December 2014 newsletter

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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. Hope Healing Help CONNECTING BISMARCK CANCER CENTER Winter 2014 “I take this as a gift of time and opportunity to serve and give back. To help others and their families in the way Missy was cared for during her cancer treatment. It’s what I’m doing this for.” Loren Balkowitsch lost his sister-in-law to breast cancer in 2010. She sought cancer care as far away as both Mayo and Texas; still, she felt the very best care she received was right in her backyard at the Bismarck Cancer Center. Motivated by the depth of her stamina and determination to fight cancer, Loren teamed with Ryan Volk to make a difference in the lives of those left behind. “Ryan and I wanted to do something – both to raise awareness and to fundraiser for the cause,” Loren Balkowitsch says. “We organized the Volkowitsch Open golf tournament, which is now in its fourth year.” 100% of the proceeds from the tourney are donated evenly between the Breast Cancer Research Foundation & the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. Shortly thereafter, he became a Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation advisory board member. “Losing Missy was a significant reason I chose to step up and do something,” he says. “Watching her battle this cancer was so painful; I knew becoming involved with the fight against cancer would be meaningful to the families going through what we had.” As Loren became more involved in fundraising, he made further personal financial decisions. He chose to leave his family-owned business to venture out to develop an e-commerce site. Teaming with Rick Schock (whose life had been forever changed after watching his own father battle Leukemia), the two young men began ‘Give 5 To Cancer,’ their online marketplace. “Our for-profit organization carries more than 14,000 products; from sporting goods and outdoor products to fireplaces and televisions, we have it all,” Loren says. “We took some time to establish the business and get into a groove. Once we were up and running, we considered ways to use this business to honor and support cancer victims.” Now in its third year, the organization donates $1 per online sale to cancer – equating to ‘giving five’ for five items sold. “We donate $1 per sale directly to cancer foundations – again shared evenly between the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (national donation) and the Bismarck Cancer Center (local donation). “Writing our very first check to the Cancer Center was instrumental in knowing we’re committed to this,” he says. “Although the check was small, just $14.00, it’s grown by leaps and bounds. Last month, our local donation exceeded $500. We anticipate $1000 over the Christmas shopping month. That’s a testament to our business growth – and certainly to our commitment to give to this disease through the Foundation and to overall research.” To date, Give 5 has given $63,620 in the name of Missy. And when Loren’s not working with Give 5, he’s volunteering for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Advisory Board, where he currently serves as vice-president of fundraising. “It was important to me that I bring my passion to the table. I’ve seen stagnancy happen on boards – when direct involvement didn’t occur. My commitment to this opportunity is that I wouldn’t be ‘that guy,’” he says. “Instead, I take this as a gift of time and opportunity to serve and give back. To help others and their families in the way Missy was cared for during her cancer treatment. It’s what I’m doing this for.” Further, Loren said he works Applefest and other events as a go-to guy. He likes to help out as much as is needed. Loren and his family

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Activities and events from the Bismarck Cancer Center

Transcript of December 2014 newsletter

Page 1: December 2014 newsletter

OUR MISSIONThe mission of the Bismarck

Cancer Center is to make locally available the highest

quality, state-of-the-art radiation therapy services

to persons with cancerwithin 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.

Hope

HealingHelp

C O N N E C T I N G

B I S M A R C K C A N C E R C E N T E R

Winter 2014

“I take this as a gift of time

and opportunity to serve

and give back. To help

others and their families in

the way Missy was cared

for during her cancer

treatment. It’s what I’m

doing this for.”

Loren Balkowitsch lost his sister-in-law to breast cancer in 2010. She sought cancer care as far away as both Mayo and Texas; still, she felt the very best care she received was right in her backyard at the Bismarck Cancer Center. Motivated by the depth of her stamina and determination to fight cancer, Loren teamed with Ryan Volk to make a difference in the lives of those left behind.

“Ryan and I wanted to do something – both to raise awareness and to fundraiser for the

cause,” Loren Balkowitsch says. “We organized the Volkowitsch Open golf tournament, which is now in its fourth year.” 100% of the proceeds from the tourney are donated evenly between the Breast Cancer Research Foundation & the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

Shortly thereafter, he became a Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation advisory board member. “Losing Missy was a significant reason I chose to step up and do something,” he says. “Watching her battle this cancer was so painful; I knew becoming involved with the fight against cancer would be meaningful to the families going through what we had.”

As Loren became more involved in fundraising, he made further personal financial decisions. He chose to leave his family-owned business to venture out to develop an e-commerce site.

Teaming with Rick Schock (whose life had been forever changed after watching his own father battle Leukemia), the two young men began ‘Give 5 To Cancer,’ their online marketplace.

“Our for-profit organization carries more than 14,000 products; from sporting goods and outdoor products to fireplaces and televisions, we have it all,” Loren says. “We took some time to establish the business and get into a groove. Once we were up and running, we considered ways to use this business to honor and support cancer victims.”

Now in its third year, the organization donates $1 per online sale to cancer – equating to ‘giving five’ for five items sold. “We donate $1 per sale directly to cancer foundations – again shared evenly between the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (national donation) and the Bismarck Cancer Center (local donation).

“Writing our very first check to the Cancer Center was instrumental in knowing we’re committed to this,” he says. “Although the check was small, just $14.00, it’s grown by leaps and bounds. Last month, our local donation exceeded $500. We anticipate $1000 over the Christmas shopping month. That’s a testament to our business growth – and certainly to our commitment to give to this disease through the Foundation and to overall research.” To date, Give 5 has given $63,620 in the name of Missy.

And when Loren’s not working with Give 5, he’s volunteering for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Advisory Board, where he currently serves as vice-president of fundraising. “It was important to me that I bring my passion to the table. I’ve seen stagnancy happen on boards – when direct involvement didn’t occur. My commitment to this opportunity is that I wouldn’t be ‘that guy,’” he says. “Instead, I take this as a gift of time and opportunity to serve and give back. To help others and their families in the way Missy was cared for during her cancer treatment. It’s what I’m doing this for.” Further, Loren said he works Applefest and other events as a go-to guy. He likes to help out as much as is needed.

Loren and his family

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“If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.” ~ Gerald Good

“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” ~ Flora Whittenmore

Recently, I spoke with a friend who was distressed to learn that I have acquired a second cancer (Multiple Myeloma), and felt that I might not be taking the news as seriously as perhaps I should. I was, of course, touched by his concern and it is comforting to know that there are at least a few people who’d miss me if I wasn’t around. Still, I couldn’t help pointing out to him that my quest has never been to live as long as possible, but to live as fully as possible.

Now, don’t get me wrong–I want to hang around these parts as long as the next guy, but I don’t want to do it just so that I can rush from one appointment or distraction to the next. I want to savor each moment. That young grandson asking for a hug from his Papa represents an opportunity for me to really touch the fabric of life. That friend who helps me out to solve a problem deserves my undivided attention as well as my appreciation. That unexpected blessing needs to be acknowledged, celebrated and enjoyed to the fullest.

Still, it’s no fun having a second cancer–as the fellow said, “It’s an honor I could have done without.” But this is not a fair world and some of us do go in the barrel more than once. I’m still determined to keep on doing the best I can and that often involves me coming into contact with people who have it a lot worse than I do. Knowing that helps me keep things in perspective. It also reminds me that one of my greatest joys is in being able to be of some small help to others—it is then that I am most blessed and transported from concentrating on my own woes to being able to see the genuine beauty in other people. It’s really true that acts of loving kindness do bring peace.

Having said that, I must confess that second cancers, like re-occurrences, are a bummer. Chemotherapy still has some disconcerting and discomforting side effects; the logistics of getting treatment are still way too complicated; paying for it all is still stressful; and feeling poorly on the “bad” days is a darned poor substitute for felling good. And, while intellectually you understand that life isn’t fair, there’s still a lot of frustration and anger at how unfair it really is–somebody ought to pass a law: Not more than one cancer to a customer!

So what’s a person to do? In my case, I try to get up each morning absolutely determined to make the best of each day allotted to me…and I expect to have a good time doing it. I make it a practice to start each day by sitting and doing a bit

of meditation (and, no, I don’t try to stand on my head or get into any awkward or contorted positions). For me, personally, this consists of both a spiritual component (wherein I give God thanks for the opportunity to live one more day, ask His grace for those I love and care about, try to open myself to His guidance, and ask that I may in some way manage to be a blessing to someone else that day), and a separate, self-centering moment wherein I actually try to count my blessings.

I am continually amazed by the number and type of wonderful things in my life…and I doubt seriously that I’d be aware of most of them if I didn’t intentionally spend some time thinking about blessings. For example, I have a life-long friend who lives in Missouri who recently called. We visited for about fifteen minutes and his wonderful sense of humor and our adventurous shared past resulted in me being in laughter for the whole time. I can hardly wait for our next call…and another blessing! Yet, most of the time, I don’t think of him in that particular way—what an epiphany to be able to see and appreciate him in this new way!

And that just scratches the surface—there is so much in life to be savored. But, first, it’s got to be noticed. Won’t you join me today in making a sincere personal commitment to remember to notice the blessings in life and to absolutely devour and savor each one? Start small. Just think of one or two things until you’re in the habit…and then you’re in for a treat—your life is filled with great things and people, you just need to be able to notice them!

Carl Sandburg observed that “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be used.” Please use you coin wisely. It’s a choice: you can be joyful or downhearted or distracted or angry or any of a host of other things. Choose the joyful living of each moment!

May God bless us each and every one.

Ken Dykes Executive Director

Joyful Living

“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.” ~Rabindranath Tagore

2 BISMARCK CANCER CENTER connecting lives

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Sarah PowerCertified Medical Dosimetrist

As a sophomore in high school, Sarah Power learned her mother had breast cancer. Within the year, two of her aunts were diagnosed with cancer as well; one had brain cancer – the other, ovarian. She supported her mother by attending medical appointments with her – through both radiation and chemotherapies. Today her mom is a 16-year survivor. She lost her aunts to cancer.

Life altering, she knew her future held a career supporting those fighting cancer. “While going through cancer treatments with mom, I saw firsthand how she was helped – how her life was saved,” Sarah says. “I decided then and there I wanted to help others in the same way.”

A Williston native, Sarah chose to attend the University of Mary at Bismarck where she earned her x-ray degree; later earning her radiation degree at Omaha. Sarah worked at Bemidji for three years. Eager to move back to the Bismarck area, she sought employment in radiation therapy. Initially, she worked as needed for Bismarck Cancer Center, then went full time as an opportunity opened up. “When a dosimetrist retired, I made the decision to go back to school for a year and a half,” she says. “I passed my boards and became a full-time dosimetrist.”

As a medical dosimetrist, her job involves developing radiation treatment plans for cancer patients. “Physicians approach us to describe each specific patient–then tell us how this particular tumor must be treated. As dosimetrists, we make decisions regarding how to treat the tumor without affecting all of the other structures and organs surrounding the tumor,” Sarah says. “Our goal is to keep the side effects down as much as possible so we can both be sure there is no harm to other areas and to reduce sickness. We create the treatment plan and dosage that aligns most with what the physician wants.”

Very specific treatment plans must be developed for each individual. Just as no two people are alike on the outside, so are we different on the inside. Our anatomy is unique. When treating a tumor, physicians and dosimetrists begin with CT imagery and computer technology to come up with a treatment plan that also takes into consideration the size of the tumor, the stage of cancer as well as whether or not the treatment is intended to cure the cancer or support the comfort of the patient.

Cancer knows no limitations and knows no schedules. And since Sarah understands the emotions and realities of cancer treatment, she empathizes with patient needs. Sometimes it means staying late to complete a plan or to help work at an event.

“Sarah is committed to Bismarck Cancer Center; not only to the patients we see and work with every day, but will stay late to get plans done or ready for the following day,” colleague Kate Hanson says. “She volunteers for our Foundation awareness events, including high school sporting, golf events, Applefest and the Rug Rats Tournament.”

Sarah describes the Foundation as huge. “There are so many outreach areas that our Foundation serves,” she says. “Offering massages or gas cards to patients traveling for treatment, are small ways that we can help make a big difference to them.”

Further, she adds, “Each time I care for a patient or work with a fundraising activity, I consider how this patient could be my own mother. I wonder how I’d want my mom to be treated and how my mom’s comfort may be obtained. Staying late or helping with a fundraising event are just part of what we all do to help achieve some normalcy to the life-altering effects of cancer.”

“Her accountability and reliability support her ability to create great treatment plans for patients – and she keeps her paperwork organized; which is extremely helpful in keeping the dosimetry department operating smoothly and efficiently,” Kate says. “I respect Sarah for all she does for me and for the Bismarck Cancer Center; it’s an honor to work with her.”

Sarah played basketball in college, and finds herself most drawn to helping out with the athletic events, since she is active herself. And when away from the Bismarck Cancer Center, she and her husband Matt are coaching their 15-month-old son, Mason, to play ball with his own little ball and hoop. “He even enjoys playing basketball with us,” she says. Sarah also enjoys attending games and spending time with family.

walking the TALK: Sarah Power

“While going through cancer treatments with mom, I saw firsthand how she was helped – how her life was saved. I decided then and there I wanted to help others in the same way”

WALK THE TALK

through hope. help. healing. BISMARCK CANCER CENTER 3

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Mandan Pink OutThe Mandan High School volleyball, football and soccer teams held their annual pink promotion. The

Mandan teams sold pink t-shirts to promote “The Brave Fight” at their games throughout the month of October. Thank you, Mandan Athletics, for all your fundraising efforts!

BCCF EVENTS

8th Annual ApplefestThe 8th Annual Applefest was held September 20-21 at Buckstop Junction with over 6000 in attendance. Community members came out to enjoy the apple flavored treats, live entertainment and more.

This year’s event featured more activities than ever

before! Some crowd favorites this year included a record number of food and craft vendors, exciting kids’ activities like the petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and carnival rides, just to name a few. Bigger kids were entertained by paintball, mini golf, a bake sale and a car show. Some of the musical acts at Applefest this year included Tigerlily, Gefroh Brothers, Shawn Oban, Dirty Blonde, Cotton Wood and much more!

Driven to help the Foundation provide services to each patient, staff members volunteer time above and beyond works hours, to plan, host and work the event. Applefest is run by BCC staff, their families and community volunteers and is one of the largest events for the BCC. Make plans to join us on September 26-27 for the 2015 Applefest!

Volleyball “Digs Pink”The Demons and Patriots girls’ volleyball teams faced each other in a best of five match to “Dig for a Cure.” On October 23, both teams suited up in pink uniforms to play in front of a packed crowd in the BHS gymnasium, where CHS won in three games. The teams sold paper air-planes to write the name of loved ones suffering through or lost to cancer. The crowd launched the planes on to the floor between the second and third sets.

The Legacy High School volleyball team and the University of Mary volleyball team also hosted “Dig Pink.” The Legacy sophomore team played on October 2 and the freshman team played on October 14. The Mary Marauders hosted their event on October 10-12. All of the teams fought hard on the court to raise money for the BCC Foundation.

Car DealershipsThroughout the month of October, several car dealerships in the Bismarck-Mandan area showed their support by running pink promotions. Eide Ford, Schwan GMC Buick Cadillac, Bismarck Motor Company and Puklich Chevrolet all committed to donating a certain dollar amount per car sold. We appreciate their support!

Pink Out SaturdayPink Out Saturday was created by BCC Foundation Advisory Board member Susan Schweiters, owner of Lillians, to honor and celebrate all the brave and courageous people fighting all cancers. Almost 20 local businesses teamed up to “Pink Out” downtown Bismarck. On Saturday, October 11th,

businesses involved pledged to give an amount of their daily earnings to the BCC. Many new businesses joined Pink Out Saturday including Montana Furniture, Annex 208, Bombshell Salon, and more. Vivian, the Pink Fire Truck, was parked in front of Lillian’s throughout the event as well.

Saddle UpThe 7th Annual Saddle Up Against Cancer ride was held on August 23 near Wilton, ND. An enthusiastic committee organized this event which included over 50 riders. In addition to a beautiful ride that included view of the river, a silent auction was also held. This event raised almost $9000 for the Foundation.

4 BISMARCK CANCER CENTER connecting lives

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Successful Hunting Dakota with RooseveltOn the weekend of Oct. 17-19, a highly successful Hunting Dakota with Roosevelt event was held in Bismarck and Medora. Co-Chaired by Roger Krueger and Jon Hanson, the event blended passions for patriotism and hunting with generous sponsors, military personnel, hunters, cancer survivors, dog handlers and land owners.

Budget totals have not been reported on the event as of yet. Planning by the volunteer committee for the 2015 Hunting Dakota with Roosevelt is currently underway.

Get in the GameOn September 13, Our Place Tavern hosted the Get in the Game Fundraiser. Through the efforts of Carol Hanson and a dedicated group of volunteers, the event featured live music, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and a 9x13 dish people brought of their favorite dish to share and have judged. The event was a success.

Miles for SmilesOn a brisk September Saturday, 200 runners and walkers came out to participate in the Rasmussen College 5k Road Race. Many of the participants gave their muscles a break and

received a free massage from a graduate of the massage program at Rasmussen College. Along with the race, there were a variety of silent auction items for participants and spectators to bid on.

Bucks for BrasBorrowed Bucks Roadhouse, the American Cancer Society and the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation participated in the fourth annual “Bucks for Bras” Benefit event on Wednesday, October 22, 2014. The “Bucks for Bras” Benefit auction highlighted the talents of area artists through the glamorization of brassieres. Bras were donated and adorned with materials

such as gemstone, feathers, fur, and tinker toys, just to name a few. In addition to the auctions, there was also entertainment, appetizers and drink specials throughout the evening.

Over 400 people attended and raised $36,000 to be split between the BCC Foundation and the American Cancer society.

Prairie to BunkhouseFrom Prairie to Bunkhouse featured more than a dozen performers and paid tribute to a local musician, Kelly Kiemele, who passed away from cancer a year ago. The August 16th concert, held at Mandan High School, was a resumption of the bunkhouse concerts that date back to 2006 when local couple, LeAna and Tom Hug, put on evenings of old-time music. Over 200 people enjoyed this amazing evening of music and memories.

Drive to SurviveThe Bismarck Cancer Center enjoyed a very successful Drive to Survive promotion this year! Bismarck Cancer Center staff and Foundation advisory members helped run booths at all of the Dacotah Speedway races this past summer. On August 22, the Bismarck Cancer Center hosted more than 10 race cars and drivers as well as Vivian, the Pink Fire Truck, in the center’s parking lot on the afternoon of Drive to Survive event. Bismarck Cancer Center employees sold Drive to Survive t-shirts and hats at the races each Friday evening, leading up to this event.

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Pink Power CampaignBreast cancer is the most common type of cancer in North Dakota and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed. The Pink Power campaign was developed this past fall as an awareness and fundraising program that encouraged individuals, schools, businesses and sports teams to join in the fight against cancer during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All participating businesses, schools and organizations were listed in advertisements and on the Bismarck Cancer Center’s website.

This year, more than 10 businesses participated in Pink Power and are already making plans to make this campaign even bigger in 2015.

How you can help:A gift to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation can provide hope and help for the people we serve. The Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation provides essential financial, emotional and spiritual support as they fight this disease. Complimentary support programs allow our patients to concentrate on fighting the disease rather than worrying about how they will pay for uninsured treatment expenses such as travel, lodging, counseling services and more.

You can help our Foundation maintain the quality programs that help cancer patients across the region in their cancer journey. For information on giving, contact us at 701-222-6100 or visit bismarckcancercenter.com

Dan’s Supermarket Power of Pink PromotionIn honor of breast cancer awareness month in October, Dan’s Supermarket bakeries sold “Power of Pink” cakes. For each cake sold, Dan’s donated five dollars to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. We are truly thankful for Dan’s Supermarket for their delicious cakes and generous donations!

UPCOMING EVENTS:February 7 Masks in the MoonlightFebruary 12 Giving Hearts DayFebruary 21 Fred Kist Memorial Pinochle Tournament

Spark the HopeKupper Chevrolet donated a Grape Ice Chevy Spark to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation to raffle off in the spring of 2014. Tickets were sold at the Bismarck Cancer Center, Kupper Chevrolet and Dakota Community Bank

branches. In addition, the Spark was taken to all of the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation events where tickets were sold. Raffle tickets were $10 and all proceeds raised from the ticket sales benefited the Foundation.

The drawing for the Spark was Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 2p.m. at the Bismarck Cancer Center. Bert Heaton of Bismarck won the Chevy Spark. Over $14,000 was raised with this fundraiser.

through hope. help. healing. BISMARCK CANCER CENTER 6

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BCCF UPCOMING EVENTS

Fred Kist Memorial Pinochle TournamentThe fourth annual Fred Kist Memorial Pinochle Tournament will be held Saturday, February 21 2015 at the Bismarck Eagles Club.

Tournament play will start at 9 a.m., with check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. A total of 64 hands will be played with cash payouts for the top 10 teams. Pre-registration deadline for the tournament is February 14. Team fees are $50 and individuals are $25 per person. The tournament is limited to the first paid 150 teams and you must be 21 years of age to participate.

The tournament is held in memory of Fred Kist of Mandan. Proceeds of the tournament will benefit the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. A silent auction will be held and door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

The 2nd annual Masks in the Moonlight Charity Ball will take place February 7, 2015 at Sixteen03 Main Events. Last year over 200 people attended this exciting event.

This year’s charity ball will feature live music, dancing, dinner, a gypsy and more. In addition, a live and silent auction will be held featuring items donated by local individuals and businesses. Items include jewelry, trips, gift baskets and more.

Individuals who attend the event will receive a standard mask to wear, however customized masks created by local school groups and community organizations are also available for purchase.

Individual tickets are available for purchase as well as table sponsorships. Tickets can be purchased at the Bismarck Cancer Center.

All proceeds of this event benefit this Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation. Last year’s event raised more than $35,000!

Giving Hearts DayThe Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation is once again participating in the Impact Foundation’s Giving Hearts Day on February 12, 2015.

On this day, simply go www.impactgiveback.org and click on the Giving Hearts Day “Donate” button. Giving Hearts Day was started in 2008 by Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation as the region’s first one-day virtual fundraising event. On February 13, 2014, gifts totaling $5.7 million in 24,407 individual donations for 235 charities were received in online donations.

We encourage you to donate to the Bismarck Cancer Foundation on Giving Hearts Day to help provide hope, help and healing to our area cancer patients.

More information on this event can be found at bismarckcancercenter.com or by calling 701-222-6119.

through hope. help. healing. BISMARCK CANCER CENTER 7

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BCCF STAFF NEWS

Charity Rogstad is now The Joint Commission Coordinator. In addition to her Radiation Therapy duties, Charity will serve as the expert resource on The Joint Commission and expectations for compliance. Charity has been a Radiation Therapist with the Bismarck Cancer Center for 6 years.

Amy Gross is now the Assistant Director of Operations for the Bismarck Cancer Center. She will be responsible for managerial, clinical and business functions related to the Center’s operations. In addition, she will provide oversight and guidance to the Leadership Team by supporting and promoting the vision and operational direction of the Executive Director. Amy has been with the Bismarck Cancer for 17 years.

Melissa Klein has been named Lead Radiation Therapist. In her new position, she will be responsible for the supervision, coordination and evaluation of the radiation therapy staff. Melissa has been a Radiation Therapist with the Bismarck Cancer Center for 8 years.

Jerome Jaszkowiak joined the Bismarck Cancer Center as the Information Systems Engineer. Prior to coming to the Bismarck Cancer Center, Jerome owned his own technology consulting business. He attended BSC and has achieved various IT industry certifications. Jerome is married and lives in Mandan.

Julie Schmit joined the Bismarck Cancer Center as an Oncology Nurse. Julie received her nursing degree at Medcenter School of Nursing and also holds a master’s degree in forensic nursing from Duquesne University. She previously worked at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks and at Medcenter One in Bismarck.

Amanda Hilzendeger joined the Bismarck Cancer Center as Radiation Therapist. Amanda attended the University of Mary and received a bachelor of science degree in Radiologic Sciences. Additional schooling included Sanford School of Radiology and Mayo Clinic.

Christi Schroeder joined the Bismarck Cancer Center as a Billing Representative. Christi received an Associate’s Degree from BSC. She previously worked at Coventry Health in Claims and Customer Service.

Journal of Cancer Therapy, 2014, 5, 167-171 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/jct) Mastectomy Scar Boost Results in Low Risk of Locoregional Recurrence in the Setting of Close or Involved Surgical Margins Laura Johnson, Natalie Lichter, Mamie Hextall, Patricia L. Watkins, Tarek A. Dufan, John M. Watkins

Cancer and Clinical Oncology; Vol. 3, No. 2; 2014 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education The Impact of Weight Change During and After Post-Operative Chemotherapy on Breast Cancer Control in Node-Positive Patients Treated With Trimodality Therapy Joshua Johnson, Bianca Lamb, Andrew Mills, Patricia L. Watkins, Vijay Chaudhary, Jayaram Bharadwaj, Tarek A. Dufan & John M. Watkins

With much success, Dr. Watkins and Dr. Dufan worked collaboratively in 2014 to have research articles published. The following two breast cancer papers reached national journals.

BCCF RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

A very successful All Oncology Nursing Conference was held in October at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. Over 120 nurses attended from all over North Dakota.

This premiere educational conference focused on educating nurses on providing comprehensive care to oncology patients by enhancing their awareness of up-to-date information. Topics covered at the conference included breast imaging, prostate cancer overview, oncology nursing trends, palliative care, adult cancer survivorship and

more. Many local physicians participated as conference speakers, including Dr. Dufan and Dr. Russo. In addition, a Cancer Caregivers Panel was held with panel members discussing their roles as caregivers.

NURSING CONFERENCE

8 BISMARCK CANCER CENTER connecting lives

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GIVER to $49 Larry & Edna DennisSteve & Virginia McCallumAetna Employee Giving CampaignRonald Lee & Sylvia MartinIrene MeierAlbert J. Schwindt, Jr.Delmar & Veronica SvihovecLeeila BinaEldon & Twylah HollaarLorraine HilzendegerJeffrey ThomasMary WeekesLelia BenderIn Memory of Josephine SchiradoPearl VoegeleIn Memory of Josie SchiradoKent & Lena SorensenIn Celebration of Bob Robinson’s BirthdayJudy & Mike DonahueIn Memory of Leo KraftGeorge J. & Elaine A. FriedIn Memory of Nancy ScarffMerlin & Lois BorkeIn Memory of Charles (Chuck) EastgateMerlin & Lois BorkeIn Celebration of Linda SchumacherMike G. SchumacherIn Memory of Louie LongieVirgil & Debra WisdomIn Memory of Dorothy FelandArthur Azure Jr.Kirsten BaeslerRonald & Lorraine DresslerDavid & Brenda MeyerRonnie & Rhea MahrerEdward & Charlotte ThielKevin & Carolyn VandenburgNorman & Gwen WieseRonald & Mary WingenbachIn Memory of Noman TietzLaVonne SandauIn Memory of Maxine G. IwenLavonne SandauBennet & Lorraine KempIn Memory of Ruth PetersenPhyllis Ten BroekIn Memory of Charlotte TerryKen & Donna GrabingerIn Memory of Janet A. McCollumArt & Jeanette OsterIn Memory of Chris KoppangEmmy and Brent BarnickIn Memory of Vyron LelmDenny & Ruby PortraMandy SchillingDoris WahlIn Celebration of Kim Hoffmann & Shawn SchmidtRon & Sharon Otto

CARE GIVER $50–$99Kim PetersonDuane HillLarry A. GoodmansonJoe & Aggie WandlerFay G. ConnellAmerinetNorth Dakota Juvenile CourtJanell CampbellWayne & Evelyn Moen

In Memory of Clifford KahlerJoyce KahlerIn Memory of Margaret PladsonTom & Mary LindquistIn Memory of Evelyn AicheleC.B. “Ike” AicheleIn Celebration of 2 years Cancer-FreeCheryl WeigelIn Memory of Leslie RathPearl VoegeleIn Celebration of Peg LemmermanKarl & Lori LemmermanIn Memory of Dorothy FelandDana & Shawanda ErethRonald & Sandra HaugomTim & Patty KuntzAngeline MahrerSonja SprengerBradley & Kerri TownsendIn Memory of Jenny Reynolds & Sue ReynoldsMary Ann CarlsonIn Memory of Darryl CharbonneauLori CharbonneauHat DayBeach High School Student Council

STRENGTH GIVER $100–$249Troy, Anita, & Megan MorrisRichard & Janice BergerRhonda MahlumEdling ElectricDuey JohnsonJohn & Delaine KambeitzJohn & Harriet HaakRobert & Kym DubeIn Memory of Joseph C. SchulteStephen Larson & Jo Ann Overby LarsonIn Celebraton of Kathy BergWesley BergIn Memory of Charles EastgateMark & June LehrIn Memory of Henry RemboldtMark & June LehrIn Memory of Debra Taylor PierceRoline TaylorIn Memory of Our ParentsRussell & Ray OligerIn Memory of Michael KramerMaggie KramerIn Memory of Duane BoehmRon & Judy FrederickIn Memory of Dorothy FelandRoger C. Smith In Memory of Alvin Galster Sr.Donald & Pauline GalsterIn Memory of Jane Thompson Lillian HunkePink Night Wilton/Wing VolleyballJeans Day/Pink DayBrave Center of Mandan Public SchoolsIn Honor of Newton E. & Evelyn DykesKenneth DykesIn Memory of Pam ThomasTom & Jackie SimmerIn Honor of Nicole SailerJames Karn

In Honor of October Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBarb RobertsOctober SalesImperial FlooringJeans DaySt. Mary’s Grade SchoolBismarck State CollegeMandan Middle SchoolFireside Office ProductsIn Memory of Louis LongieMatthew & Marissa WeltonIn Memory of Dennis AdamsMuriel PetersonIn Memory of Jeanette LelmMr. & Mrs. Dave Rubert

SUPPORT GIVER $250–$499Kandy KasperHarold DeKreyNeil & Doris BuchholzIn Memory of William C. KelschKelsch, Kelsch, Ruff & KrandaIn Celebration of Andrew A. Voigt & Alice M. VoigtMary A. VoigtIn Memory of Arvadell KinzlerRon KinzlerPink Night Legacy Volleyball Boosters

COURAGE GIVER $500–$999Bryce HillEnergy Tech Systems, Inc.Verne A. GoeppingerPink Night BHS/CHSStifel Nicolaus Company Inc. & EmployeesIn Celebration of Jim HeckJerry & Sandy HeckIn Memory of Ken LaMontDiane LaMont, Jill Goetz, & Mike LaMontIn Celebration of Stacy ZuernLaura & Craig SmithIn Celebration of Hats made for PatientsOur Saviors Luthern Church, Park River, NDIn Memory of Curtis WellsDeloris “Dee” WellsIn Memory of Mainard MeschkeWade MeschkePink OutCentennial Elementary SchoolCar SalesSchwan Buick GMC CadillacPinktoberBridget’s Room LLC

HOPE GIVER $1,000–$4,999Coal Creek Station Activity Committee Cindy SchaafHubbard Feeds EmployeesDan’s SuperMarketsFun RunBHS Football Boosters In Memory of Missy BalkowitschGive 5 to CancerJeans DayCapital Credit UnionPowder Puff FootballMandan Public Schools

LIFE GIVER $5,000–$9,999Pink OutMandan High SchoolOctober Car SalesEide Ford LincolnCar PromotionsPuklich Chevrolet

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

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 9

Page 10: December 2014 newsletter

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