Janet and Michael DeYear are pictured at the Adirondack Health Foundation office. Michael is a past beneficiary of the Merrill Oncology Travel Fund and will be a guest speaker at the Feb. 21 Sk8 to Elimin8 event on the Olympic Oval in Lake Placid. (Photo provided)

LAKE PLACID — The 2026 Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer fundraising event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the James C. Sheffield Olympic Oval in Lake Placid.

Skaters of all ages and ability levels are invited to participate, raise critical funds and support cancer research and patient assistance programs that directly impact individuals and families across the Adirondack region.

This year’s event will welcome Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Wylie, adding to an evening centered on community, hope and action. Participants may skate, fundraise without skating or attend in support of those affected by cancer.

Proceeds from Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer benefit the Merrill Oncology Travel Fund at Adirondack Health, which helps patients and families manage the financial burden of traveling for lifesaving oncology care, as well as the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which supports cancer research nationwide.

“Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer is more than a skating event — it’s a powerful way our community comes together to remove barriers to care,” said Mary McLean, Adirondack Health Foundation’s special events coordinator. “Every dollar raised helps patients focus on healing instead of worrying about how they’ll get to their next appointment.”

The impact of the Merrill Oncology Travel Fund is seen daily by Kristina Hybicki, Merrill Oncology social worker at Adirondack Health, who works closely with individuals and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.

“Travel is one of the biggest stressors for cancer patients in our rural region,” Hybicki said. “Last year alone, the Travel Fund helped more than 15 individuals and families access care they otherwise may have struggled to reach. This support can make a meaningful difference during an already overwhelming time.”

One local patient, Michael DeYear, knows that impact firsthand. Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, he required years of treatment, including specialized care outside the region. While receiving oncology services locally and later treatment in Baltimore, Maryland, the Merrill Oncology Travel Fund helped ease the financial strain of repeated travel — allowing Michael and his wife, Janet, to focus on treatment and recovery.

Michael will be a guest speaker at this year’s Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer event.

Since its launch in 2020, Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer has raised more than $51,600 for the Merrill Oncology Travel Fund and cancer research. Funds raised during this year’s event will continue to sustain the program for patients and families across the region.

To learn more, register, or donate, visit fundraise.scottcares.org/lakeplacid. Participants may register and fundraise even if they choose not to skate during the Feb. 21 event.