To say the last few months presented unprecedented challenges for Debbie Mog would be a complete understatement.

The months leading up to the Ellsworth County Cancer Fund’s annual triathlon are normally a critical time as board members work out every detail, preparing for the organization’s biggest fundraiser. But in mid-March, organizers faced something no one ever expected.

A COVID-19 pandemic was declared, forcing a statewide stay-home order, closing schools and only allowing essential businesses to remain open. Hoping to further reduce the virus’ spread, government officials also prohibited mass gatherings, from entertainment venues to fairs and festivals, as well as restricting a host of other activities.

With restrictions remaining in place even weeks later, the board faced a tough decision.

The track at Shanelec Field is the setting for the annual triathlon. But with the uncertainty of knowing if, or even when, certain restrictions would be lifted, officials decided in April to call off the event at the Ellsworth Junior-Senior High School track originally scheduled on Friday.

“The track couldn’t be guaranteed, and so a decision had to be made,” Mog, ECCF chairperson, said. Each year, the event begins

Each year, the event begins with a prime rib dinner for survivors and a guest at Ellsworth Junior-Senior High School. Eventually, the event moves to the track for opening ceremonies, which includes honoring local cancer survivors during the survivors’ lap.

Along with fundraisers, team competitions and games, there’s also live music and food. A highlight of the annual event is the luminary ceremony, which takes place at dusk, followed by drawings for prizes and the announcement of the individual and group triathlon competition winners.

Despite changes to this year’s event, the cancer fund is still seeking donations to help local residents struggling to make ends meet as they undergo treatment. This year’s theme: Keep the Cause + Stop the Spread.

“Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID,” Mog said. “The electric bills don’t stop. The rent doesn’t stop, and so we need to continue to raise money.”

When the cancer fund was established in 2009, Mog and other organizers wanted to raise money solely for Ellsworth County residents. Known as “Our Fund,” proceeds from fundraisers like the triathlon help with medical bills, rent, utility bills, groceries, lodging or fuel. But the support goes way beyond financial assistance as the fund’s mission is to support and inspire cancer patients and their families.

Last year’s triathlon raised nearly $53,000. But so far, this year’s fund drive has raised approximately $12,939 – a noticeable departure from 2019 totals.

“We haven’t raised the money we usually do, but hopefully we’ll continue to raise money leading up to the end of the (current) fiscal year, which ends June 30,” Mog said.

T-shirt sales, sponsorships and donations are just a few ways to donate to the cancer fund, which has already granted a little more than $17,390, Mog said, to local cancer patients in need during the current fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2019. T-shirt quilt tickets are also on sale now through the 2021 event.

Because the cancer fund is designated as a nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible. The organization also has an endowment fund through the Smoky Hill Charitable Foundation, which supports competitive grant funds.

Local cancer patients needing financial aid can take the first step in the application process by simply calling Mog at (785) 252-7261 or stopping by Reliant Roofing at 122 N. Douglas in Ellsworth. Once an application is completed, which includes verification from the applicant’s physician, it is submitted to a grant committee for consideration.

“We are here. We do have money, and we are willing to help,” Mog said.

Get Involved

• To order a T-shirt, contact Mog at (785) 472- 3900. No extra T-shirts will be ordered this year, she said, so anyone wishing to buy a T-shirt should do so immediately before the final order is submitted.

• For more information on making a donation, contact Mog at either phone number above, or by submitting contributions to the Ellsworth County Cancer Fund, c/o Deb Mog, 122 N. Douglas, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.

"Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID. The electric bills don’t stop. The rent doesn’t stop, and so we need to continue to raise money."

Debbie Mog

Ellsworth County Cancer Fund