Star and Angels will be honored by the June E. Nylen Cancer Center
The June E. Nylen Cancer Center will honor Robin Koster and Vicki and Rich Caldwell, on Saturday, February 19, at the Marina Inn, South Sioux City, Nebraska. The theme “Stars and Angels Among Us-Fight Like the Irish” was chosen as a way to honor cancer patients, survivors and those who care for them. “Robin, Vicki and Rich are representative of the many stars and angels in our community that are courageous and who find the inner strength to encourage others," says Pat Hubbard, director of fund development at the Cancer Center. “All have made a difference in the lives of many and we want to honor them for their kindness, generosity, and strength."Robin Koster of Newell, Iowa has been chosen to receive the 2011 Star award. The Star award recognizes a cancer patient or survivor that exemplifies courage and grace, and supports fellow patients and survivors. Robin was nominated by her nursing co-workers. Her co-workers unanimously stated that as a cancer patient and a cancer nurse she is a source of strength and inspiration and has the unique ability to offer her professional knowledge and personal experience to each and every patient. As a nurse, wife and mother of five she has not let cancer slow her down and has not missed a day of work due to her illness. She is quick to point out the good and remind us all to enjoy life, not just get through it. Her courage, caring attitude, and smile are star qualities that have helped so many. The 2011 Angel award winners are Vicki and Rich Caldwell of Sioux City. The Angel award recognizes a family member, caregiver, volunteer or medical professional who has provided hope and inspiration to a person with cancer. The Caldwell’s were nominated by Dianne Campbell and Jeanette Zortman who said the Caldwell’s are quick to help in any way they can. When they see a need they don’t just sit and ignore it, they are quick to offer love, support, a ride or whatever it takes to make a difference. Zortman and Campbell went on to say that their “friends have both battled cancer themselves but are such role models for so many with their strength and ability to be so strong for each other and others who fight this non-discriminating disease.” In addition to caring for various friends fighting cancer they are both wonderful volunteers and are quietly working their magic helping those who need a hand, giving very selflessly and with an infinite amount of love. Many Star and Angel nominations were received at the Cancer Center. All nominees receive a gift and will be recognized at the award ceremony. Those nominated for the Star award include: Nancy Giles, Sioux City, IA; Natalie Krohn, Kingsley, IA; Sheila Lansink, Anthon, IA; Cheri Larson, South Sioux City, NE; Cathy Stueve, Sioux City, IA; Dr. Thor Swanson, Sioux City, IA; and Cindy Wilberding, Le Mars, IA. Those nominated for the Angel award include Joe Behrendt, Sioux City, IA; Marje Jarvill, South Sioux City, NE; Patty Limoges, Salix, IA; and Kim Weiland, Alta, IA.This is the 13th anniversary for the winter benefit, which has grown to be the cancer center’s signature fundraising event, raising more than $200,000 last year. Guests at the Stars and Angels-Irish themed benefit will enjoy a taste of Irish in the appetizers and dinner, Irish beer tasting, live and silent auctions, the sound of the Sioux City Bagpipes and the Star and Angel award program. Auction items include a Apple iMac computer and iPad; Black Hills Aventure Lodge getaway; a year-long movie pass for a family of four to the Main Street Promenade Theatre; Chicago White Sox tickets; and more. Volunteers Deb Smith of Lawton and Denise Wilson of Sioux City co-chair the event.This year’s fundraising will support colon screenings for the underserved in the Siouxland. Proceeds from last year’s event helped over 500 low-income women obtain free mammograms and over 200 low-income men and women obtain a colon screening. Lexus of Omaha is a premier sponsor. Mark and Mary Ellen Nylen again supported this year’s event with a donation of $100,000.“This free screening program truly helps hundreds of people receive the necessary test to detect colon cancer,” said Pat Hubbard, director of fund development. Having a colonoscopy at age 50 can help find and diagnose cancer early enough to save lives.” To purchase tickets to the Winter Benefit go online to www.nylencancercenter.com or call the June E. Nylen Cancer Center at 712.252.9352 or email hubbardp@jencc.com. Reservations are required prior to the event.The evening's agenda is as follows:5:30 p.m. Social5:30 – 8:30 Silent Auction7:00 dinner7:30 awards program8:15 live auction