Retired Adams Central teacher Laurie Consbruck is grateful for all of the support she received while fighting cancer in 2023. She also was happy with the personal touch she received while a patient at the Morrison Cancer Center.
Consbruck, who was declared cancer-free in September 2023, is sharing her story in order to promote the Cancer Walk & Butterfly Release, on Thursday, June 20, at 5:30 p.m. at Hastings College. Participants will meet in the Lynn Farrell Arena parking lot for the third annual event, sponsored by the Mary Lanning Healthcare Foundation, GRACE Cancer Foundation and Hastings Ford.
The event will get off to a flying start with the release of butterflies, sponsored by Gilead. The butterfly ceremony is a symbol of hope and transformation for cancer survivors, friends and family members. Cancer survivors and those who work with them will be among the speakers.
Following the release is a one-mile walk through the HC campus. Registration is free for cancer survivors and $25 per person for others who wish to join. T-shirts are no longer available but participants can still register for the event at www.mlhf.org or by calling 402-460-5600.
Honor and memory signs also can be purchased through the event site or by calling. Registration also ensures that you receive a butterfly for the release.
Other activities during the event include food trucks, the Steve’s Lightning Sound Digital Photobooth, music and other activities.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Look Good Feel Good program at MCC. The program provides non-medical services, such as wigs, scarves, makeup consultations and other items, to help patients and survivors feel good about themselves during all of the changes from cancer treatment.
“Hastings Ford is proud to support the Cancer Walk & Butterfly Release, especially knowing it empowers cancer patients and survivors through the Look Good Feel Good program,” said Scott Sterling, owner of Hastings Ford. “Looking and feeling good can have a profound impact on someone’s journey, and we’re honored to contribute to their fight.”
Consbruck said she is grateful for all of the different kinds of support she received while undergoing treatment. She said it was different for her to go from being “mom” and “teacher” to allowing others to help her.
“Always be kind to everyone because you’ll never know when you’ll need their help,” Consbruck said.
She shared that another cancer survivor wrote her a card for each chemo treatment so she could read it during her appointment. Also, she said, a group of parents put together a large box of care items for her treatments.
