|
Generosity is par for the course
From Spotlight on Health Aug./Sept. 2007
Even though Carter Botz of
St. Cloud isn’t a golfer, he’s glad
that there is a golf fundraiser called “Grocers on the Green: Chip’n in
for Kids Cancer.”
That’s because Carter, age 5, was
diagnosed with leukemia two
weeks before his fourth birthday.
Making a difference in the lives of
Central Minnesota children with
cancer was the goal of Chris
Coborn, president of Coborn’s Inc.,
and Greg Kurr, vice president of
sales for Kemps, six years ago
when they started this golf
fundraiser.
At last year’s event, members of
the grocery industry raised
$100,000 for the Pediatric
Oncology Fund of the CentraCare
Health Foundation -- for a five-year
total of $475,000.
|
Five-year-old Carter Botz
|
The money raised through this
event positively affects the lives of
many families,” Kurr said. “The
Coborn family support adds
credibility to this worthy cause. I
anticipate that we will continue to
sell out the tournament for years to
come.”
Although Carter’s main
treatment is at Children’s Hospital
in Minneapolis, he is able to have
some treatments, blood work and
many of his transfusions at the
Pediatric Cancer Services at
CentraCare Health Plaza in
St. Cloud.
“The stay at CentraCare is
wonderful,” said Mary Botz,
Carter’s mom. “It is very difficult
to place your sick child in the hands
of strangers. The doctors and nurses
quickly form relationships with
families based on trust, openness
and genuine caring. We feel so
blessed to have these people in our
lives.”
One of the people who has made a
difference in Carter’s life is Jodi
Betsinger, child life specialist at
St. Cloud Hospital. Her position is
funded through the Pediatric Cancer
Fund of the CentraCare Health
Foundation.
“Carter’s favorite things are crafts
with Jodi and the summer picnic for
kids with cancer,” Mary said. “The
staff works very hard to put fun
back into families’ lives.”
“We always have a great time
coming together for this great cause,”
Coborn said. “The grocery industry
continues to show how much it cares,
and I’m looking forward to another
great year to help kids with cancer.”
You also can help kids with cancer.
To donate to the Pediatric Cancer
Fund of the CentraCare Health
Foundation, call (320) 240-2810 or Donate Online.
The money raised at the golf event has
provided items such as:
- computers to connect kids who have
cancer around the world;
- mind-body biofeedback software;
- age-appropriate educational
materials;
- toys to aid healing and recovery;
- a professional child-life specialist,
who helps children cope with the
stress and anxiety of medical
treatment.
Grocers on the Green: Chip’n in
for Kids Cancer Sponsors
Bernick’s Pepsi
Coborn’s Inc.
Crystal Farms
Kemps
Pan-O-Gold Baking Co.
SuperValu
Viking Coca-Cola
|
Programs & Services
For Women
For Men
For Patients
For the Community
