After Jean Snyders lost her mother-in-law to breast cancer, volunteering for the Avera Race Against Cancer felt like the perfect way to honor her memory. Just six years later, Jean herself would face the same diagnosis. Rather than let it bring her down, she decided then and there to pour her heart into the race; she knew she wanted — and needed — to do more.
Today, Jean is cancer-free and celebrating her 29 years of supporting the Avera Race. Most of her time has been spent as a volunteer coordinator, and she said it’s become one of the greatest joys of her life.
“One year, I was able to see my son-in-law who was visiting from Australia as he started the race,” Jean said. “So many people come to support a survivor or someone actively going through treatment, but many come to honor the memory of someone they lost.”
She has been especially proud to watch her children and grandchildren get involved each year. “When our volunteers see the walkers and runners participating, it becomes clear how important this event is to so many people in our community who have been touched by cancer,” she said.
We are incredibly grateful to Jean and all the volunteers who make the Avera Race shine, year after year.
We Race Every May
Learn more about the Avera Race and how you can get involved as a volunteer, participant or sponsor. Discover how all the ways the Avera Foundation supports cancer care.