A Mother’s Love
In Memory of Agnes Olejnyik
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Agnes Olejnik (center) with daughter, Krystyna, (green shirt) with members of the Weigand family, at the 2005 Strike at Cancer Fundraiser. Agnes was our Bowling Tournament Marshal that year. |
We first met Agnes Olejnyik and her two daughters, Beata & Krystyna, in 2002. We met Agnes through Fairygodmother Foundation, a wish granting organization that provided end-of-life wishes for adults. Agnes’ wish was the first Fairygodmother cancer patient wish that Strike at Cancer embraced. She had been in treatment for ovarian cancer and doctors did not expect her to live for very long. As we came to know Agnes, it was obvious her daughters were her world. A single mom originally from Poland, Agnes’ wish was to take her girls on vacation to swim in the ocean. W provided a trip to Florida, with a stay at a beach home and a visit to Disneyworld. Upon Agnes’ return, she shared with us her concern: who would care for her girls if she died? She soon “decided” (and she voiced this repeatedly) that she needed to live long enough for them to be able to care for themselves.
We kept in regular touch with Agnes over the years, and though she often was too sick to work, she never failed to send a small donation each year. Though in and out of remission, her cancer remained. She was our Bowling Tournament Marshal in 2005. Both excellent students, the girls grew up, always Agnes’ greatest pride. Beata entered college to persue her dream to become a doctor’s assistant.
Cancer and its treatment eventually took a toll on Agnes’ body, and she quietly passed away in May of this year. She was at home, surrounded by family and friends, including her sister who flew in from Poland. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to see her one last time and say farewell. Agnes was at peace and accepting of her death. She reached her goal: Her girls are bright, accomplished young women. Krystyna turned 18 this year and graduated from high school. She will enter nursing school in the fall. The girls take care of each other now, and at the end, they took care of Agnes. There is nothing greater than a mother’s love. Agnes, you remain in our hearts always.
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Krystyna & Beata with Agnes (right) & friends in 2002 on their Florida trip, sponsored by Strike at Cancer Foundation
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Krystyna & Beata Olejnik, 2010 |
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Another busy year is in progress for Strike at Cancer Foundation. Our Healing Arts program continues to bring comfort, joy and a sense of purpose to cancer patients of all ages at many Chicagoland hospitals and treatment centers.
We made a recent delivery of our Healing Journals to Loyola Hospital’s Oncology Unit, to be included in a Welcome Kit for newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Summer always means summer camp for kids, and for us that means TLC. TLC Camp is a week-long day camp for children with cancer and their siblings. We love that TLC includes siblings. Cancer doesn’t affect just patients, it affects entire families. Each year’s TLC Camp has a different theme, and activities often tie in. Strike at Cancer provides funding for a full day’s activity, and this year we sponsored a day of bowling for all the campers. It was a fortuitous decision as it turned out to be a rainy day, so an indoor activity was just the ticket. TLC Camp provides individualized care, with a full-time nurse on hand every day to watch over special needs like medications, dietary restrictions, etc.
See our Programs & Partners pages for more info.
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Local band, 1969, is helping
Strike at Cancer
to support local cancer families by donating proceeds from the sale of their new CD at select shows this summer. Check their website for an upcoming summer concert near you at:
www.music1969.com
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Bowling took place at Stardust Bowl in Addison, not far from TLC’s base camp in Lombard. |
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TLC Campers each year are divided into small groups headed up by one or more camp counselors. |
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Strike at Cancer board member, Barbara Weigand (center) poses with TLC campers. By coincidence she discovered Emilio Ruiz (to her left) there, one of this year’s Strike at Cancer Bowling Tournament Marshals. Kataryna Lantgen, our other Marshal from this year, also attends TLC Camp with her sister, Claudia. |
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Save the Date: Sun, Sept. 12, noon-4pm
Arts in a Garden: A Mediteranean Villa
The annual Arts in a Garden event, benefitting Strike at Cancer, has become a tradition, and you won’t want to miss this year’s event. Featuring a lovely estate villa and garden in Grayslake and the dazzling flamenco music of Guitarra Azul you’ll feel like you’ve landed in Spain. And that’s not all...enjoy tapas, sangria, a raffle, and silent auction showcasing fine art, crafts & wonderful gifts of all kinds! Tickets are $35. We hope you’ll join us for this fabulous event!
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Bell Tower at the Grayslake Villa |
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PUT YOUR LOGO ON OUR WEBSITE! Help sponsor our event, and let everyone know you’re a Strike at Cancer partner! We especially are seeking cash sponsorships & prizes for our Silent Auction. Call Barbara at the number above for more info. And don’t forget to mark the date in your calendar! |
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Dell Electronics Laboratories
Captain's Quarters
Northbrook
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