This article was originally published in the Standard-Gazette & Messenger on July 27, 2022 written by Denise Bonsack.
Kickin’ Cancer in Redwood County
Larsen selected as special honoree from Morgan
It’s difficult to find anyone who hasn’t been impacted by cancer. Those of us faced with a diagnosis work hard to fight and beat the disease. Those of us with a loved one diagnosed with the disease feel helpless and look for any small way to provide support and assistance.
If you’ve ever felt this way, here’s your chance to make a difference! The 2nd Annual Kickin’ Cancer in Redwood County event is just around the corner!
Scheduled for July 29 from 4:30 to 10 pm at Gilfillan Estate near Morgan, this year’s event starts with a hamburger or hot dog meal.
A silent auction will be held between 5 and 9 pm and at 7 pm the opening ceremony will take place, featuring the Honorary Chair from each community. This year’s Honorary Chair from Morgan is Jim Larsen.
The event also includes a Butterfly Release, T-Shirts and Luminaries displayed around the track. These can be purchased for $10.
Other activities include beads, nail painting, bubbles, games, face painting, a kids train, kids grab bags and an adult wine pull.
New last year, and still going strong are the ‘Blessing Bags’. These are bags given to people diagnosed with cancer to provide comfort and care in the midst of their diagnosis. If you’d like to donate items for the bags, things like puzzle books, granola bars, gummi bears, chapstick, lap blankets, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, toothpaste and brushes are always welcome. Cash donations can also be made and will be used to purchase items for the bags. If you know of someone who is in need of a Blessing Bag, you can contact a member of the committee or fill out a request form at the Kickin’ Cancer event.
Finally, new this year is the Kickin’ Cancer Support program that will be rolled out at the event. The program will offer financial assistance of up to $500 per calendar year for covered expenses. For more information on that program, attend the event, or email.
There are numerous ways to help with this great event and in the process support those dealing with cancer throughout Redwood County. Donating items to the event, attending and buying a meal, a luminary, or a chance at the wine pull, etc, or donating to the blessing bags - everything helps. If you’re looking for something bigger, they are always in need of volunteers at any level - to help plan and coordinate the event, or to sell tickets or luminaries - every bit helps! Talk to one of the committee members to get involved!
For more details, follow them on Facebook.
List of Survivors Honored at the 2nd Annual Kickin’ Cancer Event
- Tom Breitkreutz, Belview
- Eugene & Carol Garnhardt, Clements
- Cindy Bell, Delhi
- Dan Kronbach, Lamberton
- Larry Karsten, Milroy
- Jim Larsen, Morgan
- Nancy Hanna, Redwood Falls
- Roxy Cohrs, Sanborn
- Jessica Bratsch, Seaforth
- Jim Jenniges (was sick), Vesta
- Bob Kemper, Wabasso
- Bill Otto, Walnut Grove