2022 recipients

The Kleinglass Family

Having graduated from Salem High School a semester early, Lane Kleinglass enjoys riding his skateboard, spending time with his friends, and exploring the city. He is planning on becoming a firefighter, having received his state fire certification. Lane also competed on the soccer and lacrosse teams for Salem High School. In November of 2021, Lane began to experience severe pain in his leg that made it difficult for him to walk and do everyday tasks. Despite this, he continued to attend school but eventually, the pain got so severe that he went to the doctor. Scans revealed that Lane had broken his leg; however, doctors suspected that his condition was much more severe. Within four days, Lane was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. As a result, Lane has had to complete three rounds of all-day chemotherapy. Through the month of March, Lane has to undergo daily radiation treatments. Lane’s condition has led him to feel constantly nauseous, tired, and hesitant to eat. The SJ5K will help the Kleinglass family to balance this new reality. The Kleinglass family has compassion in every stride.

The Kraft Family

Marty Kraft is a loving husband and father. He enjoys working out, running, and fishing, and currently works as a team manager at Ford. His wife, Susan, is a teacher at Liberty Middle School, and the couple has four sons: Brady, Ross, Dylan, and Tyler. As a family, the Krafts love to play basketball in their driveway, go hiking on trails, eat out, and play with their dog Luna. Marty received a series of tests that led to a diagnosis of stage III rectal cancer in October of 2021. In an effort to shrink the tumor, Marty is undergoing heavy dose radiation therapy and eight rounds of chemotherapy. These intensive treatments leave Marty with severe neuropathy in his hands and feet, causing pain and a feeling of “pins and needles” when exposed to cold. He also experiences feelings of nausea and fatigue while trying to keep up with normal family life. Marty is grateful that he received early screening since he had little cause for concern at the start of his journey. Early cancer detection is key, and he hopes to be an advocate for others to get medical testing when something does not seem right. The Kraft family will raise awareness with every stride.

The Davis Family

Serving as a hospice chaplain, Reverend Clarence Davis knows that “life can be really uncertain.” His job at The Medical Team is to provide spiritual comfort, faith and love to others in their final time of need. Life took a surprising turn in early 2017, however, when Reverend Davis suffered a cardiac arrest, causing him to be homebound for a year and reassess his priorities, prompting them to return to Canton to raise their children. Now, Jonathan is a sophomore at Starkweather Academy; Erin is an 8th grader at Discovery Middle School; and CJ is in the 6th grade at Discovery with his older sister. In August, 2021, the Davis family was numb at the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The rigorous chemotherapy took a huge toll on his body and independence due to extreme nausea, weakness, and a 50 pound weight loss. Phone calls from friends and support from Reverend Davis' colleagues has made everything a little easier. In the meantime, the SJ5K will allow the Davis family to get even more support from the community and help them spread the message that having hope during adversity can make life a little easier. Through the SJ5K, the Davis family has faith in every stride.

The Tanana Family

Natalie Hope Tanana is a sweet 15 year old who enjoys music, dancing, and riding her bike. Natalie plays Miracle League Baseball in Plymouth. She currently attends Cooke School in Northville, where she is in a severely impaired classroom. Both of her older sisters graduated from Canton High School. On the tenth day after her birth, she had her first seizure that was misdiagnosed as acid reflux. Ten weeks later, Natalie was hospitalized at U of M and started treatment for grand mal seizures. Natalie's seizures stopped when she was a year old, but around the same time, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. At 6 years old, genetic tests revealed that she has a mutated CDKL5 gene, making her around the 120th documented person in the world with this condition. Natalie relies on her family and caretakers for all self help and safety skills daily. Natalie also was diagnosed with Autism, a Cortical Visual Impairment, and ADHD. Unfortunately, Natalie's epilepsy came back when she was 9 years old, and there are times now when she has up to 10 seizures a day. Natalie’s family wants to encourage people to accept and love others for who they are, and embrace differences. Through the SJ5K, they can have hope in every stride.

The Palmer Family

Dale Palmer was a charismatic, fun-loving husband, father, and teacher. He and his wife Norma have a 9-year-old daughter Sofia, who is currently in the PCCS Virtual Academy. He taught English at Plymouth High School, and began teaching in the Virtual Academy as the pandemic progressed. Born of service in the military as a paratrooper and fire support specialist, Dale was fiercely patriotic. He loved his country, philosophy, his community, and his students, to whom he has spread his love of language and Star Wars. Dale’s cancer journey was sudden and severe. Diagnosed in March of 2020 with stage four prostate cancer, he fought hard and continued to teach through the Virtual Academy until the summer of 2021. Dale never felt sick until the cancer spread to the lining of his brain in December of 2021. Robbed of speech and mobility, Dale underwent palliative and oncological care at University of Michigan for months until his passing in May of 2022. Dale’s legacy is found in the lives he has touched, the passion he shares, and the strength of fighting for every step.