surreal when they call the names,” she said. “Everyone should experience that.”