2025 Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner

 

"Continuing the Minnesota Masons' Proud Tradition of Generosity in Combating Cancer."

The 2025 Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner was held on Friday, April 25th at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. Once a year, an extraordinary group of scientists, researchers, physicians, medical professionals, and Masons gathers to celebrate something truly special—the remarkable 70-year partnership between Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota.

Since 1955, this transformational partnership has fueled groundbreaking advancements in cancer research, deepened our understanding of its causes, and strengthened efforts in prevention and early detection. Our annual dinner serves as a renewal of our long-term commitment to cancer research, aiming to improve the lives of Minnesotans and countless others beyond our borders. It is also an opportunity to hear directly about the cutting-edge work being done.

This evening, we were privileged to hear from Dr. David Largaespada, the Deputy Director of the Masonic Cancer Center. Dr. Largaespada shared hopeful and innovative updates about his project, which is poised to enter clinical trials. The research centers on Adaptive Cell Therapy using NK cells to combat various types of brain cancers. These immune cells act as cancer-fighting machines, targeting cancer cells with precision. By injecting NK cells directly into the brain where the cancer resides, this approach maximizes their efficacy. If successful, these trials could pave the way for combating other types of cancer in the future.

Dr. Largaespada expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support from Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Masons of Minnesota, emphasizing their critical role in advancing this research. He highlighted how the University of Minnesota is at the forefront of adoptive cell therapy.

As we reflect on the evening’s inspiring stories and groundbreaking advancements, it becomes clear that the fight against cancer is not one that can be won alone. It is a shared mission—a partnership between dedicated researchers, compassionate medical professionals, and the unwavering support of Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Masons of Minnesota. Together, we are lighting the path toward a future where cancer is no longer a source of fear but a challenge that we boldly conquer.

Let tonight serve as a reminder that each contribution, no matter how small, fuels this journey. Whether it is supporting innovative research, spreading awareness, or simply providing a shoulder to lean on, we all have a role to play. United, we hold the power to not only improve lives but to save them.

Let us move forward with hope, determination, and a renewed commitment to our cause, knowing that the investments we make today will hopefully blossom into a healthier, brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

Masonic Cancer Center Annual Dinner-Igniting the Imagination 2022

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

The Masonic Cancer Center annual dinner was held at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center on April 29, 2022. 

It was our first gathering since the COVID-19 isolation. Two hundred attended the dinner which include donors, researchers and many whose lives have been touched by cancer.  Those gathered received updates on the progress at the Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. 

The attendees were a most honorable and distinguished group as you could ever find. There were past and present Grand Lodge of Minnesota leadership, the CEO of Masonic Charities and its various board members, the President of the University of Minnesota, the Director of the Masonic Cancer Center, as well as staff, scientists, researchers, and medical professionals as well as donors and those interested in the current research. But probably the most important guests were any cancer survivors as they represent the progress that has been made in treating and curing cancer.   

During the social gathering before dinner there were five interactive exhibits where everyone could speak with an expert in the represented field. 

 

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

Director& CEO Minnesota Masonic Charities and President of the University of Minnesota Joan Gabel

Joan Gambel, the 17th President of the University of Minnesota and the first woman to serve in that position, began the dinner with her opening remarks. 

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She stated that with an accelerated gift from the Minnesota Masonic Charities, the University of Minnesota has just recently been able to kick off "The 10,000 Families Study". The goal is to study the health of 10,000 Minnesota families, to better understand the influences of genetics, lifestyle and environment on their health. 

photo by Tom Hendrickson

I was very happy to hear the update regarding the Masonic Discovery Lab which was started in March 2020. The university has brought together over 30 researchers under one roof to find the next breakthrough in cancer research. 

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

The seating arrangement for dinner was carefully crafted to ensure that staff from the Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center were seated at each table along with a variety of individuals to ensure meaningful dialogue as well as learn more about each other.  At my table we had an Epidemiologist and I the opportunity to learn more her job in investigating why some people are more susceptible to cancer than others. 

Photo by Tom Hendrickson

The Masons of Minnesota relationship with the University of Minnesota began with a one-million-dollar gift to build the Masonic Memorial Hospital in 1955. 

In April 2008, I had the opportunity to be present at the luncheon when Minnesota Masonic Charites presented the University of Minnesota with a gift of $65 million dollars. This was the largest gift ever made to the University. The message with the check was simple, seek a cure for cancer. In recognition of that gift, the name of the University's cancer center was changed to the Masonic Cancer Center -University of Minnesota. 

Since 2008 the Minnesota Masonic Charities has provided $160 million dollars to the University, President Joan Gable announced at the dinner. Minnestoa Masonic Charites is the largest donor to the University. 

There has been great improvement in the survival rate for the many different types of cancer since 1955 when the relationship began between MMC and the University. That is due to the improvement on the research on the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. 

To those of us who have lost loved ones from this terrible disease, attending this annual event and hearing the progress that is being made give us great hope.  While the fight to eradicate cancer is not over, the survivors of today give us all hope for tomorrow. 

One day, at this annual dinner, we all hope to hear that the cure for cancer has been found. Minnesota Masonic Charities will have been instrumental in making that happen, when it does.

Photo by Tom Hendrickson

The 169th Grand Lodge of Minnesota Public Installation of Officers

 

At 1:00PM on April 10, 2021, The Grand Lodge of Minnesota held its 169th Public Installation of Officers at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. 

In this COVID environment, that we are still living in, there have been many safety measures instituted to ensure a safe gathering for everyone attending. These safety procedures ranged from assigned social distanced seating to limit the number of attendees (95), simulcasting of the Annual Communications and Installation of Officers to various locations, mandatory masks, and a selection of scented and unscented hand sanitizer strategically placed around the building. 

The secure live video feed was sent to ten Lodges and Masonic Centers across Minnesota, (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato, Windom, Litchfield, Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, Hibbing and Duluth). This way all Minnesota Masons across the state had the opportunity to view the Grand Lodge activities. This video feed took a lot of work by many dedicated Brothers, and my hat is off to you...Thank you! 

This year the newly installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Minnesota Masons is Rolf M. Widstrand. MWB Rolf has a special kind of history. First he is a Lewis (a Son of a Master Mason), but Rolf also follows in his Father’s footsteps for Rolf's father, William W. Widstrand, was the Minnesota Most Worshipful Grand Master of Minnesota Masons in 1971. To think that MWB Rolf was installed fifty years to the day that his father was installed is very special. 

Here is an unfair photo of my Grandmaster just moments after his installation. I will dutifully post his official portrait when I receive it.

As a duty-bound permanent member of the Grand Lodge I sat in my assigned seat at the installation. As I was waiting for the installation to be begin, I began looking around. I noticed that the seat directly in front of me had a brass name tag which meant that one of the Brothers donated money to Minnesota Masonic Charities to sponsor a seat in the beauitful auditorium. When I read the name on the plate I had to chuckle. Here is the photo.

Our Minnesota Annual Communication is a special time for me, though, over the decades, I have been to most. The format each year is the same, but it's hard to describe how they are all different, and special in their individual way. Last year when the pandemic was at its height, we were unable to gather, and I felt that something was missing from my life. This year even with the restrictions, and not having the opportunity to spend time with my Bothers, it feels fulfilling to be able to attend in person.

I will admit, even with the restrictions, I still snuck in a few handshakes, and managed a hug or two when no one was looking.