Hope is defined as a wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment. It is with hope that we continue to make strides in the field of cancer research. Money is granted. Research is conducted. Treatments are administered. But these great achievements are not possible without hope.

In this spirit we are pleased to present the 2006 Hope Awards. This year’s recipients have used the power of hope to fight cancer in their own unique way. The inspiration they provide gives hope to thousands of others who have battled and continue to battle this deadly disease.

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Summit County representatives Dan and Zoe McClish are cancer survivors. Dan was first diagnosed more than 20 years ago and Zoe more than ten years ago. Using their own experiences with the disease, they take time to offer support to others diagnosed with cancer because of all the support they have received. Zoe has even started a cancer support group at the church she and Dan attend.
They have been married 34 years.

Medina County representatives John and Marilyn Sobotincic are cancer survivors who were both diagnosed in 1999 within a month of each other. Marilyn is involved with the Cancer Awareness Team, which builds awareness for ovarian cancer and Dan is an American Cancer Society board member. Together they are involved in rescuing greyhounds, which they use for pet therapy through Hospice of Medina County.
They have been married 37 years.

Portage County representative Dr. Carol Cartwright, president emiritus of Kent State University, was the first woman president of a state university in Ohio. During her 15-year tenure as president, Dr. Cartwright helped Kent State improve student development by expanding opportunities for undergraduate research and internships, creating learning communities and creating new majors in high-demand fields.