My mom says I was special because I had cancer when I was a baby. She still says I'm special. I think it's because I'm a princess.
Sydney S.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia test Survivor
2007 Dream Maker Award
The Dream Maker Award is presented to individuals who have shown committed, dedicated, and truly outstanding support of Children’s Cancer Research Fund and the battle against childhood cancer. The Dream Maker Award is the highest honor presented by Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
Dream Maker Winner: Dr. John Kersey John Kersey exemplifies the spirit of this award. Dr. Kersey is a physician-researcher who specializes in childhood leukemia. During his long career, he has led, and witnessed, many developments in the understanding and treatment of both childhood and adult cancers. His pioneering work on the immune system led to important discoveries in childhood cancers and greatly contributed to turning childhood leukemia from an almost-certain fatal disease 35 years ago into a widely treatable and curable disease today. During his more than 15 years as founding director of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, he has mentored and inspired many scientists and physicians. Through his compassion and visionary leadership, John Kersey has transformed cancer research and patient care at the University of Minnesota and beyond. More importantly for Children’s Cancer Research Fund, he was the ONLY pediatric oncologist to lead one of the 39 comprehensive cancer centers. And, although retiring as head of the Cancer Center, he will continue to conduct groundbreaking research focused on pediatric leukemia. John’s “mouse model” now makes it easier for researchers to study the disease, which may one day lead to new and improved treatment regimens. In addition, John and wife Anne have been committed supporters of Children’s Cancer Research Fund by being fixtures at many of our events and by providing other ongoing support as well. Congratulations, Dr. John Kersey — you are truly an exceptional person deserving of this honor and recognition.
2007 Butterfly Awards
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund Butterfly Award celebrates ongoing commitment and dedication to the fight against childhood cancer.
Medical Category — recognizes members of the medical community at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center who have shown exceptional levels of service.
Winner: Brenda Weigel, M.D. Dr. Brenda Weigel is an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology at the University of Minnesota. She is the principal investigator for the Phase I Program in Pediatric Oncology, and she holds the Children’s Cancer Research Fund Lehman Family Endowed Chair. Her ongoing research focuses on new immunotherapy strategies for pediatric cancers, including the most common pediatric soft-tissue malignancy called rhabdomyosarcoma, which is a tumor of the muscle tissue. Dr. Weigel has continually supported Children’s Cancer Research Fund in any way requested, from Board service, staff advisory and event volunteer work, to publicity interviews, public speaking activities and last-minute hospital tours.
Corporate Category — acknowledges organizations/companies that have generously supported Children’s Cancer Research Fund through signature event sponsorships and financial and/or in-kind donations.
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Winner: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans During the past five years, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been one of the most prominent supporters of Children’s Cancer Research Fund. In November 2007, for the third consecutive year, Thrivent Financial will serve as presenting sponsor for the annual Dawn of a Dream® Gala. Thrivent Financial increased its involvement with Children’s Cancer Research Fund in 2005 when its Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Russ Swansen, joined the organization’s Board of Directors. Swansen was instrumental in strengthening this partnership. Thrivent Financial has not only served as presenting sponsor for the Dawn of a Dream Gala, but it has also been a sponsor for the Time to Fly™ Walk/Run and the Minnesota premiere of The Blue Butterfly. |
“Fundraising Partners”/Community Category — recognizes members of the community who have contributed significantly to Children’s Cancer Research Fund through a fundraising event, program or promotion.
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Winner: Lubrication Technologies (Lube-Tech) For the past four years, Randy Jensen and the Pre-Igniters team have coordinated one of the most successful and fastest-growing golf tournaments benefiting Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The Lube-Tech 140 Invitational has raised more than $165,000 for Children’s Cancer Research Fund since its inception. Lube-Tech is the presenting sponsor and, as a company, they back our cause completely and are proud of their role in our mission. The heart and commitment of the Pre-Igniters team and Lube-Tech overall shines clearly throughout the 140 Invitational. Although golf tournaments are intensive events to coordinate, the committee has committed to holding the 140 Invitational again next year, and they hope to make it bigger and better than ever. |
Volunteer Category — acknowledges members of the community who have given significant time and/or services to Children’s Cancer Research Fund through event or program participation, public speaking or publicity, administrative duties, and other such efforts.
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Winner: The Schultz Family — Ken, Sharon, Jeff and Andrew Ken, Sharon, Jeff and Andrew Schultz know firsthand how cancer can affect a family and how important ongoing research is to finding new cures. At age 19, Jeff was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukemia. Jeff entered a pediatric clinical trial at the University of Minnesota. After an intense treatment regimen and maintenance therapy, Jeff beat his ALL. In July 2005, to celebrate the end of Jeff’s maintenance chemotherapy, the Schultz family and friends hosted the first Swingstock, a growing annual barbecue and music festival that supports Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The family’s ongoing support also includes regular attendance or volunteer duties for fundraising events, Board committee participation and administrative volunteer work. The Schultzes care deeply about Children’s Cancer Research Fund, and they are never too busy to support our cause. |
Care Partners Category — recognizes the Care Partners volunteer who has given a significant number of service hours to patients and their families, gone above and beyond their volunteer duties, and worked with both children and adult patients. This award recipient is selected by the Care Partners staff.
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Winner: Irene Wickland Irene Wickland has been fully committed to more than 20 families throughout her 15 years as a Care Partners volunteer. She has a big heart, a warm and welcoming smile and the energy and fortitude of a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her gift of time has made a tangible, positive impact on the families she has served.At times, the lives of patients and their families can overflow with many needs. Irene, with her sense of humor, maternal instincts and desire to help, never hesitates to nourish the souls of those around her. Infants find comfort in her arms, teenagers appreciate her unconditional listening and parents accept her friendship and desire to help during the good times and the bad times. We are both proud and thankful that Irene Wickland chose Care Partners as her way to make a difference. |