A.D. John Currie helped shine national spotlight on K-State cancer research
K-State Athletics Director John Currie accepted a Chillin’ 4 Charity challenge July 15 from another university A.D., allowing ice water to be dumped over his head. In addition to supporting the event’s charity, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, he included the Johnson Cancer Research Center. He in turn challenged some other A.D.s and after they accepted, he stayed true to his word with a donation to our center. news release
Middle school students gave gift in memory of former teacher
Anthony Middle School’s Silver 7 Team–that is, the 7th graders and their teachers–always sets aside a little of the money they raise for celebrations, to donate to a charity in Manhattan. For the past two years they’ve chosen our center.
Some of them were introduced to us in 2010, when they were still at Marlatt Elementary School. They had witnessed their teacher, Lisa Morgan, fight and succumb to cancer, and participated in a school-wide t-shirt fundraiser that honored her in her final days and raised money for our center.
Last year, when it was time for their middle school class to select a beneficiary, they voted to donate to our center in her memory. This year, they continued their support with another $250 gift.
We are impressed by these students who keep giving in Lisa Morgan’s memory, and honored to receive their meaningful gifts. Maybe in a few years, one of the Silver 7 kids will receive one of our student research awards that they’ve helped fund!
Coach Snyder & Sunny 102.5 challenge Wildcats to tackle cancer
We are grateful again to K-State Head Football Coach Bill Snyder and Sunny 102.5 FM for sponsoring the Wildcat Challenge to Tackle Cancer. They recorded radio ads that are being played all over the state and sent letters asking people to join their challenge. Sunny 102.5 is including us in several promotional activities and will have their annual, live fundraiser on Fri., Oct. 3, from the rooftop of McDonald’s on 4th Street, in Manhattan.
Mason’s Wish/Western States Fire Protection golf tournament raised $20,240
Hundreds of miles west of us in Castle Rock, Colo., a golf tournament on August 1 raised $20,240 for K-State cancer research! Western States Fire Protection held their annual golf tournament to support Mason’s Wish, a charity that raises funds for our center.
Run by Mason Wolfe and her mom Nancy Wolfe, a 1990 K-State alumna, with support from family and friends, Mason’s Wish has raised more than $100,000 for us by selling candles, games, t-shirts and other items, and holding benefit events. They started the charity after Mason’s father, Fred Wolfe, a 1993 K-State alum, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. She wanted to do something to not feel hopeless and to help her dad and other families.
Nancy recently joined our Advisory Council and her other daughter Morgan became a K-State student this fall. Mason dreams of becoming a brain surgeon and is considering attending K-State in a couple of years.
2014 Conquest story about Mason’s Wish
Tough Enough to Wear Pink raised $9,000
The 8th annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the Kaw Valley PRCA Rodeo July 25 raised awareness and funds for K-State cancer research. Rodeo spectators, participants and even horses wore pink! A pink balloon launch and cancer survivor recognition ceremony honored all who have ever faced cancer. The Silver Buckle Drill Team from McPherson did a special breast cancer awareness performance and Guardians of the Ribbon brought their pink fire truck, Nicki, from Wichita again.
The Kaw Valley Rodeo Association’s TETWP committee also held another successful spaghetti dinner, sponsored by Cox Bros. BBQ and First Presbyterian Church.
We are so grateful to the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association and the “Pink Committee” for choosing to support local cancer research! This year’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign raised almost $9,000! That brings their total to $67,000!
