Document text
Locals will carry Olympic torch Seven from Jackson County are among 11,500 people who will participate in the event before the 2002 games By DANI DODGE A Jacksonville dermatologist, a Medford breast cancer survivor, and a Central Point high school sophomore will be among 11,500 people who will carry the Olympic torch across the United States to the games in Salt Lake City. The names of 25 Southern Oregon residents - seven from Jackson County - were announced Thursday in Klamath Falls. Most torchbearers received letters in the past few weeks, but one learned Thursday night that he'd be carrying the torch. "I'm pumped," said Dr. Douglas Naversen, of Jacksonville, a 53-year-old dermatologist who was nominated by one of his Medford office employees. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'm really proud to do it for the country. "Right now we need to wave the flag and be proud and have a good safe Olympics for the world." The Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Relay will travel more than 1,500 miles across the United States in 65 days. The flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on Nov. 19. The United States torch relay will begin in Atlanta on Dec. 4 and arrive in Salt Lake City on Feb. 8. The torch will travel by train to Klamath Falls. "Then we run a five-mile loop in Klamath Falls with our 25 torchbearers," said Stephanie Bailey, executive director of the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce. "We are deeply proud of these torchbearers and the impact they have in our community." Torchbearers were nominated by family members, friends and colleagues who wrote a 50- to 100-word essay explaining how the nominee embodied the Olympic sprit and provided inspiration to others. More than 210,000 nominations were gathered in April and March. One was from Dale Wall, 52, of Medford, who nominated his wife, Marjorie Wall, 59. Marjorie, a former elementary school teacher, developed inflammatory breast cancer five years ago. She had a mastectomy and bone marrow transplant, but the cancer came back in her back and then in her leg. Two weeks ago, she finished radiation treatments for the cancer in her leg. She is continuing chemotherapy infusions for the cancer in her back. Yet she remains upbeat and positive, delighting him and those around her, her husband said. "She hasn't even whimpered," he said. "And I see this as a celebration of her cancer being done." Marjorie said she'll walk the torch, rather than run it, but she'll have her head held high. "This proves that you can do anything," she said. "It shows there is hope." Fifteen-year-old Amee Elliot, a Crater High School sophomore was nominated by her best friend Kristin Gonzales, 15, of Eagle Point. Kristin submitted the nomination because Amee is so friendly and kind to people and because she's always giving of herself. For example, on Saturday, Amee is doing the American Heart Walk to raise money for heart research, and on Sunday she's doing an American Red Cross fund-raiser to benefit New York City terrorist victims. Amee said she was thrilled when she heard she'll have a chance to carry the torch. "I think it's way cool," she said. "When I run, I want to look proud for my country right now, and I'll also have a big smile on my face." Amee said she watches the Olympics whenever she remembers that they are going on and likes gymnastics the best. Her second favorite sport is the sprinting. "They run so fast it looks like they push a turbo button," she said. "I wish I could run that fast. "I used to run a lot but only a little bit now because I need to concentrate on school because my mom wants me to go to college and I want a good life." So instead of sprinting with the torch, she'll jog. "I know I will always remember it," she said. "I'll tell my kids and my grandkids and it will be one of those stories that will be passed down in the family." The other Jackson County torchbearers, who could not be reached for comment, are: Brian Burgess of Medford, Jeffrey Christopherson of Rogue River, Elaine Delsman of Ashland, and Peter Fish of Gold Hill. Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.