What happens during a pandemic? You have time to think.

When I last posted to We Believe we were announcing the cancellation of our spring benefit due to the threat of the corona virus pandemic.  At that time, like I’m sure many of you, I felt concerned but had no idea what was in store for us.  

Because John and I are retired without the worry and stress of juggling work and school-aged children, we had ample time to slow down and think about where we want, and are able, to go next with Katie’s nonprofit.  While we did a lot of talking we really didn’t act upon any of our thoughts or ideas.   It felt as though we were in a holding pattern as we waited to see what was even feasible given the uncertainty as to when and how we would be able to safely gather again. 

With so much uncertainty I couldn’t seem to get myself motivated to work on the things regarding our nonprofit that were within my control.   Then, as luck would have it Kaylan calls and yet again she provides just what I needed to address my unmotivated state of mind.  As always I believe Katie’s spirit is guiding us.  

Kaylan is in graduate school and she, along with a group of fellow graduate students have offered their services as part of a group project to help us work on updating our website and offer possible ideas as we move forward in this challenging time.  Their involvement and expertise have given us the necessary push to reflect on what has taken place the past several months and what our future plans might be.  Our thanks to Kaylan and her team!

“We Believe in Katie” Update …  Prepandemic   

Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Wisconsin Student of the Year Gala - Sharing Katie’s Story 

In early March, about a week before we had to officially “shut down” I was asked to speak at the Student of the Year Gala sponsored by the Madison Chapter of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Wisconsin.  

The LLS Student of the Year program is a leadership development initiative during which students learn and apply professional and philanthropic skills in order to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The students raise funds from January through mid March and the student or student team who raises the most funds receives a college scholarship.  

The gala is a formal event that includes dinner, silent auction, live auction and guest speakers.  Throughout the evening the participating students, “dressed to the nines” I might add, continue to raise funds so they have no idea of the winner until it is announced as the Gala’s culminating event.  Awaiting the announcement creates a highly charged atmosphere as the student participants, together with their friends and family wait for all the funds to be tallied and the winner(s) announced.  

 The 2020 LLS Student of Year Award went to Taylor and Gretta’s Team “Answer for Cancer”.  This hardworking, philanthropic duo from Columbus, Wisconsin raised   $70,187.11! 

We Believe in Katie’s Student of the Year Scholarship

Along with sharing Katie’s story, we also presented a $500.00 runner-up scholarship on behalf of We Believe in Katie.  Our award went to Tia Beirne, an enthusiastic and gregarious student from West High School in Madison.   

 We Got a Surprise Gift 

A particularly moving part of the evening was that we, too, were given an “unexpected” gift.   One of the live auction items was a Green Bay Packer Build-A-Bear.  The Packer Bear was a “hot item” as friends and families of the candidates enthusiastically kept raising the bids with the hope that their student(s) could add that amount to their total.   This was especially evident by the lively and ultimately winning bid of $900.00 from the friends and family of Noah Sanger, the 7-year-old LLS Young Hero of the year who is battling the same leukemia Katie had.  

When the Packer Bear was awarded to young Noah, he walked off the stage, came over to our table, handed the bear to me and said, “This is for Gracie.”    You can imagine how moved we were by such a giving gesture from this brave and resilient young boy.   

Again, the kindness and care of so many continually leaves me in awe.  And, incidentally, these students collectively raised over $250,000.00 for blood cancer research!  Taylor, Gretta, Tia and the other hard working Student of the Year candidates truly represent the very best of this up and coming generation.   

I urge you to check out this program.  

You can find photos and additional information about the Student of Year program here 

Katie’s Story is published 

By My Sister’s Side stories compiled by Mindy Dalgarn

Mindy Dalgarn’s mom and my mom live in the same independent living complex in Galena Illinois, and this is where I met Mindy and her twin sister Missy.  Sadly, shortly after I met them, Missy passed away from cancer in July of 2019.  Mindy and I have become kindred spirits of sorts, which so often happens to those of us who have experienced similar loss.  One day as we were talking, she shared her idea of compiling a book of stories written by those who have lost loved ones to cancer.  This was her way of sharing Missy’s story, and helping others as she learned to navigate through her devastating loss.  I was honored to contribute “Katie’s Story” to this book and very excited to share that the book is now published!  All book proceeds go to Missy and Mindy’s “Mop Shop”.  

To learn more about Mindy’s story, the details of the book and their “Mop Shop” click here

So now what? What’s Next for We Believe in Katie?

 We’re Still Granting Wishes! 

Matthew gets his wish.  

While this year, due to our cancelled benefit, we weren’t able to grant multiple wishes our budget did allow us to grant a single wish.  Katie’s aunt Madonna, a Madison Public School Teacher’s Aide, told us of Matthew a five year old little boy who had been recently diagnosed with Leukemia.  When we learned he was interested in a wish we offered to sponsor his wish.  We just learned that We Believe in Katie is the official sponsor of Matthew’s wish to go to Disney World, which hopefully will occur sometime in 2021.    

Another Benefit? Well, sort of…

“A Party With A Purpose” Summer 2021

Because there is so much uncertainty regarding the pandemic, the idea of even attempting to plan a spring event seems to be out of the question.  However, we are thinking that perhaps a summer 2021, outside event may be feasible.  We contacted a possible venue and the Red Hot Horn Dawgs (Madison’s Party Band), and both have enthusiastically responded, “We’re in!”  So, mark your calendars for Saturday, July 17th and keep your fingers crossed that we can make this safely happen.  We’ll keep you informed. 

Even in these challenging times there are always reasons to be grateful.  My family, old friends, and new friends and those who I have never met but show their care and interest in our cause through their support of We Believe in Katie give me countless reasons to be grateful.  

Keep those who have lost loved ones to this virus and the brave healthcare workers in your thoughts and prayers, and please listen to the scientists.

Stay well and hopefully we can all enjoy A Party With A Purpose July 2021! 

 Susan