Teaming up to fight cancer:
Event Overview
For the first time in their history, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation joined in on the biggest football game festivities and hosted a premier luncheon celebrating leaders from this year’s host city.
Held in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, at the elegant Saint Paul Hotel, the afternoon of fun & celebration included an exclusive panel discussion about leadership, featuring current and former professional athletes that have been impacted by cancer. Special guest VIP appearances included Jerry Kramer, former Green Bay Packers player who stood alongside Lombardi during his fight against colon cancer.
Randy Shaver, an evening news co-anchor for NBC-KARE 11 emceed the event. Shaver was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Disease in 1998. Following his treatment and remission, he created the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund that supports the cancer community in Minnesota by funding research, prevention, treatment and other programs.
We were honored to have Shaver lead the ceremonies as the foundation honors individuals from the Twin Cities area who are furthering advancements in cancer research and compassionate care.
Honorees were awarded as noted in the following categories:
- Company – North Memorial Health
- Doctor – Christopher Pennell, PhD
- Nurse – Jill May, RN BSN, OCN
- Individual – Judy Erdahl
During the event reception, attendees enjoyed the opportunity to take a photo with the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy. This was an event unlike any other that the foundation has hosted and it marks history for years to come!
North Memorial Health: Company Category Winner
North Memorial Health received the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation award for the Cancer Care Pharmacy Fund.
North Memorial Health wants patients to make treatment decisions based on quality of life, not cost. To ensure cancer patients can undergo treatments without a crushing financial burden, they provide an advocate to help patients who cannot afford medication navigate potential funding sources for expensive cancer drugs. The Cancer Care Pharmacy Fund can be used as a safety net to help patients pay for cancer treatments when no other funding is available.
North Memorial Health Cancer/Oncology Care Services
When you get a cancer diagnosis, you need a team to fight with you—and a place to call home. That’s what North Memorial Health Cancer Center provides.