You Have Cancer
“You have cancer.”
I clearly remember the day my colleague heard this news. Our team was eating lunch out when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID, excused himself from the table, and walked away to talk privately. When he came back to our table, he sat down, took a deep breath and hesitantly shared that he has cancer.
Driving back to the office, I observed my coworker – and friend – through the rearview mirror. Seated behind me, it was heartbreaking to see his fear, sadness, bewilderment, and even panic. With news so grim, I could not begin to imagine what was going through his mind.
“You have cancer.”
This is one of the hardest things to wrap your head around. Even more difficult, is hearing that someone you love – your husband, wife, child, forever-friend, or colleague – has cancer.
Let’s Do Something
Alexandria Industries has long supported the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life to find a cure for cancer. Over the years, our employees have organized a variety of fundraisers and donated thousands of dollars to support medical research, and education on cancer prevention and early detection.
Alexandria Industries Fishing for a Cure Ice Fishing Challenge
In 2007, a small group of employees who had lost loved-ones to cancer, wanted to do something greater than the typical fundraising efforts. Their dream was to create a unique family friendly event. The first “Fishing for the Cure” ice-fishing tournament netted 112 contestants, with $620 earned and donated to Relay For Life.
Over the years, the tournament has grown beyond all expectations, drawing attention from people across Minnesota, and beyond. In fact, an employee from our Indianapolis aluminum extrusion facility volunteered to be part of our team for last winter’s tournament, where nearly 80 volunteers hosted 926 fishing participants.
The 2017 tournament raised $38,124, shattering the committee’s goal of $30,000.
It Takes a Village to Fish
The success of the event would not be possible without the support of individuals, customers, community, and business partners growing every year. Approximately 75 sponsors donate prizes and in-kind services year after year. Their generosity, along with the passion of the committee members, our community, and tournament participants, are helping to find a cure for cancer.
Donated raffle and door prizes include fishing gear, SMART TVs, drones, and ice augers, among many other fun and valued items. Last year’s grand prize – an Ice Castle fish house valued at nearly $8,500 – went to one lucky raffle winner. Each year, every child under 12 years of age, receives a gift, such as a fishing rod and reel, or winter cap and flashlight, just for participating in the tournament.
Beyond the cash prizes and bragging rights for catching the biggest fish, tournament attendees will tell you it is hands-down, a great way to enjoy a Minnesota winter day creating great memories with their families and friends.
The family-friendly-fun event is like no other. Held every year on the third Saturday in February in Alexandria, Minn., planning is underway for the 2018 Fishing for the Cure Ice Fishing Challenge. This year’s goal is to raise $50,000.
What Can You Do?
Mark your calendar. Grab your pole and bait. Join the fun.
If you are interested in supporting the event in anyway, contact event co-chairs Nancy Waldorf at nwaldorf@alexandriaindustries.com, or Robbie Betterman at rbetterman@alexandriaindustries.com. Donations are graciously accepted and tax deductible. Items can include logoed company-wear, household goods, fishing gear or tools, gift cards or any item of your choosing. Cash gifts go directly to Relay For Life. We also welcome volunteers who want to help tackle the tournament logistics.
Nearly 40% of men and women will get cancer at some point during their lifetimes. (Source: National Cancer Institute) Nearly half of us will someday hear, “You have cancer.”
We are fighting this battle together. Let’s make a difference so they will also hear, “You are cancer-free!”