When my sister, Jenny Meyer, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at the age of 26, she understood what life with cancer looked like. Given her own journey, she knew what would be needed and appreciated by others with cancer. Celebrate Life was created in 2004 to provide simple, no-strings-attached support to those affected by cancer in Sandpoint and the surrounding communities.

Created by sisters and supported by family, friends, and an entire community, Celebrate Life began as a fun run/walk fundraising event across Sandpoint’s scenic Long Bridge. For 15 years the Long Bridge was the place to be on the second Saturday in August as supporters came together to honor Jenny’s vision. Though the final event took place in 2018, Celebrate Life has continued to receive financial support from private donors and has benefited as a recipient of other organizations’ fundraising events.

Celebrate Life has been a supportive presence for our friends and family who face the daily challenges that having a diagnosis with cancer brings. Over the years, assistance has been provided in a variety of ways including gift cards for groceries and gas, funds for utilities and firewood, and monies for airfare and hotels. As the needs within our community grew, and with the support of Bonner General Health, BGH’s Infusion and Procedures Clinic and BGH Hospice have helped in distributing gift cards and by referring additional requests for assistance to Celebrate Life. Assistance has also been distributed through Kootenai Cancer Clinic in Sandpoint. Individual requests made directly to Celebrate Life have continued to be fulfilled.

After 18 years of giving my heart and soul to this grassroots organization, I have come to the decision that after December 31, 2021, Celebrate Life will no longer be accepting donations. The sole focus will be the distribution of any remaining funds throughout 2022.

I believe that Celebrate Life will be remembered for the amazing volunteers, donors, friends, and family that have supported the tiny, yet powerful, idea my sister envisioned so many years ago. Celebrate Life’s goal has always been about brightening someone’s day or easing a burden. I am grateful to have been a part of this amazing journey. Celebrate Life will remember the amazing friends we’ve met along the way. We will remember those fighting the good fight.

I wish to thank everyone who has supported Celebrate Life. I am blessed to know so many generous individuals and businesses in Sandpoint and the surrounding communities who have assisted Celebrate Life in carrying out its vision. So many have been assisted  because of your support.

Finally, I wish to thank my sister who once told me that the day would come when Celebrate Life would end. She told me to be proud of what we did, and I couldn’t be more proud of the impact we’ve made.

In loving memory of Jenny Meyer.

Julie Walkington
Celebrate Life