Steven Gillourakis, Mark Sutcliffe and Johnny Weishar carry the banner and lead the way Friday evening during the survivors parade, part of the fourth annual Westlake Relay for Life fundraiser. (Photo by Larry Bennet)

Coleman joins hundreds of walkers to fight cancer
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
Published June 14, 2006

Casey Coleman

Cancer’s biggest ally is indifference, sportscaster Casey Coleman told a crowd gathered at Westlake High School stadium Friday evening for the fourth annual Relay For Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

“It’s nice that we’re at a stadium and a track,” Coleman said, “because we win. We win because we’re here tonight.”

In a strong voice that’s become familiar to Cleveland sports fans over the past three decades, Coleman urged people not to turn away from the battle against cancer.

“When someone comes to the door and says, ‘Would you like to make a donation to the American Cancer Society?’ and we say, ‘No,’ cancer wins,” Coleman said. “Or, ‘Would you like to help out at the Westlake Relay For Life?’ and we say, ‘No,’ cancer wins.”

Coleman, who most recently served as the sideline reporter for Cleveland Browns radio broadcasts, pre-game radio host for Indians games, and morning show host at WTAM, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments. On June 2 he was told by his doctors that the cancer has spread to his liver and he likely has only months to live.

Podcast Sportscaster Casey Coleman speaks about his battle with pancreatic cancer June 9 at Westlake Relay For Life. MP3 • 319KB • 2:43

“It was a week ago today that I found out that I’m only going to have a short time left,” Coleman told the crowd. “So we’re celebrating the 55 years I have and the time remaining. We’re not going to hold any pity parties. And in the time remaining, we’re going to do our level best — my wife, Mary, and I and a lot of friends and family — are going to do our best to battle cancer right up until the very end. Because, like I say, when we turn our back on cancer, cancer wins.

“Simply by caring, we can beat this thing, and will beat it.”

Coleman said he considers himself a survivor because when he was first diagnosed, he was given just a few months to live. But that was eight months ago.

“I don’t know how many months I have left,” he said, “but I’m going to go kicking and screaming. I told people, don’t confuse serenity with surrender, because I’m not surrendering a bit.”

Coleman said he has made peace with having a terminal illness. His recent prognosis has made him feel that he has let down those who have been praying and offering Masses for him, he said.

“The way to get past that is to simply keep fighting until the very end, and that’s what we intend to do,” he said. “And that’s what you’re doing here tonight. And if we continue to do this, there will come a day when cancer doesn’t win.”

Coleman spoke just prior to the luminaria ceremony in which candles were lit to remember those who lost their battle against cancer. Several children and teens read tributes to relatives who passed, with the theme that the family member’s love is the music of their heart.

During Relay, members of several dozen teams walked laps at the stadium track during the overnight hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Cancer survivors participating in Westlake Relay For Life release balloons following the victory lap and a blessing by the Rev. Mr. David Kinzel, a deacon at St. Ladislas Catholic Church. (Photo by Larry Bennet)

At the opening ceremonies, Steven Giallourakis, a local teen cancer survivor, thanked people for supporting cancer research by participating in Relay.

“Fifteen months ago I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma,” he said. “And the doctors said, ‘We don’t know how people get it, but we know exactly how to treat it.’ And that’s mainly due to people like you who come out and make donations.”

In his remarks, Mayor Dennis Clough noted that nearly everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. He encouraged people to continue supporting the American Cancer Society so that one day everyone diagnosed will be a survivor.

“I’m so proud of the Westlake community and all of the sponsors and, of course, Jimmy Lee for continuing on with this event each year,” Clough said. “We continue to demonstrate the importance of raising this money to have more (survivors) up on the stage to demonstrate what we can do with the money.”

A blue rocking chair painted by 6-year old cancer survivor Robby Adams and his third-grade brother Tommy, who donated bone marrow, was put up for bid in a silent auction which raised $200. Proceeds of the auction of the chair, which the brothers entitled “Work of Love and Friendship,” will benefit the American Cancer Society.

On the Web:

• American Cancer Society
• Westlake Relay For Life (ACS site)
• Westlake Relay For Life (Westlake High School site)
• Fairview Park / Rocky River Relay For Life