March 2015 Newsletter
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First Annual Benefit a SuccessWilderness Ridge offered the perfect backdrop for the Heartland Cancer Foundation’s first annual Vines & Steins Wine and Beer Tasting Benefit. The evening was a huge success! Foundation supporters Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska Heisman Trophy Winner; Maggi Thorne, Mrs. International; and renowned Caricaturist Paul Fell were just a few of the special guests in attendance. KLIN hosts Dave Miller and Jack Mitchell joined Mike DiGiacomo, Morning Blend co-host, as honored guests and emcees for the fun-filled evening. Patrons sampled beverages from six local breweries and vineyards while enjoying the acoustical stylings of Brian Vranicar.
The foundation raised over $38,000, enabling nearly 100 patients to receive assistance with their gas and medication expenses during cancer treatment. In the first two months of 2015, over 25 new applicants have been approved for financial assistance. To keep up with the demand, the Heartland Cancer Foundation is planning several fundraising events this year, including The Kuck’s Motorsports Event and the Third Annual Golf Scramble at Yankee Hill Country Club. Partnering with our supporters, the Heartland Cancer Foundation will be able to continue to connect patients to care in our community. Watch for details for our second annual benefit coming this fall... Vines & Steins goes Vegas style! |
Upcoming Heartland Cancer Foundation Events
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Kuck Motorsports Event
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Kuck Motorsports (27th & I-80) Tickets are limited! Click Here to purchase yours today. |
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Third Annual Golf Outing |
Patient Spotlight: Keith & Kathleen Compton
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Keith and Kathleen Compton were born in the same hospital in Nebraska City over sixty years ago. They have been married for 41 years and currently live in Syracuse, NE. The Comptons have one son and a granddog named Buddy. They have a dog of their own, Kacey, a scottie-poodle mix. Keith is now retired from his long time custodial position with B & B /Super Saver Stores.
Keith was first diagnosed with Leukemia ten years ago. After a serious fall on the ice while at work, blood work was performed and the Leukemia was discovered. Keith began a series of daily radiation and chemotherapy treatments. The treatments went well and the cancer was in remission for over five years.
Kathleen and Keith spent many hours in waiting rooms and traveling to and from treatment sessions. To pass the time, Kathleen began to knit. This was a great way for her to keep her mind occupied and, better yet, to give back and help others. She has knitted over 100 glove and scarf sets, most of which were given to other cancer patients. Kathleen just finished a beautiful blanket for a baby they recently met in the infusion treatment center. Unfortunately, Keith has had a recurrence of cancer. He has just completed another treatment series and is facing a major stomach surgery as part of his treatment plan.
This new diagnosis means more expensive trips between Syracuse and Lincoln in order to receive the cancer care needed. The Comptons are just one of the many patient families the Heartland Cancer Foundation has been able to assist by providing gas cards to ease the financial stress that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
Keith and Kathleen express their thanks to the supporters of the foundation and they are appreciative of the assistance given to them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Compton family during this difficult time.
Keith was first diagnosed with Leukemia ten years ago. After a serious fall on the ice while at work, blood work was performed and the Leukemia was discovered. Keith began a series of daily radiation and chemotherapy treatments. The treatments went well and the cancer was in remission for over five years.
Kathleen and Keith spent many hours in waiting rooms and traveling to and from treatment sessions. To pass the time, Kathleen began to knit. This was a great way for her to keep her mind occupied and, better yet, to give back and help others. She has knitted over 100 glove and scarf sets, most of which were given to other cancer patients. Kathleen just finished a beautiful blanket for a baby they recently met in the infusion treatment center. Unfortunately, Keith has had a recurrence of cancer. He has just completed another treatment series and is facing a major stomach surgery as part of his treatment plan.
This new diagnosis means more expensive trips between Syracuse and Lincoln in order to receive the cancer care needed. The Comptons are just one of the many patient families the Heartland Cancer Foundation has been able to assist by providing gas cards to ease the financial stress that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
Keith and Kathleen express their thanks to the supporters of the foundation and they are appreciative of the assistance given to them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Compton family during this difficult time.
This Month’s Cancer Awareness: Colon Cancer
There are more than one million colon cancer survivors in the United States. Thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the country join together to spread colon cancer awareness by wearing blue, holding fundraising and education events and talking to friends and family about screening. March was officially dedicated to National Colon Cancer Awareness Month by President Clinton in February 2000. Learn more at fightcolorectalcancer.org.
Did You Know?
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 4,845 Nebraska residents were diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2011. Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in Nebraska.Among Nebraska residents between 2007 and 2011, over half of the 23,371 diagnoses were cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon and rectum. Cancer was Nebraska's leading cause of death from 2009 to 2011.
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Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Matthew HrnicekDr. Hrnicek has been in practice since 2005. A graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha, he completed his internship, residency and fellowship at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the America Board of Internal Medicine.
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S. Screening has the potential to prevent colorectal cancer because it can detect pre-cancerous growths called polyps. Removing polyps can prevent cancer from occurring. Approximately 5%, or 1 in 20, Americans will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in their lifetime. If you are over the age of 50 and have never been screened for colorectal cancer, visit Dr. Hrnicek. It may just save your life! |