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Holly Schlink, middle right, of Spring Valley, Minn., pushes her twin children, Carter and Bria, 2, in a bike stroller as she talks with their grandma, Cindy Schlink, right, aunt, Heidi Vietor, left, and cousin Evan Albrecht during the Fools Five race Sunday in Lewiston. A group of 19 friends and family members walked the race in support of Carter, who is in remission from kidney cancer. (Photo by Andrew Link/Winona Daily News) |
As the crowd of more than 1,800 runners and walkers passed by the starting line to cheers of encouragement, a group of teal-T-shirt clad participants strolled by, spirits bolstered by the change in weather and the renewed health of one of their members. The shirts were for Team Carter, a group of family members who have bonded to support little Carter Schlink, a 2-year-old cancer survivor.
Carrying the phrase “Remission Accomplished” on their shirts, the group walked in celebration of Carter’s kidney cancer’s remission, and what they hope is the end to an ordeal that both challenged them and brought them together.
“It was kind of mind-boggling that someone 2-years-old would have to go through that,” said Bonnie Grant, Carter’s grandmother.
What Carter, his parents Holly and Kyle, and the rest of his family had to go through is a story all too familiar for those involved with the Fools Five Race, a dual 1-mile and 8-kilometer race that raises money for cancer research. Almost a year ago, doctors found a Wilms’ tumor, a form of cancer, on his kidney. The decision to operate and remove the tumor, along with a kidney, was quick, and so were the actions of those closest to Carter.
The night before his surgery, Holly’s sister, Heidi Vietor, came up with an idea to brighten spirits and bring the family together. She showed up the next morning with what she worked on the night before: “Team Carter” shirts and the idea of a cheering section to root on her nephew through a challenging time.
As much as the support was for Carter, though, it also helped his parents cope with his illness. Not only did they have to worry about Carter’s health, they had a twin sister, Breah, to look after.
“If I hadn’t gone through this with Team Carter, I don’t know what I would have done,” said Holly Schlink.
Following his surgery, Carter had to endure six months of chemotherapy, a trying experience even for adults. Still, he never got too down, his mother said, and with each passing day the fear that the cancer had spread from his kidney lessened.
While some families falter in such trying times, Carter’s rallied around each other under the Team Carter theme, providing immeasurable amounts of support.
“It’s incredible how the family has gathered around for Carter,” said Vietor. “It’s been an amazing experience.”
Carter has been in remission for several months now, and the goal of Team Carter can shift a little. No longer do they have to gather together to try to ward off tragedy, they can celebrate a new lease on life Carter has been given. That’s why the 19 members of the extended family gathered Sunday, donned their Team Carter shirts, and walked in the Fools Five.
Holly Schlink said she was glad to do the race, not just to help raise money for cancer research or to support her son, but to also give something back to the town of Lewiston. Last year, when Team Carter wanted to do a fundraiser, the Lewiston Country Club donated their facilities, and when it came time for the chicken dinner, over 200 people showed up, many of them Lewiston residents who had never met the Schlink’s. That kind of support from people they’ve never met meant a lot, they said.
“I’ve got a soft spot for the people of Lewiston,” said Holly Schlink. “I almost feel like I’m giving back to them what they gave to me.”
The family said they’d like to do this event every year now, to join with others touched by cancer and their supporters. Though none of Team Carter will likely take first in the event anytime soon, just having the chance to walk the streets of Lewiston with Carter in person instead of just in spirit is a victory they’ll take over any blue ribbon.
“Even though we didn’t run the race to compete, it still felt like we were winning,” said Holly Schlink.
