2024 Beneficiaries

A woman and a man smiling with a puppy in a barn or shed.

JOANNE WOODARD

Submitted by her daughter, Haley Woodard

2 months ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. At first she thought she had a rash on her nipple, which long story short ended up being lobular cancer. During her breast MRI a lung mass was also found and she was also diagnosed with another primary cancer: Lung cancer. She has no history of smoking or previous cancers and no family history of cancer. With the breast cancer she was just facing a lumpectomy and radiation. However, now with the lung cancer she is facing chemo, a lung resection of most of her right lung, a lumpectomy and radiation. She is the best person I know, the best mom, sister, daughter, and the best first grade teacher. She was planning on retiring at the end of next year and now between the two primary cancer diagnoses (Lung and Breast, unrelated), she likely will be no longer able to retire. She is also struggling even more right now as she got diagnosed the month before my wedding, which has been taking an emotional toll on her for sure.

Three women smiling and posing for a photo at a celebration or wedding, with the bride in a white dress with floral embroidery in the center.
Group of female soccer players in pink uniforms smiling on the field with their coach or team staff woman in the center, on a grassy area near a bench and a fenced area with trees and a building in the background.

MADISON OMDAL

I was diagnosed at the age of 30 during my first trimester of my 2nd pregnancy with ER+/PR+ DCIS breast cancer. In the last year I had a bilateral mastectomy, D&C and full reconstruction. I will be receiving hormone treatment in the form of Lupron injections monthly for the next 10 years that are partially covered by my insurance but still a financial burden on my family.

A happy family of three sitting on a wooden bench in a rustic outdoor setting with lush green trees in the background. The family includes a man, a woman, and a young girl sitting on the woman's lap, all smiling at the camera.