...Paid It Forward
F
or Dave and Tamara Hubler of West Des Moines, each day is about giving back to those who showed them support and provided Dave with the courage to keep fighting.
Dave and Tamara met in college and both enjoyed successful careers that took them to different areas of the United States. After raising a son and daughter they moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was in Virginia, as they were contemplating retirement that the direction of their lives would change. In 1999, after a routine blood test, Dave’s protein levels were elevated. Not ones to overreact, the Hublers cautiously watched his protein levels over the next few months. Unfortunately, in March 2001, Dave was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer that begins in malignant plasma cells and manifests by creating tumors within your bones. Their lives were changed forever. From that moment on Dave would be known as a cancer survivor, and Tamara would be his rock throughout the cancer journey. Both wanted the best possible outcome and aggressively read everything they could find to understand the cancer, its treatments, and what they could expect. Dave’s battle with cancer started with chemotherapy treatment and a stem cell transplant in the Fall of 2001. After a long, six-month recovery process they moved back to the Midwest. The John Stoddard Cancer Center influenced their decision of where to live. Dave and Tamara considered living near their daughter. However, the closest comprehensive cancer center that could provide the care, if needed, would be two hours away. They quickly discovered that not only does Stoddard provide the same level of comprehensive care as other leading cancer centers from across the nation, but it has some of the most highly-trained and professional staff. This provides great comfort to the Hubler’s and their family. Dave is now managing his cancer thanks to advances in medication. Dave’s journey with his blood cancer has led both he and Tamara to show support with their time, talent and treasures. Their support of the John Stoddard Cancer Center is summarized best, “We would rather donate their money to a place they’ve experienced rather than a faceless place — simply put, the cancer center saved Dave’s life.“ In addition to supporting Stoddard Cancer Center through philanthropy, they are also active members of the Blood Cancer Support Group which meets monthly at Stoddard, sharing their knowledge and experiences with survivors, families, and caregivers both locally and nationally. As annual supporters of the Rally Against Cancer, they chose to expand their circle of friends and bring nurses, support group members and even their favorite pizza guy! “Stoddard is a tremendous resource for central Iowa” says Dave. He wants to make sure the support he’s received is paid forward.
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The John Stoddard Cancer Center received a grant for more than $28,000 from Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This funding will provide awareness and education to underserved minority populations in Polk County, breast health materials to women going through treatment, and additional psychological support to breast cancer patients and families. It is anticipated that approximately 1,800 women will benefit from the support provided as a result of this grant. Regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or age, all women deserve the right care at the right time throughout the cancer journey. Together, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and John Stoddard Cancer Center can make this possible.
Richard & Tracy Tess Loan & Quan Thai Manford & Ann Tharp The Cadillac Lasalle Club Iowa The Interchange Club The Levitt Foundation The Waldinger Corporation Marie Theobald Mary Thomas Thompson & Associates Bob Thompson Rick & Tina Thompson Leola Thomsen Todd Thorson T.D. Throckmorton Katie & Chandler Tice Dr. Gregory & Catherine Timberlake Timberland Partners Sharon Timm-Hoffman Donald & Cheryl Timmins Sue Ann Toale Knapp & Tom E. Knapp Maxine & Anthony Toigo Cameron Torstenson Sharon & Robert Townsend Walter & Kathleen Trahanovsky Noelle Trevillyan & Tom Zmolek Triangle Products Martha Triebel Dung Trinh Huong Trinh LaVon Trumper Shirley Tucker Marlene M. Turner Robert & Amy Tursi James & Karen Tussey John & Jill Twedt Alice & James Underfer Cindy Urquhart
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