(8/23/2009)
Maxie Sanphy, a native of North Conway, was a healthy man, who had no reason for medical appointments. However, in March 2001, a hip ailment sent Maxie to the doctor’s office. Examination and testing revealed that Maxie had prostate cancer. Sadly, he passed away in November of that year.

In the fall of 2002, his daughter, Rebecca Pelchat, decided to hike Cranmore Mountain as part of the Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation’s annual Climb Against Cancer. Rebecca has been participating each year - in Maxie’s memory. When Jen’s Friends introduced Memory Markers as a sponsor item last year, Rebecca acted. “When I heard about [the Memory Markers], I thought it was perfect – a way for everyone to see Maxie’s name,” Pelchat recalled. “It helps to keep his memory alive, and the money is helping those who are battling cancer now,” she added.

Kay Beggs, a member of the Anglican Church and the Mount Washington Valley Garden Club was also remembered at last year’s 10th Annual Climb Against Cancer. Her friends, Ann and John Wilcox bought a Memory Marker in Kay’s name. Ann and Kay first met in the Garden Club; later Ann and John introduced Kay and her husband, Adrian, to their church. “Kay was a dear friend,” Ann Wilcox recalled, “and John and I would do anything to eliminate cancer. What Jen’s Friends does is wonderful.”

If you would like to remember someone who has battled cancer, consider purchasing a Memory Marker for this year’s 12th Annual Climb Against Cancer to be held on Saturday, September 19th at Cranmore Mountain Resort. These 9”x12” signs, placed along the hiking route, will have the names of loved ones you wish to commemorate. You may choose between a marker reading, “In Memory of” or one stating, “Celebrating the Life of.”

Deadline for ordering Memory Markers is September 12. To purchase, call the office at 603.356.5083, send a request via the web site www.jensfriends.org, or stop in at Fields of Ambrosia. Located in North Conway at Norcross Place next to Schouler Park, Fields of Ambrosia is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Cost of each placard is $50, and you may take the marker home after the event.

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