In 2012, we sponsored 4 families, 2 Cancer Charities and created 1 endowment.
Caroline Schiller Caroline w/ her 2 beautiful girls,
Emma and Gabriela
I am an 11 year grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumor survivor. I was diagnosed while pregnant with my oldest daughter and three weeks after delivering her, I had surgery to remove the tumor, radiation, and 2 chemotherapies. Because of the location of the tumor, I was left with a weakness on my left side-basically, I have limited use of my left hand and recently through Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago,I have received a leg brace that helps me with my walking, although I still have a limp and have to use a cane (hopefully this is not permanent). I am still going to occupational therapy 3 times a week. I am also back at school, which is funded by the state's department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
As far as my financial situation, I do receive Social Security Disability benefits and child support. I am receiving unemployment until next June I was working but was laid off in July 2010. So even though I try and save that money, I have had to rely on it and have been trying to figure out what I will do once those benefits stop. So far my medical bills have been covered by medicare and medicaid, however, they do not cover adaptive equipment that would help me around the house or with the computer. Our biggest financial obligations are rent and tuition for my daughters schooling. They currently attend Our Lady of Humility Catholic School in Beach Park, but I am considering removing them because of our fianancial situation. My daughters aren't happy about it, but they are aware of our financial situation and will make the sacrifice if needed. As much as any financial assistance is extremely helpful, I realize that I am not the only one struggling and know that there are others out there that may need your help as well. Jessica Hehn
Jessica Marie Hehn is a fun, loving, beautiful and intelligent woman. 31 years young, Jessica just celebrated her one year wedding
anniversary with her loving husband, Joe. They have two little dogs, Belly and Hobo, and live in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago. Jess and Joe live healthy, active lives and are the dedicated owners of a small, Chicago-based health and wellness company, CHEW Chicago, where they help individuals create healthier lifestyles through education, food, exercise and fun. After supporting her father over the past eight months through his current battle with brain cancer, Jessica was diagnosed with stage IV non small cell lung cancer, learning the hard truth that cancer does not discriminate. They are self-employed and their temporary health insurance runs out mid-May and will not be renewed due to Jessica's lung cancer. Jessica is the type of person who illuminates a room just by walking in. She is a truly beautiful soul, full of love, passion and vigor-a person who makes you better just by being with her. Joe and Jessica have just begun their lives together and have been dealt some major obstacles. Every aspect of their lives has been totally changed: their health, business, income and finances, family planning, living situation, day to day living and their future. But they know that one thing will always remain constant: the support and love from their families, friends and God. St. Patrick High School Cancer-Aid Endowment
For 150 years the Christian Brothers at St. Patrick High School on the northwest side of Chicago have been providing an educational experience of the highest quality which enables young men to develop their maximum potential as lifelong learners and assets to society and the Church. As graduates of St. Pat’s, Tom (’82) and Bill (’83) know first-hand the lasting value of a Lasallian education. The ethics and philosophies taught there have impacted many of the decisions they’ve made in their lives. Funds from this year’s event will go towards the creation of an endowment to provide financial aid to students whose family are going through a cancer struggle.                |
Sue Cascio Sue with her two children, Amanda and Matthew
Sue Cascio 43 and divorced with two kids, a boy in 5th grade and a girl in 3rd. Since her divorce, she and her kids have been living with her Dad in Park Ridge. Her grandmother and her mother both died of breast cancer. She has been active in the Avon walks and other fundraising activities to find a cure. Because of her personal history, she has always been very proactive about her health. When she was discovered to have early stage breast cancer four years ago, she did all that she could possibly do to have it end there. However, she recently discovered it was back and it is now in her bones. So she is again doing all that she can. She is understandably worried about her future, and most importantly-- in her words-- her kids.
Kevin Klassen
My name is Kevin Klassen.
My 2011 started out as a fantastic year. In February my girlfriend Michelle and I welcomed our daughter, Ellie Nicole into the world. Along with Ellie, I have two other amazing daughters Makenzie and Ariana who live 6 hours north in Wisconsin. I cherish the time I get to spend with them. Then things started to change. In March my employment of over 4 years was terminated and in April I started feeling pain in my lower abdomen but without insurance I couldn’t afford to go to the doctor or a hospital. In September I found some temporary work. It didn’t have benefits, the hours, the salary, and wasn’t the field I was looking for, but it was a paycheck. Things seemed to be turning around. On October 16th Cancer entered my life. I was rushed to the hospital with severe pains and after a few days was informed that I had Stage 3 small intestinal cancer. At 33 years old I thought to myself “was 16 middle aged for me?”, but my three amazing daughters need me, so at that moment I decided both in my head and my heart I had already won this fight! After Thanksgiving, I began chemo and had 3 rounds of treatments during the holiday season. My body hasn’t responded well to the medicine and the Doctors are now working to find the best solution to my treatment. Today, I sit with so many questions unanswered and no idea if chemo will continue. With a smile on my face and a positive attitude I will beat this no matter what. God has an amazing plan for me and is preparing me for a great future! The Cancer Care Foundation
When one is diagnosed with cancer, countless emotional, physical, and financial worries inevitably result. Yet with the financial burden of medical care, many are unable to receive psychosocial support.
The Cancer Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers free counseling and support services to cancer patients and their loved ones. Their services are most accessible to those who live in north suburban Cook County, although they have clients from all over Chicago land. Please click here for more information on their programs The goal of The Cancer Care Foundation is to help those who feel as if there is nowhere else to turn. We listen, support and empower Sally's Studio - art therapy for Cancer Patients at Lutheran General Hospital
Sally’s Studio is a non-for profit Art Therapy Program, funded by the Beat Tom & Bill Charity Golf Outing
In 2009, we sponsored Sally Gorney-Avila and her family and friends wanted to create a separate charity to directly help cancer patients on an ongoing basis. Their journey begins with Lutheran General Hospital and their Advanced Center for Care. This program combines Sally's love of art with the strength and tenacity she exhibited while fighting this disease. Their goal is to help make a patient's day a bit brighter as they receive their cancer treatment. The hope of Sally's Studio is that this program will open the door to the art world, provide meditative meditative relaxation, or simply put a smile on each patient's face. It is our way of channeling our love and energy for Sally into a positive force by creating a program to honor her legacy. Sally's Studio is made possible by The Schneider Family Fund, our BTB Foundation, and other private donations in conjunction with the Brickton Art Center. located at Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL. Sally's Studio is completly free to all patients receiving cancer treatments at Lutheran General Hospital and is intended to promote healing, balance and good vibes. |