The Masonic Cancer Center annual dinner was held at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center on April 28, 2023. This year's theme was Forging the Future of Cancer Research and Care.
194 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 Directors 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 the program and dinner there were five interactive exhibits where everyone could speak with an expert in the represented field. I spent some time with the Coding for a Cure booth and learned about how the process to reprogram the DNA of the immune cell to help them fight cancer, and the Aging and Cancer Connections. I also had a photo opportunity with the Mascot of the University of Minnesota Goldy the Gopher.
This year the program was held in the Ives Theater where we would be more comfortable. Sitting on our chairs was just the right size bag of popcorn. I needed a little snack before dinner.
Executive Director Aaron Schilz began the program with opening comments and introduced the evening speaker Karen Bohn. Her heart rendering story of being diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) and her 43 days stay in the hospital, and the eight months of Chemotherapy in her battle with this rare form of cancer. She found her stay and treatment at the Masonic Cancer Center based on cutting edge science and technology and filled with caring support. She found strength in their support as she lived with hope while coping with the uncertainty of the disease. I found her story filled with optimism and inspiration.
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.
Director Dr. Douglas Yee gave a wonderful recap after dinner. I was happy to hear about the update to the Masonic Discovery Lab which was started in March 2020. The university has brought together researchers under one roof to find the next breakthrough in cancer research. He stated that the program has become so successful with new discoveries, and additional researchers working on viable projects that they are now in the need for more space.
For myself this annual dinner puts a human face to this wonderful charity that we support and reaffirms the reason why I support it so strongly. Having the opportunity to spend an evening with dedicated individuals who all share one common goal. To find a cure for cancer is deeply inspiring, and to treat and deliver great care for those who suffer from it in the meantime.
I am proud to be a Minnesota Mason to be able to take part in this 65-year-old tradition, and to be able to see how our Masonic Cancer Center is making a great contribution to the lives of many people and creating a brighter future for all people affected by cancer here in Minnesota, and far beyond our borders.
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