Contacts: Brian Bellmont, Bellmont Partners Public Relations
(952) 233-0428, brian@bellmontpartners.com
Darolyn Gray, Executive Director, Angel Foundation
(612) 554-1314, darolyngray@aol.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (January 11, 2007) — From an ordinary man doing extraordinary things for his wife who has cancer to a woman who has helped tens of thousands of patients and their families stay connected during difficult times, the recipients of Angel Foundation’s 2007 Star Awards are shining examples of care, compassion and support.
Angel Foundation was founded in 2001 by Minnesota Oncology Hematology, PA to help hundreds of Minnesota families cope with the financial stress and emotional impact of cancer. Each year the organization recognizes and honors individuals in the community who have made significant contributions to the health and wellness of cancer survivors and their families.
What: The Angel Foundation Star Awards, honoring five outstanding individuals
When: Saturday, January 20, 2007. Reception and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. Dinner, awards presentation and entertainment at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Depot, 225 South Third Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401
The 2007 Star Award recipients include:
« Advocacy Award -- Ben Haines: For every cancer patient who is alive today as a testament to the significant advances in medical science, there is an advocate tirelessly working to help ensure that there will be more survivor stories to tell in the future. In the area of advancing lymphoma research and treatment, Ben Haines is that advocate.
His wife Janice, a lymphoma survivor, would become the inspiration for Ben, a computer consultant, to devote so much of his life to lymphoma research. He has embraced the role of advocate by immersing himself in the various fields of study, and educating himself on the recent advances in treatment -- to become not just a voice, but a catalyst for progress. Instead of simply reaching out for support, Ben has used the adversity as a source of strength to help others in the process.
Ben’s tireless commitment includes his work as a SPORE Lymphoma Patient Advocate, as the lymphoma advocate for Mayo Clinic and the University of Iowa, and a council member for PART, a group assisting SPORE advocates. He is a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation and helped raise nearly $10,000 at the organization’s second Lymphomathon. And for the last nine years, Ben has hosted NHLlow, one of the largest online cancer groups for lymphoma patients, nearly 1,500 people strong.
« Caregiver Award -- Bob Jerlstrom: There are a lot of champions in the world of cancer. Not many have the endurance of Bob Jerlstrom. Bob’s role as caregiver began in April 2003 when Lisa, his wife of 20 years, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Their journey continues today and so has Bob’s inexorable determination to persevere. Bob has devoted so much of his time and attention -- not only to his wife Lisa, but to countless others who, at every turn, are given a renewed sense of hope and optimism from the nurturing support that Bob brings. He is a shining star to all those who are thrust into the role of caregiver, and an example of the impact just one person can have while caring for a loved one.
In addition to all that Bob is doing to support Lisa, he has graciously volunteered his time to Angel Foundation, attending events and helping with the Facing Cancer Together programs. The Jerlstroms’ daughter Autumn was also a program participant, and with her dad’s encouragement, has become a teen mentor for other children whose parent has cancer.
« Corporate Caring Award -- Sona Mehring/CaringBridge: For all that the Internet has done to improve our lives, the digital revolution has come to bear in one particularly meaningful and profound way in the area of patient support. CaringBridge, a non-profit online resource for families of patients undergoing a health crisis, allows families to create their own web site to post and share information and updates. It provides a vital hub of information exchange among the network of those concerned, reducing the burden families face during the health care journey. The woman behind it all is Sona Mehring, a former web site developer and consultant who founded CaringBridge after a good friend fell ill.
Using technology to help improve the well-being of those affected by cancer and other health issues -- what Sona has appropriately dubbed “compassion technology” -- has become Sona’s life work. She created the first site in 1997 and the organization has grown to $1.6 million in annual revenue and more than 46,000 individual websites. This explosive growth reflects the widespread need for patients and families to stay connected during difficult times. And thanks to Sona’s talent and devotion, resources are continually being applied to ensure these needs will be met well into the future. Sona is frequently honored for her passion and visionary leadership. In 2006, she was recognized by MSN.com as one of the nation’s leading Women Working for Change.
« Humanitarian Award -- Lloyd Willbrandt: To the people at Ecolab in downtown St. Paul, Lloyd Willbrandt is a dedicated accountant, distinguished retiree, and avid fisherman. But to hundreds of cancer patients and their families, Lloyd Willbrandt is also known as a remarkable philanthropist and humanitarian.
The Sharon K. Willbrandt Memorial Fund today stands as one of the most prolific financial resources in the Twin Cities community for families of those diagnosed with breast cancer. But in 1992, at its inception, it was simply Lloyd Willbrandt’s humble desire to do something good in honor of his wife Sharon, who passed away after a long battle with breast cancer.
Now remarried and well into his retirement, Lloyd Willbrandt stays actively involved in ensuring that the memorial fund he started years ago remains strong and viable.
« Spirit Award -- Linda Albertson: Shortly after Linda Albertson walked into the clinic for what she thought would be a routine mammogram screening, her idyllic life as a French teacher at Eagan High School and devoted wife and mother would be forever changed. The news that Linda had been diagnosed with breast cancer left her shocked and angry.
Prompted by some inspiring words from her MOHPA Oncologist, Mark Sborov, Linda developed a newfound perspective on her life-changing circumstances and embraced the unique role she, as a cancer patient, could play in helping others. For years she had been a strong role model for young children. Now, after a brave journey through her cancer experience, she would develop an even greater influence over the lives of her students, other cancer patients, and all those who have come to know this remarkable spirit.
Her generosity of spirit was quite evident in one instance when she learned that her school’s janitor had been quietly battling pancreatic cancer. Linda initiated a school-wide gift card collection and made a personal visit to his home to share the outpouring of support with him and his wife. Linda’s strength, courage, and glimmering spirit touches all of her students. But a few of the students impacted by their own cancer experience at home became Linda’s personal mission.
It’s been a rewarding discovery for Linda, and she remains steadfast in her desire to connect to more and more people in need. And her inspirational spirit continues to give hope to each and every one of them.
ABOUT THE STAR AWARDS CEREMONY
In addition to the awards, the evening includes a reception, silent auction, dinner, and entertainment. Patty Peterson is Master of Ceremonies, and Minnesota musician Libby Turner will perform several songs, including Angel Wings Never Tire, written by Angel Foundation Executive Director Darolyn Gray and featured on the inspirational CD of the same name. Media is invited to attend, and the award recipients are available for interviews prior to the event.
ABOUT ANGEL FOUNDATION
Angel Foundation (formerly Minnesota Oncology Hematology Foundation) was founded in 2001 as a charitable organization working to fulfill unmet non-medical needs of cancer patients and their families. Angel Foundation is a patient-focused non-profit organization dedicated to its mission to improve the quality of life throughout the cancer experience. While many organizations raise funds for cancer research, Angel Foundation focuses on the personal day to day needs and necessities of cancer patients. During the past five years, Angel has blossomed into a vital community resource serving hundreds of patients providing hope and stability through education, support, and financial assistance.
MEDIA ONLY: The award recipients and Angel Foundation’s Darolyn Gray are available for interviews prior to the Star Awards event. To set up an interview, please contact Brian Bellmont at Bellmont Partners Public Relations at (952) 233-0428 or info@bellmontpartners.com or Darolyn Gray at (651) 554-1314 or darolyngray@aol.com.