Luther community rallies to fight cancer

This fall, campus is a battleground in the war against cancer as students, faculty and staff respond to help several members of the Luther family. Efforts to raise funds and awareness have taken several forms, but they share a common goal: to support friends and family affected by the disease.

Last year a Luther student was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to leave Luther to begin chemotherapy. The student, who requested anonymity in name and gender, now faces medical costs equal to four years’ tuition at Luther.

Adam Kruse (‘10), a friend of the student, decided that this year he would do something to help.

“I just needed to show [the student] that we still cared,” said Kruse.

Kruse said at first the student was apprehensive and did not want attention from the efforts Kruse made. As the student’s need for financial help became clear, however, the student gave Kruse permission to raise funds at Luther.

“For [that student], it feels good that people care and are willing to help out,” said Kruse.

To garner attention and support, Kruse turned to Hands of Love and Hope, an on-campus organization raising money and awareness for cancer patients. They planned a number of activities and began publicizing.

“My idea wouldn’t have worked out without their help. They got everything together and helped out with advertising,” said Kruse.

Kruse’s fundraiser culminated Sept. 27 with a 5k run/walk, in which participants had the opportunity to donate money to the cause.

Three other fundraisers are currently active on campus—two for staff and one for another student.

Luther staff put on a benefit dinner for Pam Sanderson, who worked in catering, on Sept. 20. Another banquet is being planned to raise money for Cindy Ballard, a custodian in Main. Ballard’s banquet will be held Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Elks Club in Decorah.

“Many of you know that Cindy is a custodian in Main and has worked at Luther since 2004. Support from the benefit will aid her fight with cancer,” said Dean of the College William Craft in an email to staff.

The second student fundraiser is an ongoing support group for Ben Kraus, a former cross-country runner who was diagnosed with bone cancer last spring.

Ben Kraus would be a sophomore this year but is currently undergoing treatment at Mayo.

“One week he has four days of chemo, the next week he will have 3 days of radiation,” said Eric Krueger (‘10), an organizer of the fundraising efforts.

The cross country team bought and gave out personalized bracelets with the words “Stay Strong BK” printed on them. They also drove up each week in the spring to spend a night with Kraus.

“We try to offer him a lot of encouragement and constant contact to keep his spirits up. You know, cross country is a real family,” said Krueger.

To facilitate the increasing number of cancer fundraising events and organizing needs on campus, Luther recently recognized the Colleges Against Cancer student group, headed by Megan Miller (‘09).

“The CAC collaborates with the American Cancer Society, the organization that does the Relay for Life. It’s a big overlapping umbrella for organizations’ fundraising events on campus,” said Miller.

The group also attempts to raise awareness about cancer and the fundraising events for those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

“I believe every person has a connection to a person with cancer, whether it’s a family member or a friend with a family member,” said Miller. “It took my mom getting cancer to get involved, and I don’t want that to happen to others.”

There are many opportunities to get involved. The CAC always accepts volunteers and welcomes donations to fight against cancer. The support is not only welcomed by organizers, but by cancer victims as well.

“The first time we came up to visit [Kraus] he had tears in his eyes; he didn’t think we would come up,” said Krueger. “He really appreciates knowing we still care about him.”