Cancer Center honors 2011 Stars and Angels

There was a bit of Irish luck in the air at this year’s Stars and Angels winter benefit.The annual event, which honors a Star and an Angel, this year took on a casual tone with the theme “Fight Like the Irish.” Held at the Marina Inn Conference Center, the event raised more than $196,000 to fund colon screenings for underserved Siouxland residents.Celebrating the fight against cancer was more than appropriate, as both the Star, Robin Koster, and the couple chosen as Angels, Vicki and Richard Caldwell, have each waged their own courageous battle against the disease. Robin had her final chemotherapy treatment on Feb. 3.“I feel blessed to be nominated,” said Robin, a nurse supervisor at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake who was nominated by her nursing coworkers. “They did it unknown to me and to surprise me.”So what inspired Robin to stay strong during her fight with cancer? “The thing that inspires me every day is those people that can live each day to the fullest no matter what. Love seems sweeter,” she said.“Hope and faith seem as important as breathing.” And it never changed how she lived her life. “I continue to remember that cancer cannot change what is important to me. It doesn’t change God or what I believe.”Angels Vicki and Richard were surprised and humbled to be honored with the Angels award. “I am very honored to be chosen from all the other people that were nominated,” Richard said. “I am sure that they also have been very supportive of charities, church, and those in need.Said Vicki: “I don’t know for sure why I was chosen. I am humbled and know there are many others more deserving. We help others who need it because it touches our hearts.”They also have seen the strength that family members, friends and even each other have exhibited as they battled with cancer. “Both of my parents passed away due to cancer, and many friends have had cancer as well as myself,” Vicki said. “Both Rich and I have had cancer and will do whatever we can to help others with this horrible disease.”Each year, many community nominees are considered for these honors, which are awarded at the Winter Benefit. This year’s event included Irish music and conversation among friends. More than 100 live and silent auction items brought lively bidding.But the gathering also is a reminder that the fight against cancer continues for millions each day. “It helps me to remember other people are fighting and surviving, and it keeps me from focusing on my own problems,” Robin said.A special thanks also goes to event chairs and sponsors, which this year included Lexus of Omaha, a new premier sponsor. “Lexus of Omaha is proud to be a part of the Sioux City market and to participate in a great cause that can affect anybody at any time,” says Rob Mueting, VP and General Manager.The event was co-chaired by volunteers Deb Smith of Lawton, Iowa and Denise Wilson of South Sioux City, Neb.Click here to see photos from the event on the Sioux City Journal web site.Event sponsorsPot O’ Gold SponsorsThe Mark and Mary Ellen Nylen FoundationLexus of OmahaShamrock SponsorsMike and Margie BennettWells Fargo BankLucky Charm SponsorsBeef Products Inc.FIMCOGunderson’sK & B TransportationKCAU-TV Ch. 9Midlands Clinic, P. C.Pyramid TechnologiesSioux City JournalBlarney Stone SponsorsAvery Bros. Sign Co.Callahan’s LiquorFamily of David Leo Carlson, in loving memoryCentral BankA. J. Gallagher Co. andGallagher Benefit ServicesJaeger Corp.Klinger, Inc.Main Street TheatresMercy Medical CenterPathology Medical Services of Siouxland, P.C.Pacific City GraphicsScheelsStoney Creek InnTyson Foods