C O N N E C T I N G
B I S M A R C K
C A N C E R
C E N T E R
Hope Help Healing Summer 2015
OUR MISSION The mission of the Bismarck Cancer Center is to make locally available the highest quality, stateof-the-art radiation therapy services to persons with cancer within the Bismarck service area. Such services shall be delivered, insofar as possible, without regard to reimbursement, and always in a supportive compassionate, and caring manner.
9
th
Annual
APPLEFEST!
Some of the best fall festivals feature family-friendly events while others support a cause; Applefest does both. “What began as a way to bring the community out to lend support to cancer survivors has grown and evolved to become a well-attended family-friendly event in the Bismarck-Mandan community,” Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Advisory board member Loren Balkowitsch says. “While many events in our area focus on adult themes, Applefest is family –focused. We draw grandparents who seek time with grandchildren or families seeking an outdoor fall family experience. Applefest is that event and it’s ever-evolving, to draw more and more families, more and more survivors who celebrate their victories.” From barrel trains to face painting or carnival games to a petting zoo and bouncy house, Applefest has kids covered. “This isn’t just about giving money to an organization, it’s about bringing the community together for a good family festival,” Loren says. And in the process, the families play, eat together and shop at various vendor booths. Balkowitch’s favorite Applefest activity is the paintball opportunity. “Where else can a family enjoy an event with such variety of activities to participate in,” he says. Certainly bales of hay and apple baked goods are abundant while vendors showcase their products. Peggy Christman sets up Scentsy items while Ray Kuntz gifts handcrafted wood-work ornaments for the cause. “I’m a cancer survivor, myself,” Peggy says. “This (Scentsy) is my way to support Bismarck Cancer Center’s fundraiser while enjoying the experience of meeting and greeting people. Although my booth is a business, I love that this festival offers something for absolutely everybody.”
Ray Kuntz enjoys developing and carving new ornaments for the silent auction each year. Also a cancer survivor, he recalls the benefits of the wrap-around services he received from Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation and enjoys knowing his products will auction to the highest bid, with all proceeds going directly to the Foundation. “I’ve been creating woodcarvings for five years,” he says. “It’s a good feeling to know I’m helping cancer patients.” Food vendor Norm Stetson brings his popular burgers to Applefest. “Norm’s Eatery is a fullblown kitchen on wheels,” he says. “We offer a ½ pound foot-long hotdog as well as 90% sirloin burgers.” Norm enjoys the family-friendly atmosphere. “I’m known out here as the burger guy,” he says. There are ample homemade apple pies and various baked items, pizza, and much more. “With a venue like Buckstop Junction, Applefest is absolutely inviting and we encourage everyone to come to check out the activities,” Loren says. “From the car show, to the live entertainment, to the worship service on Sunday, there are diverse reasons to attend. And each year it changes a bit. Who knows what the future holds? I’m in favor of more and more kid-friendly activities and additional events suited toward family entertainment.” A complete schedule of activities will be available soon.Visit the applefest.org website for updated information.
The 9th Annual Applefest is scheduled for September 26-27, 2015 at Buckstop Junction, Bismarck.
There is
More to Me than Cancer “God, remind me that there is more to life than this disease.” ~ From Prayers & Promises When Facing a Life-Threatening Illness by Ed Dobson
“The circumstances of our lives have as much power as we choose to give them.” ~ David McNally It’s so easy to allow ourselves to be defined by our disease. It’s like a conspiracy—our family and friends tend to think of us as the family member with cancer; our caregivers tend to label us with a quick shorthand based on the organ or bodily system affected and we become the colon case or the lung case, or breast case, etc.; worse, because of our fear, we, ourselves, tend to become that which we fear, walled in, limited by, and labeled by our own all-consuming focus on our limitations (both real and perceived) rather than our blessings and abilities; and, finally, the world at large labels us as another statistic in the country’s ongoing war against cancer. All too often, persons with cancer succumb to the oppressive and debilitating power of labeling. In my experience, there are two things most often identified as paramount in every cancer survivor’s experience—the critical need to quickly and effectively treat their cancer and the urgent need to combat and overcome an ongoing tendency toward depression. Cancer treatments, although more effective than ever and with fewer side effects, are at very least burdensome and are best faced with hope and determination. Those patients who fare best tend to be those who are best able to overcome depression. It is when we are able to find blessings in the midst of our afflictions that hope is fed and generated. It is when we have found hope that our determination is renewed. To do these things almost always requires us to be able to insist that we ourselves and those around us recognize that there is more to us than our disease. I may be afflicted with colon cancer or myeloma or any of the other hundred types of cancer, but I am not a disease. I am a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, an associate, a teacher, a student, an outdoorsman, a philatelist, a photographer, a writer, a dreamer, a lover, a healthcare professional, a person with unique and important gifts and talents, a person with a history of achievements and a host of relationships with family, friends, and others. These are the things that define me and give me strength. I earn a living, I bear the joys and sorrows of family life, I face the same opportunities and difficulties as others, I achieve and I fail, I am no simple thing, I am complex, evolving, becoming, and while I will one day die, today I Live! And, yes, I am also afflicted with a cancer which I will fight and which I am determined to overcome. I am all of these things and the sum of these things is greater than any one of them or any group of them. The sum of these things is who I am and the sum of me is greater than the cancer that afflicts me. Yet some days will be difficult for me and I may not remember all that I am. But tonight I will remember and will restore my perspective, I will feed my hope, and I will nourish my determination. 2
BISMARCK CANCER CENTER
connecting lives
Will you, my loved one, my friend, my associate, help me and remember who I am? Will you choose to support me by focusing your love and caring on me, not on my disease? Will you bring me things to laugh about and things to rejoice about? Will you help me not to be afraid? Will you, my caregiver, choose to support me by knowing my name and remembering the person that I am? Will you genuinely care about me while you treat my cancer? Will you show real concern and give me support as I deal with the current circumstances of my life? Most importantly, will I, a person afflicted by cancer, acknowledge that I cannot measure myself by my disease? Will I choose to understand that all of the complications, unpleasantness, and other impacts of this disease are but a part of my life and that I still have blessings that need to be celebrated and for which gratitude needs to be expressed? All too often we underestimate the power that we have to positively influence the circumstances of our lives through the choices we make. If we are afflicted with cancer we can choose to uncap the potential in confronting our fears and circumstances, living each day with courage, determining the things that really matter and focusing on them, and, despite our adversities, celebrating our blessings. Ultimately, we need to recognize that happiness is the spiritual experience derived from an effort to live each moment with gratitude for all blessings; and with love, grace, and gentleness towards self and others. Like everything else, you get better with practice. If we are the family member or friend or associate of a person with cancer, we can choose to care enough to do our very best to respect and support the personhood of our loved one. As Mother Teresa said, “Be the living expression of God’s kindness: Kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your greeting,” and “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” The more we choose to care in this way, the more we can help make a cancer patient’s pathway through cancer treatment and into survivorship easier and more pleasant. May God bless us each and every one.
Ken Dykes Executive Director
Art Classes Offering
Healing and Hope to cancer patients
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Advisory Board
Exploring art while dealing with health challenges has been known to lift one’s spirit. Creating something from simple materials results in meaningful purpose and supports healing, whether the media choice is paint, woodworking or planning a dinner menu for guests. Artist Lydia Richez-Bowman understands healing achieved while expressing oneself artistically. Longtime artist, Lydia sought ways to not only engage in creative outlets, but hoped to share her work as well as others’ publicly. Recently, she developed a gallery/studio space. For Lydia, this leap of faith was instrumental in her own personal sense of fulfillment. “Opening a space downtown was surreal to me; and while it is a business venture, it’s recently become a place of healing for cancer survivors and patients,” she says. A labor of love for Lydia, the studio evolved from a rental space to an art gallery and studio under her loving hands. And within months of opening, Bismarck Cancer Center’s Sara Kelsch reached out to Lydia with a proposition. Sara wondered if Lydia would be interested in offering a healing art workshop. Lydia jumped at the opportunity. “This is something I can relate to. I’m a breast cancer survivor, myself,” she says. “It just made sense to bring survivors patients together. While they work, conversation about their various cancers comes up. As survivors, many attendees know one another through support groups or have walked in similar circumstances. This workshop opportunity allows them to express themselves through their art and share their difficult times and experiences with others who’ve been there or may be in the midst of that journey.” Said one participant and cancer survivor, “I look forward to going not only for the fun artwork that we do but also the friendship that is growing between us.” Gail Heil also facilitates cancer survivor art classes. Her approach is similar, she focuses on reaching those willing to part with their art-work in the name of Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation fundraising. Having raised monies for Make-A-Wish,
she considered how art sales might bring dollars forward to support those with cancer. “Through Make-A-Wish, I’d experienced something magical when a little guy sold his own artwork for a fundraiser,” Gail says. “Similarly, I thought this was a doable way to raise money for the BCC Foundation.” Entitling her classes “Create for a Cause,” Gail brings cancer survivors together to develop pieces for sale. Local artist Ali LaRock led the first class and each class thereafter has been an evolution of this idea. “Some participants are timid, at first,” she says, “however; they warm up and begin working. It’s not long before I can see how they are really moved by expressing their emotion through art.” Gail believes we are all artists. No matter our background or ability, we create. We create by assembling dinner or selecting the clothing we’ll wear each morning and styling our hair. “Despite some of these people not having much energy due to various health concerns, they are willing and trying to work through them at a very challenging time in their life,” she says. “Some do need to take care of their mind and body first – but some are able to heal a bit by expressing themselves through their artwork. I’m still learning from this, myself.” The 2-hour class is offered several times each year. Completed pieces will be used as auction items for upcoming BCC Foundation events. Lydia committed to exhibiting survivor work in her gallery. “The art workshops completed in Healing Art classes will compile the exhibit, with an official opening in October. Each artist will have an option to sell their work and the funds will be donated to the Bismarck Cancer Center,” Lydia says. “In the meantime, we’ll be busy creating. We’ll laugh about silly stuff, receive therapeutic healing and energize one another.” Held at her gallery/studio, ‘ART Gallerie on Main’, Healing Art Workshops. To sign up for either class, visit bismarckcancercenter.com
Loren Balkowitsch
Owner of Give 5 To Cancer (Online Store) What year did you begin serving on the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Advisory Board? 5 years ago, our first donation was the 2nd Annual Volkowitsch Open, and then I started on the board after that. Give an interesting fact about yourself: I enjoy writing poetry Favorite Movie or TV Show: Movie: Tin Cup, TV Show: Top Gear One thing on your bucket list: Play St. Andrews and Pebble Beach golf courses What activities do you do in your spare time? I am an avid golfer and spending time with my family on the course or teaching my boys to golf is what I love doing. What motivated you to get involved with the foundation? My sister-in-law passed away from breast cancer and I just felt like I owed it to her memory to help others keep fighting the fight. Being able to help people in such a unique way really puts life in perspective and makes you realize what really is important in life. What is your favorite/most memorable moment since being on the board? Hosting our event every year is a very special time of year for Ryan and I, but I also enjoy just volunteering and being around the people at the Cancer Center. There isn’t an EXACT moment that sticks out; it’s truly the entire experience of being involved in something that is bigger than oneself that is the moment. Why are you passionate about supporting the Bismarck Cancer Center? The people working at the Cancer Center make me passionate, I know my hard work is appreciated and truly helps them and the patients they are trying to take care of. You spend one hour with the many amazing people at the BCC and you can’t walk away being uninspired. Once again, being part of this amazing team and being able to have Missy’s (sister-in-law mentioned above) spirit alive through me is all the inspiration I need. BISMARCK CANCER CENTER
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BCCF EVENTS The fifth annual project HOPE event once again broke records and continues to be a huge success throughout Bismarck and Mandan communities. This year, 156 businesses participated, breaking last year’s record of 130 businesses. Project HOPE is an event that seeks to educate businesses about wellness, cancer prevention and early detection; and to promote hope, health and healing. Participants are each given educational packets that include information about common types of cancer, healthy recipes, wellness tips, and a celebration of survivorship and methods for helping survivors to thrive. During the week that project HOPE takes place, employees are able to dress casually and wear colors or stickers to support a different featured cancer on each day, and survivorship the fifth day. This year, project HOPE provided information about skin cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. So far, project HOPE 2015 has raised over $35,000 for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.
Rug Rats Softball Despite a rainy start to the day, the 8th annual Rug Rats Benefit Softball Tournament was a home run! The tournament took place on June 5-6 at the Mandan Softball diamonds. The morning rain set back the time of the tournament and silent auction, but the players’ spirits couldn’t be dampened! Event organizer Duey Johnson said, “We faced a lot of challenges with the weather and delays, but it’s still heartwarming to have the response and turnout we had.” Once the games were rolling, it was a sunny, fun-filled event for players and family members alike. There was a a silent auction during the day on June 6, and it was a great success! With over 120 items for participants and spectators to bid on, there was something for everyone. All the generous donations resulted in over $10,000 being raised, all directly benefiting the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.
Mandan 4th of July Road Race On your marks. Get Set. Go. The Mandan 4th of July Road Race started with a bang when a record-setting 500 runners lined up to run, jog, and walk the parade route 5k. People joined in from all over the area to partake in this fun and exciting patriotic race. Many of the runners were dressed in red, white, and blue colors, and gladly participated, knowing that the money would be benefitting the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. Not only did these racers display their pride in their country but they also showed support to the friends and family that live in this area and are fighting cancer. With the last participant making it through the finish, this year’s road race ended with smiles on the racers’ faces and an overall success for the Mandan Road Race committee and BCCF.
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BISMARCK CANCER CENTER
connecting lives
Volkowitsch Golf Tournament A sea of pink filled Prairie West Golf Course during the 5th Annual Volkowitsch Golf Tournament. Over 140 golfers and 36 teams participated in this fun and wacky event! Loren Balkowitsch, Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Advisory Board member and founder of the event, said that the tournament is put on to remember his sister-in-law, who died of breast cancer, and to help other individuals facing the same battle. Balkowitsch also said that he wanted to use this event to raise awareness of the Cancer Center. “Not many people know about the amazing facility we have right here in Bismarck,” he said. For those participating in the tournament, it’s not about having the best scores, but about having fun and celebrating the great causes the tournament supports. “I think the people that come out get to either support someone that is currently going through treatment, or remember someone that might have passed away, or just support the community effort in this endeavor,” Balkowitsch said. “No matter the reason, the day is about fun and getting involved in a cause that is bigger than oneself.” The amount raised at this year’s tournament is the highest in the tournament’s history. Each year has been a full 36-team tournament, but having bigger sponsors and nice weather made the difference in donations this year. Both the scramble and silent auction were huge successes, with $17,600 being raised to benefit the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation and $12,000 to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Harleywood Nights On June 20th, 80+ bikes and over 100 riders joined together for the 3rd annual Harleywood Nights Biker Run. The group gathered at the Harley-Davidson shop in Mandan, and rode to five surrounding towns: Hazelton, Napoleon, Steele, Driscoll and Sterling. The weather couldn’t have been better for the run with sun and little wind, which was a turnaround from a big storm the night before. Following the ride, bikers ended the night at the Corral Bar where there was a raffle drawing for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the announcement of the high/low poker hand. The event raised a total of $25,000! Harleywood Nights was once again a great event benefitting the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.
Running with the Demons The second annual Running with the Demons Fun Run was held on Friday, July 10, at Sertoma Park in Bismarck. This event raised money for the Bismarck Demons Football team as well as the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. Over 100 runners took place and the race was led by members of the Bismarck High School Football team. Prizes were awarded to the top three finishers for men and women.Vivian, the pink fire truck, was also in attendance.
BCCF NEWS Bismarck Cancer Center Wellnes Program The Bismarck Cancer Center is committed to promoting health and wellness, not only to its patients, but to its employees. The Wellness Program provides information, activities and wellness challenges for everyone at the Cancer Center to take advantage of.
Brenden Palmer Donation When Brenden Palmer broke his thumb while wrestling, he decided to devote his time to helping others while he was unable to wrestle. During the month of April, Brenden came up with a 30-day fitness and wellness program with daily core, leg and cardio activities to be completed each day. He also had a positive daily challenge, such as “do something without your parents asking you,” or “tell someone they are awesome today.” He used Instagram to gather participants among friends and classmates, and sent out video reminders each day. Brenden decided to give $10 of his own allowance money to charity for each person that joined him in his challenge, and he chose to donate his money to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation because of the effect cancer has had on his family. He raised $120, and two others participants donated $100 each. The Mandan Lions matched a $300 donation, for a total of $620 raised for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. The Bismarck Cancer Center is so appreciative of Brenden’s kindness and generosity.
WSI Donation During the week of April 6- April 10, the staff of Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) held a “Jeans Week” fundraiser for the Bismarck Cancer Center in which employees who donated were able to wear jeans to work that week. The fundraiser was very successful with approximately 126 participants and $1,005 raised. A portion of that donation was used to purchase household items to be used in apartments and houses owned by the Bismarck Cancer Center and available to patients who travel to Bismarck to stay in during their time of treatment. Thank you to everyone at WSI for your generous donation and participation in this worthwhile event!
Andrea Doerr-Greff is the co-chair of the Wellness Program, and said that the goal of the program is to be all-inclusive and reward employees for making positive changes in their lives. The program offers a wide variety of opportunities in which to get involved and make healthy lifestyle choices. Past initiatives include a water drinking challenge, pedometer challenges to increase steps taken each day, fruit and vegetable snack days, and free yoga classes. Employees receive monthly newsletters that include healthy recipes, community events such as 5k walk/runs, and a featured wellness tip. Doerr-Greff says it is important to switch out activities and events so that everyone has something they are able to participate in. It is the hope of the Wellness Program that these healthy ideas make positive impacts on employees and their families. This idea is now inspiring events for employees and their families, like the BCC Family Bike Ride, where BCC staff and their families ride or walk three to six miles, and enjoy a healthy treat afterwards. “We want staff to be healthy in every facet of their lives, not just 8:00-5:00,” Doerr-Greff said.
BCCF CALENDAR OF EVENTS August 1
Dancer for Cancer Zumbathon
August 21
Drive to Survive
August 29
Saddle up Against Cancer
September 26-27
Applefest
October 16-18
Hunting Dakota with Roosevelt
October 21
Bucks for Bras
Bismarck Cancer Center Featured in National Cancer Publication The Bismarck Cancer Center was recently recognized as a destination cancer center in the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) May/June issue of Oncology Issues. This publication is the only oncology-related publication devoted to policy, management, and financial issues of concern to cancer care providers. The ACCC promotes the entire continuum of quality
cancer care for patients and communities. The Bismarck Cancer Center article highlighted various programs including outreach, education, foundation services and the state-of-the-art technology that makes the Bismarck Cancer Center a world-class cancer facility. To read the full article, visit www.accc-cancer.org/oncology_ issues.
through hope. help. healing.
BISMARCK CANCER CENTER
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Special thanks
to those who have donated to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation since our last newsletter
GIVER to $49
Shirley Snider Robert Steinbach United Health Group Florence O’Shea Chuck Bosch Robert & Linda Holte Carolyn Wells Vernon & Arlene Dietz Irene Meier Leonard & Ernestine Voegele Louise & Gerald Friese In Memory of Harvey Gjellstad Leann Dilse In Memory of Elsie Rau Norleen & Delano Helm In Memory of Clifford Martin Norleen & Delano Helm In Memory of Joanne DuToit Linda Anne Maher Leroy & Dodie Kautz Marie Hoerner In Memory of Melissa Hellman Art Trautmann Wendy Hoiby Shirley Svanes Stan & Twyla Scott Karen Ohlhauser Earl & Dorothy Nelson Sara Rohlfs Benedict & Diane Roller Leeann Meyer Stacie Yantzer Richard & Karen Humann Mark & Jody Sand Shawn & Deanna Faller Rebecca Hellman Trenton & Bonita Green Joel & Nancy Dewitz Margo & Kevin Landers Melvin & Sherleen Lang In Memory of Barbara Lockbeam Paul & Nancy Morth 6
BISMARCK CANCER CENTER
In Memory of Annetta Fetterley Lynn Tweden In Memory of Robert DeMaria Lynn Lelm In Memory of Bernadine Torgerson Gloria Hamling In Memory of Charlie Herman Norlenn & Delaino Helm In Memory of Dorothy Dahl Carol Henke In Memory of Kenneth Lundeby Adelene Kepler
In Memory of Roberta Krim Kirk & Nancy Pandolfo In Memory of Linda Dobson Ken & Donna Thiede In Memory of Joann Martin Roger & Stephany Thorsness In Memory of Kenneth (Kenny) Fitzgerald Cheryl Fitzgerald In Memory of Jake & Tillie Koch & Paula Goldman Emmy & Brent Barnick In Memory of Edwin Wagner Shawna Lelm
In Memory of Melissa Hellman Leo & Lillian Johs Robert & Kristen Vander Vorst Mary Lou Peltz Jeff & Sandra Swallow S.M. Fines In Memory of Dennis Heil Kenneth Heil In Memory of Delmar Svihovec Veronica Svihovec In Celebration of Jerome Schwindt Veronica Schwindt In Memory of Lillian Simes Brenda Schuler
In Memory of Norman Msiche Stanley & Charmaine Jaeger
In Celebration of Being Cancer Free for 5 Years Edwin & Jeannette Kittler
In Memory of Gertis Rau Norleen & Delano Helm
In Memory of Karen Wold Johnson Lynn Tweden
In Memory of Valentine Zacher Darnell & Jennifer Zacher
In Memory of Lillian Simes & John Berreth Norleen & Delano Helm
In Memory of Eddie Wagner Vyron Lelm
In Memory of Curtis Maynard Dorothy & Cal Thorson
In Celebration of Dakota Pharmacy Employee Matching Campaign Breezy Kohls
In Memory of Curtis Herman Paul & Nancy Morth
In Memory of Jenny Reynolds Mary Ann Carlson
CARE GIVER $50–$99
In Memory of Carol Miller Robert & Diana Schlosser
In Memory of Lillian Simes Tom & Paula Redmann
In Memory of Debra Grenz Faye Wangen Darlene Wangen Marilyn Schon Rath, Angela Schon & Erick Schon In Memory of Martha Richter Cleo Kulish In Memory of Jeanette Lelm Marilyn Schon Rath, Angela Schon & Erick Schon
connecting lives
Julie Mischel Patty Hager Kandy Kasper Jane Schafer Eileen McEnroe Myron & Ileen Silvernagel Rose Klym Fay & Lynn Connell Robert Gipp L.L. & D.A. Schock Vicki Ridl Irene Ann Linseth
In Honor of Curves Coffee Club Diane Dockter and Coffee Club Members In Memory of Joe Kisch Rod & Marlene Hanson
STRENGTH GIVER $100–$249
Donald Jorgensen Danika Schell Tim & Anne Herman Gerald & Darlene Friesz Dr. & Mrs. Tarek Dufan Allen Ryberg Neil & Doris Buchholz Conrad Olson June Kraft Henri Desrochers Willi Ulness @BHS Class of 2015 Tammie Stotz UCT Bismarck Council 325 Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Donald & Caroleene Jorgensen George Bohlin In Memory of Frank Kuhn Phil & Rose Glass Terry & Rene Glass Al & TJ Glass Chuck & Hedy Lang Kenn & Jenny Midstokke In Memory of Melissa Hellman Laurie & Mark Kadrmas Esther & John Sayler Wesley Hellman In Memory of Russell Thompson Pamela Aman In Celebration of My 3 Great Grandchildren Trinity,Porter, & Kaitlynn Orlynne Dahl In Memory of Anthony Hamlling Gloria Hamling Suites & Sneakers Awareness Week Starion Employees
In Memory of Carl Cooper Mildred & Alan Shoop In Memory of John Bruggman Fluffy Nicolson In Memory of Felis Thomas, Joy Farester, Tom Lloyd, Chris Doll, Shawn Scheetz, Dr. D Carlsen, Bob Hamkens, Doug Schulz, Sis Scherr, Darrell, McFarland, Margo Ocampo Fluffy Nicolson In Memory of Kasper Stewart Barbara Schwietzer In Memory of Jane Thompson Lillian Hunke In Memory of Larry Fust Nancy Fust In Memory of Gerhard & Elsie Rau Edith Rau In Memory of Newton E. Dykes Ken Dykes
SUPPORT GIVER $250–$499
Dr. Gordon & Jackie Leingang Savannah Havelka Judy Lemer John & Evelyn Bjorness W. Bryce Hill In Memory of Carl Cooper Jeffrey & Goldie Miranda Pauline & Tim In Celebration of Think Pink Spa D’Athena In Memory of Charlie Herman Lucille Herman In Celebration of Darnell Zacher Jerry & Sandy Heck In Celebration of Lillian Simes Chad Kourajian In Celebration of Bean Bag Games Event McQuade Distributing In Celebration of Jeans Day Bismarck State College
In Memory of Barb Pins Patrick Pins
COURAGE GIVER $500–$999 George Mizell & Cheryl Huber Mizell
In Memory of Keith Lipp DC Bowlers In Celebration of Aetna Employee Giving Campaign Patrice Branca, Kathy Wagner, Savannah Dronen, Marc & Connie Berger, Stephanie Hager, Susan Saeman & Jarod Wilke In Memory of Floyd & Claryce Erickson Carol & Lynn Beiswanger Instagram Challenge Brenden Palmer
HOPE GIVER $1,000–$4,999
The Rug Rat Duey Johnson Tom & Patty Smrekar WSI Unit 4 Employees Donna & Terry Rockstad Slumberland, Roger Tollefson In Memory of Missy Balkowitch Give 5 to Cancer In Memory of Jeremiah Hatzenbuhler Bismarck Moose, Gary Funston, Belinda Rants & Benefit for Jeremiah
In Memory of Margaret Locy Kay Zander Woock & Charles Woock
WISH GIVER $10,000+
In Memory of Tillie Aichele Muriel Peterson
In Memory of Judy Lies Chuck & Carol Iten
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of gift reporting. If an error has been made in your giving history, please contact us at 701-222-6100. Thank you!
through hope. help. healing.
BISMARCK CANCER CENTER
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
PERMIT NO. 433 BISMARCK, ND
500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 bismarckcancercenter.com
Survivorship PICNIC On Wednesday, June 24, the Bismarck Cancer Center hosted the 6th Annual Cancer Survivorship Picnic. It was a beautiful day to celebrate cancer survivors and their families. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal served by the Woodhouse and ice cream from Coldstone Creamery, while listening to the folk music of local band Cotton Wood. Whether people were survivors of 26 years or 2 years, they were able to come together to celebrate their journey to survivorship. Besides being able to socialize with fellow survivors and loved ones, our guests
were also able to reconnect with Bismarck Cancer Center doctors, nurses and staff. With a turnout of over 600 survivors and guests, this gathering was truly indicative of the strength and camaraderie of our community of cancer survivors. We are glad to have been able to provide an opportunity for our patients to celebrate everything they have overcome, and we look forward to celebrating with even more survivors next year.