Congratulations to Judy Andresen and the Elk Point Jefferson Wrestling Team!

The June E. Nylen Cancer Center will honor Judy Andresen and the Elk Point Jefferson Wrestling Team, on Saturday, March 10 at Stoney Creek Inn, Sioux City, Iowa. The theme “Stars and Angels Among Us-Fight Like the Irish” was chosen as a way to honor cancer patients, survivors and those who care for them.“Judy and the Elk Point Jefferson wrestlers are representative of the many stars and angels in our community that are courageous and who find the inner strength to encourage others," says Pat Hubbard, director of fund development at the Cancer Center. “All have made a difference in the lives of many and we want to honor them for their kindness, generosity, and strength."Judy Andresen of Ida Grove, Iowa has been chosen to receive the 2012 Star award. The Star award recognizes a cancer survivor that exemplifies courage and grace, and supports fellow survivors. Judy was nominated by the Ida County Breast Cancer Survivors Group. The group unanimously stated that as a cancer survivor, nurse and facilitator of the support group she is a source of strength and inspiration and has the unique ability to offer her professional knowledge and personal experience to each member of the group. She has chaired the Relay for Life Cancer Survivors Committee for several years, initiated and facilitates the breast cancer support group and helped organize the first Ida County Pink Walk in 2011 to raise funds for digital mammography for the local hospital. She is quick to offer a prayer, support and a hug to anyone. She is truly a shining star for many cancer survivors and their families.The 2012 Angel award winner is the Elk Point Jefferson Wrestling Team of Elk Point, South Dakota. The Angel award recognizes a family member, caregiver, volunteer or medical professional who has provided hope and inspiration to a person with cancer. The Elk Point Jefferson (EPJ) wrestlers were nominated by Cindy Weis who said the wrestlers helped a kindergarten student at EPJ who was diagnosed with brain cancer. The team sold raffle tickets to community members and other EPJ students for a chance to shave a wrestlers head, the team raised $1200 in one week. The wrestlers wanted to help this young man and his family. “I know I am very proud of the self less act they did to help this family and I know that many community members are proud of them also,” stated Weis.Many Star and Angel nominations were received at the Cancer Center. All nominees receive a gift and will be recognized at the award ceremony. Those nominated for the Star award include: Colton Quinn Barker, Laura Buchanan, Sue Ann Fey, Jeannie Francis, Cindy Hanson, Kimberly Kropp, Ann Madsen, Evelyn Stephen, Julie Strom, and Judy Ann Thompson, all from Sioux City, IA; Mary Croatt, Granville, IA; Kandi Ehrig, Ida Grove, IA; Mariah Lynn Griffin, Walthill, NE; Nicole Morgan, Kingsley, IA; Betty Poen, Lake City, IA; Kathy Sedivy, Walthill, NE.Those nominated for the Angel award include: Lori Evers, Brian Madsen, Linda Massey, Dr. Jack Michalak, Mary Trizila, all from Sioux City, IA; Lorraine Evonne Hinkeldey, Storm Lake, IA; Kathy Hudec, Walthill, NE; The McLagan Family, Wayne, NE; Tim Morgan, Kingsley, IA; Diane Persinger, Onawa, IA; Mike Shea, Le Mars, IA and Sarah Wrather, Orange City, IAThis is the 14th anniversary for the winter benefit, which has grown to be the cancer center’s signature fundraising event, raising more than $196,000 last year. Guests at the Stars and Angels-Irish themed benefit will enjoy an Irish themed dinner and beer tasting, live Irish music, silent and live auctions, and the Star and Angel awards program. Auction items include jewelry from Gunderson’s, Apple products from Pyramid Technologies, movie passes for two for a year from Main Street Theatres – Promenade and a Shih Tzu puppy named Patrick – playful and affectionate temperament, non shedding. Volunteers Deb Smith of Lawton and Denise Wilson of Sioux City co-chair the event.This year’s event will help support new radiation technology. Radiation therapy is used to treat many kinds of cancer. Currently the Cancer Center has state-of-the-art equipment that represents the most aggressive, cancer-fighting weapons available in the area.“As technology changes the cancer center will need to purchase new equipment in the near future to stay up to date with the latest in radiation cancer care,” said Pat Hubbard, director of fund development. “One hundred percent of the funds raised stay here and support our patients.”To purchase tickets to the Winter Benefit go online to www.nylencancercenter.com or call the June E. Nylen Cancer Center at 712.252.9352 or email hubbardp@jencc.com. Reservations are required prior to the event.