Cancer Fundraising

This started as a Grand Reopening for the Art Display completed by my cousin Kent Estey for the program. The program applied for and received money to decorate their space with Native American art.

I was invited to speak with the programs home health workers who work with Native American people with Cancer, in Red Lake and in the Bemidji area.

Last year our fundraiser was for primarily cancer patients from the Leech Lake reservation and others living off reservation by Leech Lake. We brought in almost $5,000. that would buy gas cards for Native American oncology patients, attending appointments and treatments.

That fundraiser was for the month of June last year. This is for 1-4 on June 15, 2026.

Raffle and a silent auction is a part of the fundraising activity, and has begun and will go through 3:30 on June 15, with drawings being held between then and 4:30. Bids close at 3:30 as well and those will be announced along with the raffle drawings.

My daughter and I purchased the completed quilt for the raffle, and it is beautiful. Queen size with a floral backing. There are also artist framed prints, Tupperware and jewelry in the raffle so far.

The bids include art items, as well as clothing, this season's harvested wild rice, and a mini chakra candle set. All bids starting at $25.

We have mostly the same people who are in the raffle and who bid on items each year. We are happy that people continue to find value in our fundraising efforts. I take donations year around and have items to start posting early, and enough items coming in to post until about a week before the event.

This year I wasn't sure if we would be rejoining powwow for hope or this new project. I kind of like the idea of supporting local rather than the American Indian Cancer Foundation that is a National Organization.

Our fundraising is a drop in the bucket for the National Organization, and can really make a difference to local cancer patients and families.

My sister died from Leukemia at age 53 in September of 2010. This month she has two granddaughters that have graduated from college and one who will be graduating from high school. My sister had two children and 7 grandchildren when she died.

It is sad for me knowing that I now have children as old as she was when she died. Going to the boxing match on Saturday I talked about how she and our grandson used to growl at each other, pounce and claw in the air at each other when they would get together.

His Native American name is Gidaga bizhew which is Bobcat. My sister knew that before he was given his name. She loved all of our children, and we all miss her.

The grand girls remember their grandma wanted them to get a good education. One was valedictorian this year. She held a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) throughout her education.

Carrie was the best sister

loving, kind and a go-getter

She would approve of our cause

She worked in Red Lake which included applause

~

She was an artist and had a design

at the nursing home, a big sign

which looked so fine

she did shine.

~

She had an Ojibwe calendar

she made for the residents

It was no wonder

those in residence

loved her!

~

She did confer

regarding the transfer

of months and name

in Ojibwe, no shame

Ever the professional

her calendar was sensational

~

I will have a few of these calendars available for sale at the event.