June 2013 newsletter

C O N N E C T I N G

B I S M A R C K

C A N C E R

Hope Help Healing

C E N T E R

Summer 2013

OUR MISSION The mission of the Bismarck Cancer Center is to make locally available the highest quality, state-of-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.

project HOPE The third annual Bismarck and Mandan project HOPE event broke records this year with over 100 businesses participating! The number of participating businesses doubled from last year, making this event our largest to date.

Project HOPE is a community wellness event designed to educate employees about healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention and early detection, and to promote hope for a healthier tomorrow.

Dakota Community Bank

Participating businesses allowed their employees to dress casually and/or wear the cancer ribbon colors on the designated day in support of cancer awareness. Four commonly diagnosed cancers in North Dakota were featured during the week. They included skin cancer, gynecological cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. In addition, survivorship was celebrated.

To participate in project HOPE, each employee was asked to make a donation of $10 to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. In return for their donation and participation, Bismarck Cancer Center provided each business with posters, an awareness newsletter, stickers, wellness information and more.

Amy Gross

This project HOPE effort raised

Radiation Therapy Manager

more than $22,000

“project HOPE provides education to employees about healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention and early detection.�

We are taking the project HOPE event to Dickinson this summer. The Dickinson event will take place July 22-26, 2013. For more information on either of these events, please contact us at 2226100.

Identity Salon

hope, help and healing.

Living in Deeds,

Not Years; In Thoughts, Not Breaths (Or, Wag Your Tail!)

Those of you who know me are aware that I genuinely love inspirational and motivational quotes. I recently came across one that got me thinking about the precious moments that each of us is given to live out our lives—it’s by Zach Sobiech and it simply says, “You don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living.”

First of all, let me point out that I’m convinced that the “living” Mr. Sobiech is referring to something other than merely existing, drawing the next breath, trudging through the next mile, getting through the next meeting, or enduring the next doctor’s visit. I believe that he’s referring to a deeper, more spiritual kind of existence where our focus is on the people with whom we are in relationship and on the things that really matter.

And, he’s right—you don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living. Of course, despite his good advice, some of us end up doing it just that way! Me, for instance—I thought I had it pretty much together before I was told I had a cancer that, statistically at least, was supposed to bring the curtains down on my little drama.

Like the old saying goes, “Nothing clarifies one’s thinking so much as knowing you’re going to hang in a fortnight.” Suddenly, I could see things a whole lot clearer and, thankfully, was given an opportunity to refocus my thoughts and energies on some really important relationships and activities that had real meaning to me. I was suddenly able to express my love and admiration for some folks who deserved it.

I was able to drop out of my preoccupation with accumulating possessions that I neither needed, nor particularly enjoyed. I began to drop some meaningless routines and habits that added to the burdens of daily 2

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living, but nothing to my sense of worth and fulfillment. I discovered I no longer needed a host of empty distractions that I had rationalized as being entertainment.

I recognized that I needed to withdraw from some superficial relationships and activities and concentrate focused energy and attention to those for which I had a special passion. Yep, I was one of those folks who, having been forced to come face-to-face with my own mortality, started concentrating on really living rather than merely existing.

Hopefully, you’re one of those fortunate few who will have the opportunity to choose to really live without the necessity for such an unpleasant wake-up call. If so, you’re truly blessed, and I hope you’ll resolve to gradually rid yourself of the clutter of mere existence and focus your time, energy and passion on the really important aspects of living.

So what are some of those really important aspects of living? I think Philip James Bailey summarized it pretty well in this poem:

We Live In Deeds, Not Years We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial.

We should count time by heart-throbs.

He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.

And he whose heart beats quickest lives the longest; Lives in one hour more than in years do some Whose fat blood sleeps as it slips along their veins.

Life’s but a means unto an end; that end, Beginning, mean, and end to all things—God. The dead have all the glory of the world.

connecting lives

That’s quite a poem when you let yourself think about it! I’ve been one of those people “whose fat blood sleeps as it slips along their veins.” Living in deeds and heart throbs is better! For me, it takes a daily (and sometimes more frequent) resolve to think and feel and act in ways that separate me from merely existing so that I can go about truly living. I want to relish every moment, absorb every joy, passionately embrace my highest and best purpose for existing, share my love and appreciation, and thereby create happiness and fulfillment for myself and those who surround me.

I guess when you really boil it down, most of us are simply looking to be happy and fulfilled as we live out each day. We wish for our lives to have a happy ending. How do you do that? Well, I think you simply choose to “wag your tail!” To explain, here’s a little story that I recently heard Father Michael Horn, rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church here in Bismarck, tell:

Happy Endings A little boy begged his parents for a dog.

His persistence paid off and he was rewarded by a trip to the pet store where he was told he could have his pick of a number of cute and very active puppies of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

Some were very aggressive and rushed over to him, some licked his face, while others pawed at him and tried to chew his fingers. One even seemed to try to shake his hand.The little boy looked over the group, chewing his lip and trying to decide which one to pick. Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he saw a little black and white puppy, way in the back of the pen, who was staring straight at him and vigorously wagging his tail.

“I want that one,” he said, “the one with the Happy Ending!”

Here’s to living life and happy endings!

Let’s wag our tails! May God bless us each and every one!

Ken Dykes Executive Director

walking the TALK: Denise Kaelberer, CMD Ensuring patients feel comfortable and secure in knowing they’ll receive the very best care while at Bismarck Cancer Center is a priority for Denise Kaelberer. Recent recipient of Bismarck Cancer Center’s Walk the Talk Higher Standard Award, Denise strives to not only meet and greet patients who choose radiation in their treatment plan, but to see that treatment through.

As a radiation therapist for thirteen years, Denise delivered radiation therapy to patients. And though she loved her career, she often wondered what it might be like to plan cancer treatments: to work in dosimetry. Despite recognizing the added task of obtaining her certification and working in a challenging environment, she embraced the chance.

Denise attended the University of Wisconsin and passed her boards in Minneapolis; she became a certified medical dosimetrist (CMD) five years ago.

Today, Denise loves the challenge of her work in dosimetry. She admits that she does miss the frequent direct contact with each of her patients; however, she cherishes the first-time patient experience as her opportunity to get to know her patient so she might best help to treat them. “When patients select radiation therapy, we work together to discover which immobilization works best for their upcoming therapies, as well as defining the placement of their tattoos (treatment markings),” Denise said. “This is so important for us as a team – to get to know the patient as a person before beginning to map out a treatment plan.”

She joins two other dosimetrists and a medical physicist who plan and work alongside the radiation therapists and physician. “We then begin treatment planning, or finding the best way to treat a tumor without harming surrounding normal tissues – based upon the tumor contour and what the doctor draws as a treatment volume,” Denise said. “We may come up with several different plans for the physician to review and consider. It’s a team effort.”

Since each tumor differs – each body differs – the treatment plan and delivery are each uniquely developed. “Denise comes to work each day determined to give 100% commitment and heart to creating treatment plans that deliver very precise radiation to cancer patients,” Kate Hanson said.

“Denise truly cares about her patients; she strives to

make their experience at BCC an impressive one.”

“I’m very honored; there is a high caliber of people at Bismarck Cancer Center who all deserve this award,” Denise said. “I hope my smile gives hope and my attitude is one of gratitude. I pray daily to come up with exceptional treatment plans – treating each as though they were my own family member.”

Kate said Denise works because she wants to help her patients fight cancer; her work has meaning.

“She does a wonderful job.” Further, Kate said Denise believes in the work of the Foundation, volunteering for events and currently working with foundation committees that support and give back to the patient.

Her entire family enjoys participating in Relay for Life as well as Applefest. She looks forward to volunteering at the Ice Cream Social each year – where survivors return with families to enjoy fellowship and ice cream.

Outside of Bismarck Cancer Center, Denise enjoys spending time with her family: her husband John (who was instrumental in her ability to focus and manage graduate school with two young children), son Joshua (14) and son Jeb (10). “Joshua is traveling on a three-week mission trip to Cameroon, Africa, this summer and Jeb is working on local community service projects to help renovate,” she said of her boys. Active in her own faith journey, she hopes she ‘shines for Jesus.’

She is also thankful for the love and involvement from her parents, Paul and Pat Thompson (who drove her across the Midwest as she originally interviewed for Radiation Therapy School and now volunteer for every Applefest, and support the BCC Foundation).

A runner, Denise participates in numerous marathons; she’s run seven full marathons and several half-marathons. She recently ran the Boston Marathon and is an ongoing member of relay teams for Bismarck Cancer Center. Denise is a member of a book club; she enjoys reading in her spare time. Additionally, Denise truly loves the outdoors and spends much of her leisure time walking, running, biking and swimming, and has taken up sporting clays with her family. through hope. help. healing.

WALK THE TALK Denise Kaelberer, CMD Radiation Therapist

“I hope my smile gives hope and my attitude is one of gratitude. I pray daily to come up with exceptional treatment plans – treating each as though they were my own family member.”

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Board of Trustees John Rieke has been appointed as the newest member to the Bismarck Cancer Center Board of Trustees Reike takes the place of Mike Schumacher who resigned his position with Sanford to pursue other opportunities. Schumacher had served on the Bismarck Cancer Center Board of Trustees since 2012.

“Mike provided incredible support for the Bismarck Cancer Center and all of its endeavors and we are sincerely appreciative for his outstanding service as a Board member,” said Ken Dykes, Executive Director of the Bismarck Cancer Center. “We feel very fortunate to have the opening on our Board be filled by an individual with John’s experience and enthusiasm and look forward to working with him.”

Rieke is the COO of Sanford Bismarck Medical Center and has been in this position for the past two years. He formerly worked for Essentia Health in Fargo as Vice President of Operations.

“In my 30 years as a Healthcare Executive I have had the privilege to work with many outstanding cancer programs. The Bismarck Cancer Center is without question the finest radiation therapy service that I have seen in my career. Central and Western North Dakota is indeed fortunate to have such a high quality program available for its citizens.

It is my honor to now serve as a member of the Bismarck Cancer Center Board of Directors and to set a vision that builds on the foundation of excellence that has already been established,” Rieke said.

The Bismarck Cancer Center, a radiation therapy center, is a cooperative venture of Sanford Health and St. Alexius Medical Center.

Open

House

Join us at the Bismarck Cancer Center for an exclusive introduction to our new Elekta Infinity/Agility linear accelerator, a $3 million investment in state-of-the-art cancer treatment.

Visit with staff and board members to find out more about the innovative treatment capabilities available to cancer patients throughout the region.

The open house takes place on Wednesday, July 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. For more information, please contact the Bismarck Cancer Center at 701-222-6100.

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BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

connecting lives

Survivorship Workshop a Success A program that featured a series of free Cancer Survivorship Workshops was held this spring through a grant the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation received from the North Dakota Cancer Coalition.

The program, Live Well, Life Beyond Cancer, featured four workshops that were held and focused on a variety of topics. The first class was held in February and was entitled “Meeting Your Emotional Needs during Survivorship through Stress Reduction.” Speakers focused on the following stress reduction techniques including massage therapy, yoga and guided imagery. Participants were able to divide into breakout groups and participated in hands-on learning of these techniques.

At the second workshop, “The Importance of Physical Exercise During Survivorship,” speakers talked about the importance of physical exercise after cancer. Participants were then lead through a half hour of guided relaxation and gentle stretching exercises.

The third workshop focused on the nutritional needs.

At this workshop, “Nutrition Needs for the Cancer Survivor,” speakers talked about healthy eating, cooking ideas and shopping tips. In addition, there was also a food demonstration utilizing healthy, easy-to-cook foods.

The fourth and final workshop, “Taking Care of the Caregiver,” was focused on the caregivers in the cancer survivor’s lives. Speakers talked about information specific to the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of the caregiver.

In total, over 100 people participated in the Survivorship Workshops. All workshops were held at the Bismarck Public Library and featured a free meal. For more information on these workshops, please contact Sarah Klein at 701-222-6100 or email sklein@bismarckcancercenter.com

BCCF NEWS

STAFF NEWS

Volkowitsch Golf Open

New Employee Joins Bismarck Cancer Center Rhonda Fetch recently joined the Bismarck

A sea of pink covered Prairie West Golf Course on May 25 during the fourth annual Volkowitsch Golf Open. The somewhat wacky tournament was organized by Loren Balkowitsch and Ryan Volk in honor of Missy Balkowitsch, who battled breast cancer for a number of years. The tournament was again full this year with 36 teams totaling 144 golfers who enjoyed a beautiful day of goofy challenges at each of the 18 holes. More sponsors than ever contributed to this year’s successful event and Berg’s Towing brought out the pink tow truck as well. This event brought in $16,000 to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation this year.

Cancer Center as the Outreach Services Manager.

Rhonda worked as the manager of the Sanford MRI Center for the past 24 years. She was in charge of all aspects of the MRI Center, including employees, marketing and technology. In her new Outreach Services Manager position at the Bismarck Cancer Center, Rhonda will be in charge of referral development and community outreach, focusing on the rural communities that the Bismarck Cancer Center serves.

Building 429 Concert Over 700 energetic fans came to Shiloh School on April 25th to see headliner Building 429, with supporting acts The Rhett Walker Band, Finding Favour, and Carlos Whittaker performing their Give Me Jesus tour. Delayne Dvorak of Dvorak Motors was the major sponsor of this benefit concert, with Dr. Matt Deeter contributing as well. The concert raised over $10,000 with all proceeds benefiting the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

Legacy Paintball Games The fourth annual Legacy Paintball Games was held Saturday, June 1, 2013. A record-setting 103 players as well as volunteers and spectators came together at Legacy Field for a day of paintball scenarios in support of the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. Three Brothers Paintball sponsored the event and arranged the games staged on their woodsball field 20 miles north of Bismarck. The event netted a donation of $2500 for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

Knitted Hat Ladies A knitting group from Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Park River, ND has once again donated knitted hats to the Bismarck Cancer Center for patients. Over the last few years, they have donated over 100 hats! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

Bismarck Cancer Center

staff participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life this past June and raised more than $2000 for the American Cancer Society.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Rug Rat Softball Tournament

July 13-14

Pheasant Cove Wine Tasting

July 18

Blue Grass Goes Pink

July 20

Boilermakers Golf Tournament

July 27

Drive to Survive

August 16

Miles for Smiles

August 17

Saddle Up Against Cancer

August 31

Family Jewels

September 14

Applefest

September 21-22

For information on all upcoming events, visit our website at www.bismarckcancercenter.com

through hope. help. healing.

BISMARCK CANCER CENTER 5

Special thanks to those who have donated to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation since our last newsletter

GIVER Dorothy Berreth Mary Ellen Swendsen Kenneth Grabinger James M. Loeppke Tom Veer Otto Kusmenko Clarence Johnson Kelli Wilson Lester & Patricia Leno Janet Sickler Darlene Wangen Gail Starek G. Marlene Stanley Carroll Schmuhl George & Helen Funk Ray & Dorothy Mulske Arlene Ernst Maxine Fleck Vernard & Bernita Frederick Leonard & Ernestine Voegele Central Market We Care Fay Connell Charles Miska Beverly Ann Kane

Bill & Becky Marion Myron Sylte J&M Properties James & Mary Janusz Vicki Ann Lippert Steve & Cathy Long William & Barbara Franke Paul & Barbara Ruzynski In Memory of Jane Woyen Arden & Margaret Toso In Memory of Wally Kuder Gene & Cheryl Jewett In Memory Theresa Renner Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Schumacher In Honor of Darcy Galt Montie & Claudine Galt In Celebration of 5 years Cancer Free Jeneene Houstman In Memory of Linda Kress Judy Nieuwsma In Celebration of Linda Schumacher Linda & Mike Schumacher

In Memory of Joseph Herda Michael & Glenda Deplazes

In Memory of Jerry Slag Iva Slag

In Memory of Jerry Slag Iva Slag

In Memory of Eugene Horner Irene Horner

In Memory of Geraldine Bishop In Memory of Robert Meyers Myron & Jeannie Brown Lori Dailey In Celebration of being a In Memory of Shirley Paulson 12 year + Survivor Norleen & Delaino Helm Floyd “Bo� McDaniel In Memory of Virgil Hogan In Celebration of being Wendell & Simonsen Cancer Free In Memory of Rhonda Murray Trish Zimmerman Norleen & Delaino Helm In Memory of Laura Erickson In Memory of Walter, Lou, Mark & Jean Thompson & Bruce Jacobs In Memory of Sally Schwede Ann R. Wert Renee & Miles Mortenson In Memory of Edmund Henke Jerry & Claudette Yantzer Norman & Karen Miller Phyllis Sylte In Memory of Dennis Heil Mary B. Schmidt Kenneth Heil Marilynn Swanson Joletta & Tim Morrell

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BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

connecting lives

In Memory of Alice Keller Joan & Erwin Kobs In Memory of Ellen Ritterath Paul & Grace Feyereisen In Memory of JC Schulte Family Anita B. Peterson Morgan In Memory of Dennis Hoger Marvin & Laverne Schulz In Memory of Joseph Schulte Anna Hoff Jim Wahl Larry & Kristen Haisley Gwen Colby Judi Peterson Gladys Meyer Cynthia Irmen Floyd & Betty Fetzer Derick & Andrea Beswanger Michael & Joyce Hinman Virginia Jestnes Katie Keiser Lawrence Klemin Nancy Kopp Deb & Jerry Maddock Bonita Mayer Colette & Kevin Mickelson Linda Reller Joseph & Colleen Ressler Kenneth & Kirsti Schiele Donald & Sylvia Schmid Bernice Schuh Myron & Ileen Silvernagel Joel Springan Marjorie & Larry Stute Pamela & Lewis Thompson Joy & Edwin Wesolowski William & Anna Marie Whitmore Alvin & Elaine Wittmaier Deborah Zillich Verner & Iris Giedd Linda & Gene Gorseth Eric & Laura Hardmeyer Arlan & Gloria Henke David & Beverly Cross Paul & Brenda Diehl James & Kathy Ellingson Brian & Elizabeth Barrett

David & Jodie Campbell Kim & Gail Christianson North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives

CARE GIVER Ed & Faye Hasche Joe & Aggie Wandler Ray & Beth Leischner Clayton Brenna One Source Lighting Wayne & Becky Solberg Kenneth & Bonita Muscha Charlotte Beastrom Anton Gross Irvin Nodland Darwin & Judith Hunskor Eugene & Margaret Focht John & Martha Ballard Joseph Kalberer Patrick Atkinson Mark & Holly Jundt Martin Ketterling Tom McLaughlin Dakota Pharmacy Janice L. Cooper Carol Anderson Dennis & Pat Zastoupil Jane Schafer Robert Thullner Darla Ziegler In Honor of Jean Huffman Roger Huffman In Memory of Lawrence Bullinger Kenneth & Leona Lohstreter In Memory of Valentine Zacher Jerry & Sandy Heck In Celebration of the caring staff of the Bismarck Cancer Center Peggy Kaldahl In Celebration of Terry Bohn Terry Bohn

In Memory of Truman V. Lund & Alene Denison Alvin & Shirley Rickel

In Memory of Anton Fergel & Thanks to the Great Staff Helen Loeb

In Honor of William & Mary Kelsch KKRK Law Firm

In Memory of Joe Schulte Chuck & Karen Dahl/Brian & Sarah Dahl

In Honor of The Patients I Care For Mathew & Trisha James

In Memory of Sister Susan Berger Paul & Linda Schadewald

In Honor of Meredith Alter Jerry & Meredith Walter

COURAGE GIVER

In Celebration of 1 ½ years Cancer Free Dianne Hopfauf

In Honor of My Hero Ernie Patty Vollan

In Memory of Rose Schell Ed & Carol Schell

In Celebration of Joe Wilkie Survivor Joe & Esther Wilkie

In Celebration of Anton Anton & Mary Lou Johs

In Memory of Ellen Retterath Patrick Jones

In Memory of Marge Pladson Tom & May Lindquist

In Memory of Joseph Schulte Keith & Kathy Peltier Russel & Barbara Emery Kevin & Jenny Midstokke & Family Donald & Tondi McGuire Laurel & Rodney Rick Steve & Debb Weninger Andrew & Melissa Hetland Myrna Dahl Jeremy & Jaime Butman

In Memory of Fran Cornell James Cornell In Celebration of Denise & Monica Comeau Monica Comeau In Celebration of being Cancer Free Edwin & Jeannette Kittler In Celebration of “Life” – Grandchildren Lorraine Kemp In Celebration of 5 years Cancer Free Annamary Muth In Memory of Margaret Schmidt Bren Geiss In Memory of Sally Schwede Philip & Dawn Parker Charles & Ann Schwede David & Karen Gayton Alvin & Elaine Wittmaier William & Sandra Altringer In Memory of Gladys Betlaf Joseph Hughes In Memory of Darlene Andres & In Honor of Arnie LeFor Laurie Zastoupil In Memory of Ruth & Eugene Rau Kay & Delane Rau In Memory of Rhonda Murray Simon & Kathryn Bosch In Memory of Alma Voigt & Walt Hagen Phyllis Tenbrock

STRENGTH GIVER Dale Pahlke Verne Goeppinger Allen Ryberg Kandy Kasper Elmer & Arlene Schwarz Oliver & Rosalia Dewald Beth Thorngren Donald Jorgensen C.G. & Delores James Marilyn Wohlk Vern & Renae Hoggarth George Bohlin Gerald & Dalene Friesz In Celebration of 1 year Survivorship from Breast Cancer Claudia Steckel In Celebration of the Good Medical Center in Bismarck Jerry & Patty Hanson In Memory of Nate Lininger Jan Lininger In Memory of Sally Schwede Lisa Moore Marcus Construction Steven Swift Waconia Manufacturing Inc. Richard & Connie Heidt

In Memory of Fred Gleich Rose Marie Gleich In Celebration of Loretta & Raymond Feist Raymond J. Feist In Memory of Fances Engh Sandra Hartman In Memory of Joseph & Anna Hulm –Parents Francis Hulm

Douglas Reiser & Dana Read Reiser Georg Mizell & Cheryl Huber Mizell ETSystems Inc. Ritterbush Charitable Fund Union of Shields Garrick R Voigt BHS Junior Prom Committee Aetna Employee Giving Campaign In Honor of Larry Fischer Larry & Elaine Fischer

In Memory of my two Wives Conrad Olson

In Honor of Michael Kramer Maggie Kramer

In Memory of Newton E. & Evelyn Dykes Ken Dykes

In Memory of Kenneth & Lorene Zeeb Metro Area Ambulance Fred Zeeb

In Memory of Joseph Schulte Slope Electric Coop T.G. Riddle Stephen Larson & Jo Ann Overby Larson Pamela & Lewis Thompson Bernard,Sherry, Lisa Edwardson Mort & Michelle Bank Ditch Witch In Memory of Lucy Emter Tami Emter

SUPPORT GIVER

HOPE GIVER Frank W. Carlson Mark & Claudia Thompson In Memory of Melissa Balkowitsch Give 5 to Cancer Loren Balkowitsch & Rick Schock In Celebration of Mary Bullinger Scheels Kirkwood

University of Mary Athletics Cindy Schaaf Aggregate Employees Daniel Companies In Celebraton of Carol Duncan Rick & Carol Duncan In Memory of Becky Stave Dawn M. Stave In Memory of Curtis Kauffmann Vernetta Ketterling

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 7

500 N 8th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 bismarckcancercenter.com

Scholarships Awarded The Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation (BCCF) Donna Johnson Memorial Scholarship program announced that Krista Dutchuk, Bethany Mack, and Lindsey Kirschenheiter have been awarded $1000 scholarships. BCCF had nine worthy individuals submit applications. These students are committed to providing care and needed services for cancer patients in the future.

Krista Dutchuk

Krista Dutchuk of Dickinson, North Dakota, will be attending Bismarck State College in the fall.

After battling cancer herself for several years, Krista made the choice to pursue her goal of being a pediatric oncology nurse. Krista states, “My hope is to help as many children with cancer as I can.”

Bethany Mack of Velva, North Dakota, will be attending Bismarck State College in the fall.

Bethany watched her grandfather fight cancer and realized right away that she wanted to help those with cancer as well. Bethany said, “I would like to become an oncology nurse because I want to be able to help people fight cancer and to help them through the tough times.”

Bethany Mack

Lindsey Kirschenheiter

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Lindsey Kirschenheiter of Taylor, North Dakota, attends Bismarck State College and plans to continue her nursing education at the Sandford college of Nursing. Lindsey said, “I hope to become a compassionate caregiver who will make a difference in the lives of all the patients I come into contact with.”

The Donna Johnson Memorial Scholarship Award was created to provide scholarships to individuals who are interested in and committed to oncology nursing and who are pursuing a baccalaureate in nursing through a Bismarck College. Scholarships are also available to registered nurses pursuing a master’s degree or oncology certification. Check out our fall newsletter for information on the 2014 scholarship program. connecting lives