From The Heart Walk Run

The annual From the Heart Half Marathon/Relay 5K Walk Run is set for May 3rd starting at 8 AM at Lake Kohlmier.

On May 2nd there will be a Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction at the Owatonna Jr High from 4:30 till 8pm. Proceeds will go to designated parties in our area that are dealing with cancer. Organizer Beth Svenby will be our guest on Talk of the Town on AM 1390 on May 1st at 9:40 AM.

This year's families that will benefit include Jean Borgman, John Berning and Rodney Earlywine.

Jean Borgman was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2013.  Once diagnosed, further testing indicated that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.  Jean has undergone a lumpectomy and is, currently, receiving chemotherapy which will continue for several months followed by a series of radiation treatments.

John Berning has been the head custodian at Willow Creek for the past 21 years and was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma skin cancer in June of 2010.  After having the tumor removed, John found out that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes under his arms.  After a two year span consisting of several PET scans and every three month check-ups, another spot was found in virtually the same location.  Additional treatment followed.  On February 11, 2014, John received word, once again, that the cancer had returned.   John has started chemotherapy treatments that could be followed up with radiation.

Rodney Earlywine was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil and base of tongue in June 2011. A July surgery included removal of the tumor and 34 lymph nodes in his neck. Months of therapy followed to address swallowing difficulties and physical limitations.