CNA-SS-6-13-2017

2017 American Cancer Society

Relay for Life of Southwest Iowa Friday, June 16 6:00 p.m. - Midnight Creston Panther High School Track Honorary survivors this year are Lisa Konecne and Gene and Dorothy Cook

Konecne battles ovarian cancer; now 6 months cancer free

By BAILEY POOLMAN

CNA staff reporter bpoolman@crestonnews.com

CORNING — Lisa Konecne is a dedicated servant to the public education system. The family and consumer science teacher at Southwest Valley High School in Corning continues to write lesson plans, devote time to her students during and outside school hours and, even facing her hardest struggle, carved out time for the high schoolers.

Konecne has faced many struggles; arguably, her most successful battle is the reason she is still here.

The ovarian cancer Konecne suffered from began in the ovaries and spread by attaching to her liver and stomach. But, Konecne did not know how serious it was until she was in Des Moines at the hospital.

Cancer can’t stop the Cooks

By CARTER ECKL CNA staff reporter ceckl@crestonnews.com

Contributed photo

Teacher

From left, Lisa and Todd Konecne smile for a family photo with their dog, Hawkeye.

Konecne found her calling a little later than some. After graduating from Melcher-Dallas High

School in 1994, located in the area she’s formerly of, Konecne attended University of Northern Iowa

in Cedar Falls, where she began the journey to get a KONECNE | 4c

“We’re just thankful that we still have each other.”

Those are grateful and appreciative words from Dorothy Cook. Dorothy, 79, of Creston is all too familiar with the antagonizing battles of cancer.

Cancer has found a way to disseminate through her and her loved ones like an invasive species in a new habitat.

Dorothy lost her father to cancer, her brother to cancer and three months after that, her niece.

Her husband, Gene Cook, 79, has been right alongside Dorothy throughout the battles, all while also losing his mother to the disease.

But cancer was about to affect them even closer to home.

Gene was diagnosed with bladder cancer in January 2000 when doctors discovered a tumor

CNA file photo

Creston residents Gene and Dorothy Cook walk laps during the 2016 Relay for Life of Southwest Iowa at the Creston Community High School track. Gene is a 17-year survivor of bladder cancer and Dorothy is a 13-year survivor of melanoma.

the size of a walnut on his bladder.

COOKS | 2c

Page 2c— Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017

__

GENE COOK

Cancer survivor, on scheduling his surgery for Valentine’s Day

It was a 10 1/2 hour surgery that left Gene with 114 staples starting from his breast bone, going as far down as doctors were comfortable.

Dorothy’s experience Dorothy graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in teaching. She retired four years ago after teaching adult education for 33 years at the high school level and

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DOROTHY COOK Cancer survivor

“That’s what made mine so much scarier because I knew he was going through it,” reflected Dorothy.

With all the other family members Dorothy had seen battle one of the United States’ deadliest diseases, this one was different.

“A lot of family members had passed away with cancer,” said Dorothy. “But this was associated with me, so that was a totally different story.”

Dorothy mentioned the news left her “in a state of shock.” She couldn’t help but feel like her body was attacking her.

But Dorothy felt the sup-

Knowledge, faith and support

“(He) asked me if I smoked and I said I used to,” reflected Gene. “He said, ‘If you were still smoking I would not operate on you, I wouldn’t touch you.’”

Gene’s youngest son, Jeff, proceeded to ask about the effects of chewing tobacco.

Doctors informed him that chewing tobacco because of its ability to get directly

Gene’s consultation leading up to his first major surgery was one he, nor his sons, will ever forget.

Gene’s urologist poked and prodded through Gene’s medical history making sure he’d be healthy enough to make it through the surgery.

Gene recalls this afternoon vividly.

COOKS | 8c

Committed to the Cure!

STRENGTH

BELIEVE love

CANCER

FAITH

AWARENESS

SUPPORT

CURE promise Ribbon

Survivor

“WHAT other day can I prove my love than to come out of it OK?”

“THAT’S what made mine so much scarier because I knew he was going through it.”

__

GENE COOK

Cancer survivor

into the bloodstream was much worse.

Jeff pitched his tobacco as they left that appointment.

“As we walked out the door, I heard two clunks in the trash can and he hasn’t touched it since,” said Gene.

Gene and Dorothy had another son who was a smoker. Once he heard the news, he quit his habit as well.

Dorothy acknowledged the positives of that day.

“I told him, if nothing else, you saved your son,” she said.

Gene and Dorothy are both active members of the church and have more praise for the support they received from their prayer groups than almost anything else.

Gene is an elder with Trinity Lutheran church

HOPE

Gene and Dorothy were finishing up their visit with her brother and sister. The day they left, Gene knew something was off.

“Things didn’t go too well for me that day. We were leaving, so when I got home I went to see the doctor and he diagnosed me with a bladder infection,” said Gene.

That prognosis eventually led to the cancer diagnosis.

Three days later, doctors agreed to burn out the tumor following an X-ray.

Three weeks after the procedure, Gene was told the walnut-sized tumor in his bladder was now the size of a baseball.

That was just the first of many twists and turns for Dorothy’s husband of 56 years.

Gene was given three options, including a major surgery to completely reconstruct his bladder. He opted to go under the knife.

The surgery date was set for Feb. 14, Valentine’s day. Gene said Dorothy asked him, “Why Valentines Day?” His response, “What other day can I prove my love than to come out of it OK?”

“(THE DOCTOR) asked me if I smoked and I said I used to. He said, ‘If you were still smoking I would not operate on you.

I wouldn’t touch you.’”

port from her friends and family – that same support she had given to them, especially as her husband continued to battle his continuing bout with the disease.

Everything associated with Dorothy’s battle with cancer moved quickly. Now that she is free of cancer, she visits doctors annually.

Thus giving her and Gene a chance to continue appreciating the lives they have lived and continue to live.

FIGHT

CONT. FROM | 1c

at Southwestern Community College.

Dorothy didn’t just witness her loved ones battle cancer. She had to wrestle with it herself.

Dorothy was diagnosed with melanoma in 2004, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

It all started with a doctor’s appointment that seemed routine, up until the very end. Dorothy’s doctor initially told her the spot on her back was nothing. By the end of the appointment he had requested to do a biopsy, just to make sure.

The rest happened in a flash. In just a handful of days, her doctor had called her, set her up with a surgeon and given her his diagnosis.

This was happening all while Gene was fighting his own fight.

courage LIVE

COOKS:

Gene spent a week in intensive care before returning home. The scar tissue from the surgery didn’t grant his body an opportunity to recover the way doctors wanted. The tissue was shutting down his kidneys, forcing Gene to endure two more surgeries – removing nearly all of his left kidney and two-thirds of his right.

Gene was left with two stints in his back to allow tubes to drain each kidney.

The stints were routinely replaced by a radiologist until one not-so-routine appointment.

Gene recalls the appointment well.

“Before I left that day I said, ‘Boy, you did something different,’ reflected Gene.

By the next night, Gene could hardly breathe. Gene returned to the hospital Monday morning to discover he had a collapsed lung.

“He took an X-ray and he saw that he had punctured the sack on my lung,” said Gene. “They drained off 1500cc of fluid – then that destroyed a third of that lung.”

Despite one scare after another, Gene persevered and continued to fight for his health.

All told, doctors removed Gene’s bladder, prostate and most of his kidneys. He will admit to pain, at points, throughout the experience, but that all comes with an overwhelming amount of perspective about his health today.

About five years ago, Gene was deemed cancer-free.

Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017 — Page 3c

Schedule of Events 2:30pm 4:30-5:30 5:00-?

6:00 6:00

6:45-midnight 6:45-7:00 7:00-7:30 7:30 7:30 7:35-8:15 8:30 9:00 9:15 9:30 10:00-10:30 11:00-11:45 12:00am

Team campsite set-up begins Survivor Registration* Cancer Sucks Car Show Dinner available – provided by Hy-Vee, Corning Meat Processing Services, Pizza Hut, Pizza Ranch, Casey’s, & Wal-Mart – free will donation Opening Prayer – Pastor Chuck Spindler National Anthem Flag Raising – Boy Scouts Welcome by Event Co-Chairs by Chantel Klejch, Megan Hower Honorary Survivor Recognitions – Gene & Dorothy Cook & Lisa Konecne Survivor Lap, Caregiver and Family Lap All teams join Survivors & Caregivers Silent Auction will start Henry’s Martial Arts- Ninja Warrior Course Creston High School Peppers will perform Spotlight School of Dance by Adonica Struhar Sponsorship Recognitions Honorary Survivors’ & Host’s Favorite Pick Car Show Awards Second Chance Band will perform Henry’s Martial Arts will perform Frozen T-shirt Contest Sponsorship Recognitions Team Recognitions & Sponsorship Recognitions Luminaria Ceremony** Poker Run- Prizes, Certificates for winners Closing Ceremony

D.J. services provided throughout the evening by Sound Explosion – Randy & Holly Cooper SURVIVORS: Following registration please proceed to the designated Survivor & Caregivers area located at the tent on the west side of the track; seating, cookies and refreshments available. Designated area available for the duration of the Relay. Survivor registration available after 5:30.

Luminarias available prior to the Relay at the following locations: First National Bank in Creston & Afton, Creston News Advertiser, PCSB, Stalker Chevrolet, Iowa State Savings Bank & TS Bank in Corning. Luminarias also available for purchase until 8:00pm the night of Relay. Free will donation per Luminaria.

Schedule of Events subject to change. Schedule is an overview, other activities will be incorporated as time allows.

Page 4c— Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017

KONECNE: CONT. FROM | 1c

bachelor’s degree in business in the hopes of becoming a clothing buyer for a department store. However, after several years, she found she wasn’t happy.

“It was my third year, so my junior year, at December break, I said to my mom, ‘You know what? I’m not happy in business,’” Konecne said.

She went to an adviser she’d talked to her freshman year, when she did a career exploration, who suggested classes in textiles and apparel. By 1998, Konecne had her bachelor’s degree in textiles and apparel, with a business minor.

But, after working at West Des Moines’s Von Maur, the department store, participating in a fast-track executive program and witnessing both the dreamy and less appealing sides of being a clothing buyer, she backed out.

Then, in 2002, after a time of being undiagnosed, Konecne discovered she was a type I diabetic, meaning her pancreas wasn’t able to control any sugar or carbohydrates she ate. While before she had become increasingly thirsty, even drinking

a gallon of Sunny D orange drink in the middle of the night, once she had her diagnosis, she was able to begin treating herself with insulin.

Despite the stress from the 1999 diagnosis and changing her whole career path, Konecne powered through, eventually earning a teaching certification from Iowa State University in Ames in 2007. The certification took her five years, as she worked while taking classes, and she eventually discovered Corning, where she’s been for the past 10 years.

Diagnosis During a June 6 interview at Creston News Advertiser, Konecne, 41, relayed her entire battle with ovarian cancer.

“It’s kind of ironic I’m here interviewing today,” Konecne said, “but June 6, 2016, is when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.”

In 2015, Konecne noticed her periods were strange.

The length of time she had them had increased to between seven and 10 days, and the flow had also increased tremendously.

“In my head, I would be, ‘Something’s wrong,’ but I would talk myself out of it, like, it’s the stress, it’s the diabetes,” Konecne said. “I self-diagnosed myself on the

She went to her family doctor, who prescribed a muscle relaxer. She also had begun putting on weight, even though she and her husband, Todd, were doing Weight Watchers, which had previously been effective.

On June 4, 2016, Konecne’s husband left for a golf outing and she was in such severe back pain she was unable to sleep or find a comfortable position and had been crying. Eventually, she went to the emergency department in Corning, where the doctor diagnosed “I SAID, ‘Oh, Dad. her with a “leaky stomach.”

Two things I don’t The muscle relaxer was discontinued and an ultrasound want. I don’t want to was scheduled for the followhave a heart attack, ing Monday.

But, the pain was too seand I don’t want it to vere, and Konecne’s mother be cancer,’ and my convinced her to go to the department in a dad looked at me emergency Des Moines hospital. and he said, ‘Well, “I remember I walked in like I was 90 years old, not whatever, we’ll beat 40. I walked up to the countit. Whatever it is, er and told the lady I had this you’re here for a horrible back pain and stomach pain and bloating and reason.’”

I’m struggling to breathe,” Konecne said. “I have nevLISA KONECNE er gone to Mercy where I Cancer survivor hadn’t gone to a seat and been called back. And, she told me I need to go in that Despite taking medica- (triage) room there.” tions like Tylenol, the pain The nurse went in to do never stayed away for long. an immediate set of vitals Internet, so I could always come up with a reason.”

However, by the end of the Southwest Valley High School 2016 school year, Konecne had no other options.

“I cleaned the refrigerator at school because it stunk so bad, and, of course, we were cleaning to put things away for the summer, and I thought I pulled a muscle in my back because I had extremely horrible back pain,” Konecne said.

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We support When you take part in Relay for Life... you help save lives!

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KONECNE | 11c

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CT scan, complete with contrast dye.

A new doctor came on shift then and said, “Lisa, we’re going to admit you to the eighth floor.” He continued, “We think you have cancer. We have to do some further testing tomorrow.”

“I remember looking at my dad again and I said, ‘Not the news I wanted.’ And, he said, ‘But we’re going to fight,’” Konecne said. “I said, ‘Yeah, we’re going to fight. I’ve got too many things to do.’”

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and the doctor went in to do an assessment. The initial thought was a cardiac problem.

“I said, ‘Oh, Dad. Two things I don’t want. I don’t want to have a heart attack, and I don’t want it to be cancer,’ and my dad looked at me and he said, ‘Well, whatever, we’ll beat it. Whatever it is, you’re here for a reason,’” Konecne said.

After the results came back negative for cardiac issues, the doctor ordered X-rays, where he saw a spot and immediately ordered a

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Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017 — Page 5c

What is Relay for Life?

History of Relay for Life One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office.

He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed—running marathons.

In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles.

Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him.

He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt’s friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the

course.

While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer.

Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000.

An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.

What is Relay for Life today?

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at

CNA file photo

This luminary was purchased in 2014 by the Oetken family of Creston in memory of Max “Pogo� Hamner who lost his fight with lung cancer in 1990. Hamner – stepfather to Bill Oetken – once owned Hamner Standard located where Pokorny BP does business today. Including this one for Hamner, there were more than 1,800 luminaries sold and placed around the track during the June 2014 Southwest Iowa Relay for Life.

Each team is asked to have a local high school, park, or walking or running around a a representative on the track fairground and take turns track or path.

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HISTORY | 10c

Page 6c— Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017 — Page 7c

IN

SUPPORTING THE

ADMIRING THE HONORING THE

AND NEVER, EVER GIVING UP

OF Robert Adrian Kristi Applehause Mary Baird Otis Bessman George Bickett Kimberley Bishop Chuck Brightwell Lynn Brightwell Ron Cain Toby Carmichael Jack Carson Sandy Cheers Betty Chubick Wilbur Chubick Jill Coen Richard Conley Sonny Conley Bernice Cook Mark Cosens Ross Craft Dianna Craig Wanda Dowdell Mary Ann Dutcher Phil Dutcher Regina Ehnis Chuck Erskine Jeanne Ann Erskine-Eggleston Tony Fair Dick Fils John Flies Laura Francis Paul Francis Dick Fries John Fries Margaret Fries Larry Gile Mary Giza Carol Glynn Carl Goeglein Kenneth Goeglein Gary Gonseth Ethel Gordon

IN Raymond Gordon Sam Grandfield Max Green Vicky Gross Dee Harris Brad Harrison Jim Hartsook Floyd Hestermann Janice Hestermann Marvin Hestermann Robert Hestermann David Horner Bob Hudek Vicky Jansen Thersa Jessen Russ Johnson Lucille Johnston Harold Kindred Bill Klingensmith Harry Klingensmith Mike Kosman Mike Kralik John Kroeger Velma Kroeger Barb Kuyper Mick Landers Marvin Leibovich Kirk Levine Ruth Long Velma Lorenz Aaron Mansour Jim Mansour Lavern McCarty Veda McCarty Carol McGuire Red McManus Elmer Miller Irma Miller Shirley Miller Lois Monday Bob Mostek Jan Mostek Elizabeth Mullen

Jim Mullin Isabelle Myers Liz Osborne Jan Palm Erma Patterson Florence Paxton Raymond Payne Patty Perez Linda Pokorny Betty Pryor Bill Pryor Lary Refer Lucille Riedl Janice Rosekranz Judy Rusher Karla Seller Betty Sevier Gene Sevier Shelly Sevier Sue Sevier Jean Sheridan Kiyoshi Shimono Terry Sjulin Gary Skarda Luna Sloan June Sprague Tim Stalker Sally Tonelli Diana Troutwine Al Veitz Gary Veitz Sandy Vinnek J.R Waddell Dee Warin Janice Warren Dane West Jim Westlake Randy White Pat Willis Vicky Winterstien Delores Wittstock Carol Ann Woodworth

OF Peg Anderson Megan Andreasen Raymond Banner Ronda Berry Steve Blazek Mary Jo Borcherding Andrew Bradley Benita Brightwell Mindy Butcher Linda Carmichael Cory Chapman Dorothy Cook Gene Cook Sheryl Craft Mary Jo Dorgan Ann Driskell Kara Dunphy Frances Eivins Jean Erskine Louise Fleming Ken Foster Patsy Goetz Terri Grail Boyd Griffith Rose Henry Mary Lu Imm

IN Arwyn Isaacs Ronda Katzer Teresa Latus Diane Loomis Pam Loudon Betty Lynam Becky Mason Jacy McAlexander Scott McFarland Tomi Mchone Sandy McNichols Gary McNichols Barb Melva Di Miller Sue Miller Jean Moffitt Annette Paxton Connie Rhine Mike Rollings Randy Samo Debra Scadden Merlin Scadden Brenda Scadden-Baird Donna Schroeder Carolyn Skarda Linda Spindler Dee Ann Stults Ruth Thompson Lynn Vandevender Pam Varner Marty Vincient Kathy West Paula White Nancy Wickham-Johnson Bill Winterstien

OF Jim Best Mike Cary Dawn Christenson Tim Clark Bill Ehm Marilyn Ehm-Platt Connie Ellis Jeanette Ford Deb Gordon Nancy Gross Micah Hartwig Rose Henry Cindy Hevitt Marilyn Hoepfner Paulette Holliday Kurt Kiburz Lisa Konecne Di Lillie Robert Long Cindy Love Ron Ludwig Sue Maitland Steve McCann Sandy McNichols Wayne McNichols Marlene Mitchell Joe Owens Gail Peterson Karen Seley Bruce Sevier Stew Stewart Barb Thompson Harry Walters Mike Wolfe Grandpa Mac

Page 6c— Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017 — Page 7c

IN

SUPPORTING THE

ADMIRING THE HONORING THE

AND NEVER, EVER GIVING UP

OF Robert Adrian Kristi Applehause Mary Baird Otis Bessman George Bickett Kimberley Bishop Chuck Brightwell Lynn Brightwell Ron Cain Toby Carmichael Jack Carson Sandy Cheers Betty Chubick Wilbur Chubick Jill Coen Richard Conley Sonny Conley Bernice Cook Mark Cosens Ross Craft Dianna Craig Wanda Dowdell Mary Ann Dutcher Phil Dutcher Regina Ehnis Chuck Erskine Jeanne Ann Erskine-Eggleston Tony Fair Dick Fils John Flies Laura Francis Paul Francis Dick Fries John Fries Margaret Fries Larry Gile Mary Giza Carol Glynn Carl Goeglein Kenneth Goeglein Gary Gonseth Ethel Gordon

IN Raymond Gordon Sam Grandfield Max Green Vicky Gross Dee Harris Brad Harrison Jim Hartsook Floyd Hestermann Janice Hestermann Marvin Hestermann Robert Hestermann David Horner Bob Hudek Vicky Jansen Thersa Jessen Russ Johnson Lucille Johnston Harold Kindred Bill Klingensmith Harry Klingensmith Mike Kosman Mike Kralik John Kroeger Velma Kroeger Barb Kuyper Mick Landers Marvin Leibovich Kirk Levine Ruth Long Velma Lorenz Aaron Mansour Jim Mansour Lavern McCarty Veda McCarty Carol McGuire Red McManus Elmer Miller Irma Miller Shirley Miller Lois Monday Bob Mostek Jan Mostek Elizabeth Mullen

Jim Mullin Isabelle Myers Liz Osborne Jan Palm Erma Patterson Florence Paxton Raymond Payne Patty Perez Linda Pokorny Betty Pryor Bill Pryor Lary Refer Lucille Riedl Janice Rosekranz Judy Rusher Karla Seller Betty Sevier Gene Sevier Shelly Sevier Sue Sevier Jean Sheridan Kiyoshi Shimono Terry Sjulin Gary Skarda Luna Sloan June Sprague Tim Stalker Sally Tonelli Diana Troutwine Al Veitz Gary Veitz Sandy Vinnek J.R Waddell Dee Warin Janice Warren Dane West Jim Westlake Randy White Pat Willis Vicky Winterstien Delores Wittstock Carol Ann Woodworth

OF Peg Anderson Megan Andreasen Raymond Banner Ronda Berry Steve Blazek Mary Jo Borcherding Andrew Bradley Benita Brightwell Mindy Butcher Linda Carmichael Cory Chapman Dorothy Cook Gene Cook Sheryl Craft Mary Jo Dorgan Ann Driskell Kara Dunphy Frances Eivins Jean Erskine Louise Fleming Ken Foster Patsy Goetz Terri Grail Boyd Griffith Rose Henry Mary Lu Imm

IN Arwyn Isaacs Ronda Katzer Teresa Latus Diane Loomis Pam Loudon Betty Lynam Becky Mason Jacy McAlexander Scott McFarland Tomi Mchone Sandy McNichols Gary McNichols Barb Melva Di Miller Sue Miller Jean Moffitt Annette Paxton Connie Rhine Mike Rollings Randy Samo Debra Scadden Merlin Scadden Brenda Scadden-Baird Donna Schroeder Carolyn Skarda Linda Spindler Dee Ann Stults Ruth Thompson Lynn Vandevender Pam Varner Marty Vincient Kathy West Paula White Nancy Wickham-Johnson Bill Winterstien

OF Jim Best Mike Cary Dawn Christenson Tim Clark Bill Ehm Marilyn Ehm-Platt Connie Ellis Jeanette Ford Deb Gordon Nancy Gross Micah Hartwig Rose Henry Cindy Hevitt Marilyn Hoepfner Paulette Holliday Kurt Kiburz Lisa Konecne Di Lillie Robert Long Cindy Love Ron Ludwig Sue Maitland Steve McCann Sandy McNichols Wayne McNichols Marlene Mitchell Joe Owens Gail Peterson Karen Seley Bruce Sevier Stew Stewart Barb Thompson Harry Walters Mike Wolfe Grandpa Mac

Page 8c— Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017

How funds are raised for Relay for Life The American Cancer Society encourages Relay for Life participants to raise at least $100. Teams are encouraged to have at least 10 individuals on each team and urged to set individual and team goals.

Relayers who raise at least $100 receive a commemorative Relay For Life T-shirt.

For many, the T-shirt is a badge of honor representing the miles walked at Relay For Life, the person they are walking for or their deep commitment to the fight against cancer.

Creativity is key as teams try to raise money before arriving at a Relay For Life event. In addition to asking people for pledges, teams also hold bake sales, car washes, dinners, sporting events, art sales, clothing drives or whatever inspires them. The true beauty of Relay is how each event is shaped and made successful by community members.

Where does the money go?

Each $100 raised through Relay For Life allows the American Cancer Society to: • Fund ground-breaking research. American Cancer Society-funded researchers have contributed to nearly

every major cancer research breakthrough since the Society’s research program began. They’ve helped establish the link between cancer and smoking, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Pap test, developed cancer-fighting drugs, dramatically increased the cure rate for childhood leukemia and proven mammography to be the best tool to find breast cancer early. If you know a woman who has had a mammogram, you know someone who has benefitted from American Cancer Society-funded research. • Help pay for lodging at an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. There are two Hope Lodges in Minnesota; one in Minneapolis and one in Rochester. Last year more than 50,000 patients and caregivers nationwide stayed at a Hope Lodge at no charge while receiving cancer treatment, saving an estimated $23 million in hotel expenses. • Help cancer patients get to treatment and back home again through the Road to Recovery program. The American Cancer Society helped more than 50,000 patients get to and from treatment last year. • Support Reach to Re-

DREAM BIG H PE BIG

RELAY BIG

covery volunteers as they visit with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, who seek help and guidance during their various stages of cancer. • Help guide patients, their caregivers and families through their cancer-journey through the Patient Navigator Program. • Cover the cost of providing information to those facing cancer. Every day more than 3,000 people call the American Cancer Society for help and information.

1-800-227-2345 connects callers with Cancer Information Specialists 24-hours a day, every day of the week.

Help is available in more than 170 languages. Through www.cancer. org, the American Cancer Society provides cancer information and localized resources to 25 million visitors every year.

and has the utmost appreciation for those who supported him and his wife throughout their battle. “I still believe that if I didn’t have the support from the church and from my family members I wouldn’t be here today,�

Gene said. “Our faith, I think, has a lot to do with it,� said Dorothy. “Faith and prayer.�

That support they received from the church is something both Cooks will never forget.

But, the backing both of them had in each other is special.

Gene is quick to admit how supportive his wife is. “All the days and all the times I was in the hospital she was right there, all the time. She never left,� he said.

All the while, Dorothy still feels like the honorary survivor tag doesn’t fit her. Having seen firsthand the damage cancer can cause, Dorothy contends

“I DON’T feel I deserve it; they say anyone who has heard the word cancer and survived is a survivor. So I’m representing those other people out there that are in the same position I am.�

__

DOROTHY COOK Cancer survivor

Affected by cancer in every which way, Dorothy hopes anyone touched by the disease continues to stay positive. But she acknowledges how difficult

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that can be.

Their relationship is special and they know it. Given all the battles they have waged they are still able to be light-hearted about any position they are in.

After all of Gene’s surgeries he had to re-learn how to do a lot of everyday things. At the time, he was also a grandfather to three newborns who were being potty-trained. “The comical part of it all,� joked Dorothy. “We had three grand babies learning potty training so it was a contest between grandpa and the babies who was going to win first.�

Through all the tough times, diagnoses, surgeries and family battles, Dorothy and Gene never lost sight of who they were or what was important to them.

They acknowledge they aren’t getting any younger but revel in the prospect of continuing to push forward and appreciate life.

Their goal this year is two laps around the track at the Relay for Life event.

But it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they were capable of more.

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CONT. FROM | 2c

MEMORY • SUPPORT • HONOR Remember those who have lost their battle Support those battling cancer Honor those cancer survivors.

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COOKS:

that it’s about everyone else, not her. “I don’t feel I deserve it; they say anyone who has heard the word cancer and survived, is a survivor,� said Dorothy. “So I’m representing those other people out there that are in the same position I am.�

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Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017 — Page 9c

Tips for managing prostate cancer (BPT) - Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men other than skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 7 men will have prostate cancer detected during their lifetime. The disease can strike any man at any time; men who are over the age of 60, have a family history of prostate cancer, are African-Americans, or were exposed to Agent Orange have an increased risk for diagnosis.

“Hearing the words ‘you have prostate cancer’ can be devastating and the treatment options overwhelming.

Men need to learn about and fully evaluate their options with their treatment team,” says Jamie Bearse, CEO of ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer. “Our organization provides an extensive number of tools men and their loved ones can use to help them understand what a diagnosis means and navigate the treatment journey, including website content covering screening to survivorship and our case management patient support and navigation program, ZERO360.”

Many people find it helpful to bring someone with them to their doctor appointments to take notes or record the session. It can be difficult to focus during conversations about the diagnosis, so having caring partners in the room can be advantageous when later trying to recall.

Tips to consider for man-

aging prostate cancer: P: Prepare a list of questions for your doctor. Anything and everything is okay to ask.

R: Reach out to others and learn from their experiences.

O: Outline a schedule to stay on top of your treatments.

S: Share your news with family and friends. Don’t go it alone.

T: Take time to process the news, then take action.

A: Act as your own advocate throughout your treatment process.

T: Tap into activities that will help you to maintain a positive outlook.

E: Explore treatment options and act now. Innovations in care have changed the way prostate cancer is managed.

In many respects, Scott Silver was like other retired men his age. He spent time fishing, golfing and teaching, and had an annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. When his PSA level rose to 3.68 (low risk) and a biopsy revealed he had prostate cancer, Scott decided to explore his options.

Says Scott, “It was important to me to identify a treatment that I believed would eliminate my cancer and minimize my chance of

developing complications such as impotence or incontinence. After conducting extensive research and speaking with family and friends, I had a conversation with my doctor. Together, we decided that treatment with CyberKnife(R) was the right option for me. It’s been 11 years since my treatment and I continue to do well. And while each person’s experience is different, I’ve had no complications or side effects from treatment.”

Prostate cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or active monitoring. Each man should consult his physician regarding his specific diagnosis and treatment options.

Among the considerations that a doctor will factor into a treatment recommendation is the man’s prostate cancer classification, often referred to as his “risk” profile. One of the more innovative radiation treatments is stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which the American Society for Radiation Oncology supports as an option for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

SBRT is a radiation treatment that combines a high degree of targeting accuracy with very high doses of ex-

tremely precise, externally delivered radiation, thereby maximizing the cell-killing effect on the tumor while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. Prostate SBRT is generally five treatments delivered over one or two weeks.

The CyberKnife(R) Sys-

tem is a radiation therapy device designed to deliver SBRT. The system’s unique ability to continually track and automatically correct for movement of the prostate in real time throughout the entire treatment session provides distinct advantages

when treating a tumor, which can move as much as 10 mm in as little as 30 seconds. Visit www.cyberknife.com for more information.

For important safety information, please visit http:// www.accuray.com/safety-statement.

Friday June 16th

Cancer Sucks

CAR SHOW Show & Shine 5 p.m. to whenever

Creston High School – Practice Field 601 W. Townline St. – Creston, IA 50801

ALL CARS & TRUCKS WELCOME! 7:30 p.m. – Awards Presented @ MC Stage by track Honorary Survivors & Host’s Favorite Pick ------------- custom handmade award plaques -------------

$10 Donation Vehicle Entry Fee All proceeds and donations go to Relay for Life

50/50 Raffle ● Silent Auction Brought to you by Creston’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Supper and Concession Stand Available

In honor and memory of our residents, families and employees whose lives have been touched by cancer.

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Car Show participants enter from west side of high school Facebook Group Page: Relay For Life Cancer Sucks Car Show Car Show Info: Chris Loudon at 641-203-6334 OR cancersuckscarshow@gmail.com

Due to Rain: check facebook group page or contact above

Page 10c— Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017

HISTORY: CONT. FROM | 5c

at all times during the event.

Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

What happens at Relay For Life events?

Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held.

These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

Celebrate – the Survivors Lap

Luminaria Ceremony After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

As people take time to remember, those who have walked alongside others battling cancer can grieve and find healing. This is a time that truly highlights the importance of defeating this disease.

Fight Back Relay starts with a Survi- Ceremony

vors Lap – an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer.

The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are ensuring that more lives are saved each year – like those of each individual on the track.

We also recognize and celebrate caregivers at Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who face cancer.

At Relay, people understand the frustrations and joys of being a caregiver, since the effects of cancer reach far beyond just the person diagnosed.

Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.

That personal commitment may be to do something as simple as getting a screening test, quitting smoking, or talking to elected officials about cancer. By taking action, people are personally taking steps to save lives and fight back against a disease that takes too much. Celebrate, remember, and fight back are themes that link all Relays events together, but you can learn more about national event standards and recommendations and more about how to structure your Relay’s planning committee using a suggested three-tier approach by connecting to the documents below.

Philosophy of Relay The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing experience. At Relay, every person in the community has a chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back. And every person who participates joins others around the globe as part of this worldwide movement to end cancer.

Everyone’s reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease.

You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.

No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save

lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.

Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life.

A presence in communities

munities identify themselves.

A town or small city may see itself as one community. Larger cities are usually made up of several different communities and neighborhoods. If people identify themselves as being part of a given community, the community qualifies as a Relay site. For example, Relays are even happening on college and corporate campuses, on military bases, and in cyberspace.

Volunteer-driven

Relay For Life is conducted not simply to raise funds, but to involve new communities, give the Society a local presence, and provide communities the opportunity to own the mission. Because Relay provides grassroots access to the population, it is a critical means of achieving the Society’s 2015 goals.

As a community event, Relay fulfills a need for belonging that we all have. It also creates a sense of community by bringing people together in a moving and fun atmosphere, with sufficient time for cultivating relationships. The event is volunteer-driven, with Society staff coaching the volunteers. There is a true partnership between volunteers and Survivorship Relay is a moving celebra- staff. tion of cancer survivorship. Unification The event begins with a SurCancer is indiscriminate vivors Lap in which cancer and knows no boundaries. As survivors take a victory lap voluntary organizations in the around the track. A candle- United States must serve an light ceremony is held later in increasingly diverse populathe evening to honor cancer tion and customer base, the survivors and remember those who we’ve lost to this disease.

A community event Relay For Life is a community event. Event sites should be selected based on how com-

way in which the American Cancer Society does business will need to shift. Our ability to communicate appropriately and utilize partners in our efforts will facilitate our growth in reaching diverse communities and ultimately in reaching the 2015 goals of the Society.

Inclusion is imperative.

Around the globe The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an international movement to end cancer. Since 1996, the Society has partnered with multiple cancer organizations in countries outside the United States to license and support Relay For Life programs. Through Relay, these organizations bring together passionate volunteers, promote their mission-based activities, and mobilize community members to take action in the fight against cancer. Relay has proven especially important to countries at the beginning stages of educating both the public and health care communities about this deadly and often preventable disease.

International Relay For Life events are now held in communities spanning 18 countries outside of the United States.

One Day. One Night.

One Community.

One Fight.

We fight cancer with laps, laughter & loved ones.

relay for hope

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Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017 — Page 11c

The Monday after being admitted to the cancer floor, a biopsy of the tissue was done.

The medical staff told Konecne they suspected cancer on the ovaries, the female reproductive organs.

During this time, Konecne’s family visited from all over, and her husband was able to take some time off work.

Though, she continued to worry about her students, now unsure if she would be able to make a trip to San Diego she had planned with FCCLA students, plus conferences and other obligations.

Ovarian cancer Two days later, a treatment plan was drawn up and her first chemotherapy treatment was done Thursday. “I told the nurse, ‘I see a light.’ I remember seeing a light,� Konecne said. “I had these headphones on listening to Casting Crowns, I think, and kept wanting to go toward this light, and I kept being told don’t come toward the light.

They thought I was seeing the light of the illumination (caused by the nurses), but I was seeing the light of Jesus and God and my deceased grandmother.�

Konecne continued to have spiritual visits from God throughout her journey, always telling her to push through and battle the cancer.

She had 15 total chemotherapy treatments, one every three weeks at first; the ultimate goal was to shrink the masses on her ovaries so they could be removed safely.

After awhile, she received a second opinion from a doctor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The week before, though, she and one of her doctors discussed that she was a candidate for surgery to remove the masses, but that it wouldn’t happen for several weeks.

However, once she was in

Surgery

Nov. 2, 2016, the couple traveled back to Rochester and checked into the hotel. “It was the World Series game seven, and we were all in my parents’ room, piled on the king-sized bed, and it was my brother and his wife, and it was my sister and my niece and then it was my mom, my dad and Todd and I, and we were laying there watching the Cubs,� Konecne said.

When the Chicago Cubs won the seventh game in the World Series, effectively naming the Illinois team World Series champions, Konecne decided. “I remember when they won, I turned to my dad and I said, ‘I’m ready for my surgery,’� Konecne said. ‘I said, ‘I watched them win and now it’s time.’�

The next day, they rode a morning bus and from 8:30 a.m. till after 9 p.m., Konecne was in surgery. The surgeon performed a total hysterectomy, which is the removal of the entire uterus, fundus, ovaries and cervix, shaved part of the liver off, removed a section of stomach lining and totally removed the gall bladder and

afer having her head shaved. She went through a total of 15 rounds of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016.

appendix. “There was no time to be nervous,� Konecne said about her time leading up to surgery. “Looking back, I’m glad they did it right away because there was no time to talk myself out of it.�

Konecne underwent nine chemotherapy treatments over the course of nine weeks after her surgery to shrink any remaining cancerous tissue and make sure the rest was gone.

By February of this year, she was told she was in remission.

Immediately, she went back to part-time teaching, and

eventually worked her way the fight,’ and Him saying, ‘It’s going to be worth it in the long back to full time, unable to not going to be easy, but it’s run.’� stay away from her students and the job she enjoys.

She suggests all women pay attention to any signs there might be in order to prevent illness in the future. “There’s a reason why.

There’s a higher power,�

Konecne said. “When I was in the hospital in June of last year, I know He came to me.

I know God came to me, and he brought me an angel and he brought me Jesus and he brought me my grandparents.

I remember one of the messages was, ‘You’re on this path and I’m going to be there for

Celebrate • Remember • Fight Back

Let your LIGHT shine!

CONT. FROM | 4c

Mayo, she had blood work done and the next day sat in on one of her three appointments. “I remember the doctor saying to me, ‘We were talking about it, and you’re a perfect candidate. I’ve already shared it with the doctor, so we’ve come up with this plan.’ And, over her shoulder, I noticed Nov. 3 I had an appointment scheduled,� Konecne said. “I said to her, ‘What do I have on Thursday the third?’�

It turned out, the doctor had not contacted Konecne to tell her she was scheduled for surgery to remove the cancerous masses on her ovaries.

She began worrying about lesson plans and other things, to which her husband replied by Contributed photos driving her back to Corning so AT LEFT, Lisa Konecne smiles for the camera as she prepares to have her head shaved. Konecne was diagnosed with she could work and they could ovarian cancer in 2016, and felt shaving her head when she wanted to, rather than letting her hair come out during sleep in their own bed. chemotherapy, allowed her to maintain some control over the situation. AT RIGHT, Lisa Konecne smiles once more

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Page 12c— Creston News Advertiser — Tuesday, June 13, 2017

SPONSORSHIP, IN KIND AND SERVICE DONATIONS $1000 Level

Hour of Hope - $100-$249

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In Kind Donations

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$250 Level

American Homes Chat Mobility Crop Production Services Iowa State Savings Bank Medicap Pharmacy NAPA Powers Funeral Homes Precast Concrete Rhine Body Repair Sound Explosion – Randy & Holly Cooper Southwestern Community College State Savings TS Bank Tyler Insurance Services, Inc.

When you take part in Relay For Life‌you help save lives!

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3’s Company A & G Restaurant & Lounge Adams Street Espresso Amanda Clemens – Scentsy & Jamberry Casey’s Chris Mansour Crystal West Clips & Creations – Erin Hudson Country Cutters Dollar General Dollar Tree El Ranchito Elm’s Club Fareway Greater Regional Cancer Center Hardees Java J’s – True Value Jennifer Seales Salon & Boutique Kustom Kakery Little Caesars Mary Swanson McDonalds Nichole Bierle Pizza Hut Pizza Ranch

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Service Donations

Boy Scouts Brandon & Matthew Wittstock Chris & Dawn Loudon- Cancer Sucks Car Show CHS Peppers Chuck Spindler Creston High School Baseball Team & Coach Birchard Creston High School Softball Team & Coach McCabe and Coach Keeler Henry’s Martial Arts National Anthem Singers Second Chance Band Spotlight School of Dance by Adonica Struhar US Cellular

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