b'8 PaysoncaresBONNIE BEYER I My Path, My Way .My friend by my side.Bonnie Beyer of Concord doesShe and Christa have completedIn winter darkness, with headlamps not like referring to her 11-yearwalking challenges such as theand snowshoes, snowbanks became relationship with cancer as a journey.Runners Alley Winter Warriormountains. We would pretend Its been more of an ordeal, withChallengewalking three mileswe were going up Mt. Everest,multiple surgeries, chemotherapythrough sleet, snow and cold everysaid Christa, 46. We made it a and radiation.day for the month of January. Inhappy thing. But the ordeal has included an2018, they agreed to keep walkingBonnie and Christa hope Bonnies important journey in which Bonniefor 365 dayswith friends anddetermination will inspire other and her best friend, Christa Chapman,supporters pledging donationspatients, boost the Lend Me a Hand have walked countless milestoward the Lend Me a Hand Fund. Fund and increase community through thunderstorms, blizzards,Treatment prolonged the timesupport for Payson Center in cold winter nights and hot summerperiod, and Bonnie lost some of hergeneral. She is grateful for the days. The walks raised Bonniesvision after brain surgery, but sheexpert cancer care she received, spirits and raised donations forand Christa completed 365 Days ofand for the extra help from Concord Hospital Payson Center forStrength in February 2021. Overall,Payson Center support groups, the Cancer Cares Lend Me a Hand Fund.Bonnies e\x1e orts have raised $1,225. Anticancer Lifestyle program, even Walking is my salvation, saidWhen I was diagnosed, I was angry,a free wig when she lost some hair Bonnie. It gets me outside into thethinking Why me? Then I gotduring radiation therapy.fresh air, socializing with my friends. thinking I have to remain positive.We are very lucky to have a place Walking also is helping others. Walking every day gave me alike the Payson Center in Concord, purpose to get up in the morning,Bonnie said.During her treatment for metastaticsaid Bonnie, who is 69. It keptWith her treatment completed, melanoma at Payson Center, Bonnieme going. Bonnies next goal is to complete a learned of the Lend Me a Hand FundBonnie kept me going, said5K race with her grandson helping that helps patients with out-of- Christa. She is the toughest personby her side.pocket expenses such as gasI know.and groceries.It will be run, walk, run, walk, she The Lend Me a Hand Fund is so niceDuring one walk, Bonnie andsaid. I just want to make it to the Christa got caught in a torrential\x1cbecause it helps with transportation, nish line.helps with food and I thought ifthunderstorm. It was the most I am going to do anything, this isexhilarating day, Christa said. We what I am going to raise money for,were running, laughing, singing.Bonnie said.Bonnies cancer and walking experience365dayswithbonnie.blogspot.com* 10/0/19 9/30/20'