MEDICAL PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

Dr. Richard Welling has been awarded Cancer Connection's "Medical Provider of the Year" award. For more than 30 years Dr. Welling has cared for S.E. Alaskans with thoughtful, professional expertise, helping patients work through the steps to recover from cancer. Dr. Welling’s calming presence and willingness to listen and explain have been so helpful to patients navigating difficult and complex treatments. Such qualities are important factors in patient care and so appreciated by his many patients.

SURVIVOR OF THE YEAR

We honor Molly McCormick with our "Survivor of the Year" award. When diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer five years ago, Molly addressed her diagnosis with focus and courage, bolstered by the love of family, friends, and community. In typical fashion, after benefiting from participation in a cancer survivor support group, Molly wanted to give back, so she joined the Cancer Connection board. Four years in, Molly is a cherished board member – including schlepping and storing our 15 tables in her garage. Molly’s considerable strengths really come to light during support groups. Her ability to put survivors at ease, bring all voices into the room, and create a safe space to learn, cry, laugh, and just be is remarkable. By truly sharing love, she has touched and made a difference in so many lives. Congratulations to Molly!

PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR

This photo shows Claudette Kreuzenstein receiving the award from Sheryl Weinberg, Cancer Connection Board President.

Team Survivor Perseverance Juneau was formed in 2002 by Nicki Germaine while she was undergoing cancer treatment. With sharing stories, walking together, and practicing yoga, this group of women has supported each other during cancer treatment and recovery.

The national organization dissolved this year and disbursed their cash reserves to local affiliates. The Juneau group still meets, but they dissolved their formal organization. From the cash windfall in their bank account, they donated $15,000 to Cancer Connection to help support our programs.

Cancer Connection is so grateful to be trusted to use these funds to continue to offer opportunities for our community members to share their stories and support each other on their cancer journeys.

CORPORATE SPONSOR OF THE YEAR

SEARHC, one of the founding partners of the Community Health Forum, is our Corporate Sponsor of the Year. Taylor Hartwick, Wisewoman Program Director, accepted the award from Sheryl Weinberg, Cancer Connection Board President. SEARHC has included us as a partner in a federal grant application, provided significant financial support for Cancer Connection community events, exhibited at those events, and this year their nutrition team has worked with Cancer Connection and Breeze In staff to create and analyze our delicious lunch at our forum. We enjoy working with SEARHC staff and are grateful for our partnership.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

For those who make a point of attending our local National Cancer Survivor Day celebrations, you've probably noticed that we’ve moved from having box lunches to enjoying a delicious barbeque. U.S. Coast Guard Station Juneau has played a key role in this upgrade. Not only do they bring their own grill, cook, and clean up, but they also help us set up Whale Park and do it all with a sense of celebration and joy. We appreciate you!