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Grocers chip in for kids who have cancer
From Spotlight on Health - Fall 2009
Chris Coborn and Greg Kurr are passionate about making pediatric cancer patients’ lives better.
Each fall since 2002, the business associates and friends have co-chaired the Grocers on the Green chip’n in for kids golf fundraiser, which raises money for pediatric cancer services at CentraCare Health Plaza.
Coborn, president and CEO of Coborn’s, Inc., is part of the family that funded development of the Coborn Cancer Center in St. Cloud. Kurr, vice president of sales for Kemps Foods, is a cancer survivor and committed to giving back. |
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“It was a perfect combination,” Kurr said. “Chris and his family were major supporters of the cancer center and the Minnesota grocery industry has proven they will support a good cause. Put those two passions together, and you have a world-class fundraising event!”
Participation in the event has grown. It has become one of the biggest golf fundraisers in the state, with more than 200 participants. The event took place Sept. 14 at the St. Cloud Country Club and Territories golf courses. So far, the event has raised $720,000. The goal is to raise $1 million.
Proceeds from the golf outing go to pediatric cancer services at CentraCare Health Plaza, allowing children and their families to stay close to home when receiving treatment. Proceeds also partially fund professional child-life specialists, who make a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families, by providing resources to get connected with other families. The money also pays for toys, books and numerous items that comfort children while they receive treatment; and it pays for four events each year, giving pediatric cancer patients an opportunity to meet others like themselves.
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Each year, several pediatric cancer survivors are chosen to hand out awards at the program after the golf event. Tori Lahr, a fifth-grader from Cold Spring, is one of them. For Father’s Day this year, Tori gave her father a gift he will never forget. June 21 marked the five-year anniversary of her last chemotherapy treatment.
Today she is considered to be cured of acute myeloid leukemia.
Tori’s family found pediatric cancer services in St. Cloud to be a blessing. “It was wonderful to have their services just 20 minutes away from our home,” said Jami Lahr, Tori’s mom. “It saved us so much time, energy and money.” |
Today, Tori lives life to its fullest. She enjoys swimming, baseball, shopping, fishing, camping and scrapbooking. You name it, she likes it!
Learn more about Grocers on the Green
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