CANCER PATIENT KEEPS ON STRIVING SHE TAKES SCOOTER RIDE IN STRIDE.

Byline: Amy Raisin  Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Brenda Mehling has always enjoyed running and exercise, so the 33-year-old cancer patient admitted it was difficult using a motorized scooter Saturday to complete a 5-kilometer walk established in her name.

Despite the wet weather, about 60 people participated in the second annual Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund walkathon that began at Northbridge Park and snaked through the paseos Saturday morning.

But unlike the national cancer fund-raisers that raise millions every year for research, the local event raises money for cancer patients who, because of large medical bills, are struggling to pay for necessities such as groceries and rent.

``A lot of people, especially young people, pretty much live paycheck to paycheck,'' said Mehling, 33. ``But when you find yourself sick, the last thing you need to be worrying about is finances. That's what this is about.''

The South Dakota native relocated to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1998 and was diagnosed with breast cancer the following year. Since then, Mehling has had a mastectomy, been treated for a brain tumor and recently underwent two back surgeries to ease pressure caused by tumors.

She met her boyfriend, Kieran Wong, when they both joined the Santa Clarita chapter of the Jaycees - a Chamber of Commerce organization for young professionals - and it was Wong who proposed starting a fund to help patients with routine expenses.

Last year's event raised more than $15,000, which is dispensed through Partners in Care, a larger health care foundation.

``We want to help people undergoing cancer treatment,'' said Wong, 40, who lives with Mehling in Valencia. ``We like to (target) people who are in the age range of the Jaycees, which is 21 to 39. Sometimes it's stuff as simple as laundry that they could use help with.''

While Mehling was able to walk with her supporters last year, recent surgeries forced her to use a scooter Saturday. But her transportation was decorated with ballons and a helium-filled cartoon character, SpongeBob SquarePants.

``He's an old friend,'' Mehling said. ``There's so much garbage on TV, I like to watch stuff that makes me laugh. SpongeBob totally cracks me up. I just sit there and laugh.''

For information about donations, go to www.bmcf.net. To apply for assistance via the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund, contact Tara Ficek at [phone], Ext. 103.

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(1 -- color) Brenda Mehling has to ride a scooter but still takes part in the 5-kilometer walkathon that bears her name. Last year's event raised more than $15,000, which is dispensed through Partners in Care, a larger health care foundation.

(2 -- 3 -- color) Brenda Mehling, above, attended Saturday's second annual walkathon to raise money for fellow cancer patients. At right, a man tries to catch up with other walkers during the event.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer