Stake the Lake, the annual cancer walk and fundraiser, was held on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Bayshore Park in Munising. The event brought in over 400 people, with roughly a quarter of them being cancer survivors themselves.

“Today is about honoring and remembering those who have been impacted by cancer,” said Danielle Beverly, co-founder of the event. “We are celebrating the survivors and honoring those lives lost by the disease.”

Over 400 crosses and stakes were placed along the bike path down M-28/ Munising Avenue, and looping around the ball field in Brown’s Addition by the boat launch. Each one individually decorated, celebrating the names, faces and personalities of those no longer with us after cancer.

Many mixed feelings were visibly shown by the walkers, some celebrating long stretches of remission to tears from those who recently lost their loved ones. The event was designed to be inclusive as the battle against the disease can have many outcomes, including a recent recurrence of cancer for Beverly herself.

“This year hits a little different, but we’re here to celebrate with you. Stay strong and hold onto your faith,” she told the crowd before the walk.

Numerous community efforts came together for the fundraiser raffle and stake placement. Volunteer crews walked the path the night before to put up the individual memorials while businesses and families offered bucket raffles prizes and locations to drop off the stakes before the event, Stake the Lake has become a strong event after evolving from other fundraisers back in 2005.

Funds raised in Alger County will remain in the county, helping those in need travel to appointments, pay bills and deal with other financial obligations in the hope that people can stop worrying about everyday life interfering with an individual’s fight against cancer.

Stakes from the event will be left up for two weeks, allowing any people that missed the event or wanting to view the stakes again to memorialize those lost to cancer.