2
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
PAINT THE TOWN PINK ïš» AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Paint the Town Pink Schedule of events
Paint the Town Pink has plenty of events offering you the chance to help with drive to stop cancer in its tracks.
Fishing for a Cure
When: Noon, Saturday, Jan. 25 Where: East Side Lake Get your ice fishing gear out and join the cause at East Lake for this annual fishing competition.
Tip Night at Perkins
When: 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27 Where: Perkins Stop out for some chicken tenders, pie or pancakes and tip your way to helping the cause.
Plunging for Pink
When: 12:30 p.m., Feb. 1 Where: East Side Lake One of the biggest Paint the Town Pink events, Plunging for Pink will feature brave souls jumping into East Side Lake.
St. Mark’s Living annual Paint the Town Pink Bake Sale and Luncheon
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 6 Where: St. Marks Living Let you’re sweet tooth help on the way to helping Paint the Town Pink.
Paint the Rink Pink
When: 7:05 p.m., Feb. 8 Where: Riverside Arena Come back to where it all began, the 10th annual Paint the Rink Pink is an extravaganza of pink, featuring a great hockey game on a sheet of pink ice. This year, the Bruins will host the St. Cloud Blizzard. Don’t forget after the game will be the annual jersey auction.
EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.
Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby
When: 1 p.m., Feb. 9 Where: Mower County Fairgrounds The Smashing Cancer Demolition Derby is one of the newer events, but has quickly gained an interested following. What’s better than a demolition derby? How about a demolition derby on snow?
Your birthday is a great reminder to celebrate good health by scheduling a mammogram. Our physicians and the American Cancer Society recommend women have an annual breast screening beginning at age 40. Call 507-509-0741 to schedule an appointment.
mayoclinichealthsystem.org
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD PAINT THE TOWN PINK
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
5.05” x 9.6”
Austin Herald - Paint the Town Pink, 1/23/20
3
Kathy Finley announced during the Business After Hours at The Hormel Institute earlier this month, that the past ambassadors will all serve in the roll this year. Herald file photo
The Heartbeat of Pink
Ambassadors are the beating heart of PTTP By Eric Johnson
newsroom@austindailyherald.com
T
hroughout the nine previous years of Paint the Town Pink, there have been several moments that have set the now decade old event apart from others. 4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
There is joy, there is heartbreak and there is heart and at the core of all that are the ambassadors. Each year an ambassador is chosen to represent the continued effort to find a cure for cancer. They are an important part of the PTTP effort and serve as the continuing heartbeat of hope. “They are vital to Paint the Town Pink,” said PTTP Director Kathy Finley. “It really gives the visceral and the real life testament and reality of what cancer is and what it does.” It is inevitable change that comes with the news that one has has been diagnosed with cancer. It’s a heart-wrenching journey that cuts to the core of each person. But each year, those that are named ambassadors show the courage to tell their story. It’s a huge part of why the ambassadors are so important to the effort. It’s a lesson in courage that has impressed Finley after all these years of involvement. “It’s a little bit of everything,” Finley said. “It’s acknowledging the we understand the journey and what they are going through. For some people, it’s healing and helpful to share their journey in hopes to help somebody else who have just found out.”
Those who have served as past ambassadors (in no particular order)
• Susan Ryks • Stephanie Blaser • Renae Anderson • Michelle Fimon • Maegan Siebe • Kelly Joseph • Debbie Retterath • Darci Buchan • Cheri Krejci • Barb Nelson* *Passed away from cancer
PAINT THE TOWN PINK AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
There have been nine that have held the title of ambassador, and in recognition of the 10 year mark, Finley announced during the Business After Hours launch at The Hormel Institute earlier this month that eight of the nine past ambassadors would serve as a group this year. But as PTTP celebrates those eight, it is one short of the nine total and that represents “Barb’s situation is the heartbreaking aspect of this fight. particularly sensative Barb Nelson is the only amto me. We were very bassador to have lost her fight close through her with cancer, something Finley saw first-hand as the two journey and I was in women were close friends. the office when the “Barb’s situation is particularly sensitive to me,” Findoctor said the was ley said. “We were very close nothing more the through her journey and I could do.” was in the office when the doctor said there was nothKathy Finley ing more they could.” “It’s heart-wrenching, it’s horrible,” Finley added. “She was willing to take one for the team in a sense. She said, ‘if they want my body for science. there is not a cure for me, but if I can hep find a cure for somebody else, then everything I’m going through is worthwhile.’” It’s a single moment of courage that serves as an example to all what these ambassadors mean to PTTP. It serves as a moment of hope for the future that everybody survives to the next PTTP. We’re very thankful and fortunate that a large majority of them are with us, but in five years that might not be the case,” Finley said, indicating the hope that the ambassadors represent.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD PAINT THE TOWN PINK
Barb Nelson smiles as she has her nails done at the cosmetology department at Riverland Community College in 2013. Of the nine Paint the Town Pink, Nelson is the only one to have lost her battle with cancer. Herald file photo
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
5
Puck drop for a cause
Paint the Rink Pink continues to grow
By Rocky Hulne
sports@austindailyherald.com
When Austin Bruins of something that is co-owner Craig Patrick unique to Austin. It’s started Paint the Rink something we can all be Pink a decade ago, he nevtruly proud of. I’m reer thought he would have ally glad we started it. to turn away 400 fans beSometimes you wonder cause the game would sell if you’re going to do a out. He also never imaggood thing in your life, ined that it would raise and this is certainly one $280,000 for the Hormel good thing.” Arvid Henrikson performs a song Institute over nine years The Bruins will be and dance number with his billet or that it would trigger a wearing jerseys with bevy of Paint the Town sisters Brekyn, left, and Kinsley their 10th anniversary Pink events in the city of Tieskoetter during the Paint the logo on it for the game, Rink Pink jersey auction last year. which will be played on Austin. “The whole movement the traditional pink ice. has become something unlike anything The team is going to bring back former else in North America, I think,” Pat- ambassadors from past years as it looks rick said. “(This year’s game) will be to honor anyone who’s had a battle with an incredible celebration of 10 years cancer.
6
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
Ann Forland bids on a jersey during the jersey auction in 2018. Herald file photos
PAINT THE TOWN PINK AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
“Every year it’s a challenge to do something unique or different,” Bruins co-owner Mike Cooper said. “We’re trying to find some different auction items and we’ve got some past players that are hopefully going to be sending stuff in.” Brian Schultz, the Bruins President of Operations, said that the event could have a positive impact on just about anyone who lives in Austin. “This could affect us all and you never know what grant they’re going to get that could help us,” Schultz said. “Let’s do it for all of us and get involved. If you’ve never gone to a hockey game, come out and watch. The good that you do by coming to Paint the Rink Pink could help you in the future.” Patrick is sure to thank the town of Austin for the support Paint the Rink Pink has received over the years. “Without sponsors and without fans, there’s no team in the community,” Patrick said.
“The whole movement has become something unlike anything else in North America, I think.” Craig Patrick, co-owner of the Austin Bruins
The Bruins’ Josef Mysak heads into the boards during the first period against the Minnesota Magicians in 2018 Paint the Rink Pink game. Herald file photo
Never, ever give up hope. Paint the Town Pink 2018
accentracu.org Albert Lea & Austin 800-533-0448 AUSTIN DAILY HERALD PAINT THE TOWN PINK
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
7
Paint the Town Pink Offer!
40% OFF
Two Gift or Toy Items Valid through 2.29.20. Limit 2. Discount is off the regular price. No adjustment on prior purchases. No rain checks. Limit one coupon per customer per day. Sale and coupon prices valid for purchases made in Austin.
1305 1st Ave SW, Austin | 507.433.4586 YourSterlingPharmacy.com 8
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
PAINT THE TOWN PINK ïš» AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
INSPIRED TO PAINT THE TOWN PINK.
Hormel Foods is proud of its longstanding support of cancer causes including the Hormel Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Nutrition Consortium, Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation and many other organizations working together to raise awareness and to find the cause and the cure. Our 20,000 team members are inspired to make a difference.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD ïš» PAINT THE TOWN PINK
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
9
PTRP has Bruins playing for a cause Game serves as a tribute to those who have been affected by cancer By Rocky Hulne
sports@austindailyherald.com
Whenever Paint the Rink Pink rolls around, the players on the Austin Bruins usually begin to find how devastating cancer is to many different people. Players begin to exchange stories and soon discover that many of them know someone who either battled cancer or passed away due to the disease. Jed Pietila, a defenseman from Howell, Michigan, lost a grandma to cancer. He knows how important the Paint the Rink Pink game is as this is the third time he will be playing in it. “It definitely makes you think before the game and you play a little harder, having
loved ones in your heart,” Pietila said. “You’re playing for not only yourself, but everyone and their loved ones. I think it’s fun for us to play in and it’s in front of a ton of fans, but that’s not even the point of it. It’s for all of the money that goes to a great cause. People who have never watched hockey before come out for the cause and it’s awesome.” Keegan Ripper, a forward who is also from Howell, Michigan, has lost two grandparents to cancer — including a grandma last October. He’s also seen family friends give in to the disease.
From left, Keegan Ripper and Jed Pietila have both been hit by cancer in their families. They will play for the Austin Bruins in the upcoming Paint the Rink Pink game. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
10
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
PAINT THE TOWN PINK AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
“It’s good to have a game like this to pay tribute to people who are fighting, who have fought, and those who aren’t around anymore.” Keegan Ripper
“It’s pretty fresh and recent,” Ripper said. “I was actually on my way home from Boston and I was driving back when all of this was happening. It was difficult, especially near the holiday season.” Ripper will be playing in his first Paint the Rink Pink game and he’s excited to see what it’s all about, while raising funds for a good cause. “I’m looking forward to it,” Ripper said. “I’ve heard good things about it and I’ve heard it’s a packed house with a lot of money going towards research at the Hormel
Institute. It’s good to have a game like this to pay tribute to people who are fighting, who have fought, and those who aren’t around anymore.” Pietila said it is tough for him to think about the loss of his grandma, but he likes the fact that he and the Bruins have made a big effort to fight for a good cause. “It’s kind of hard, but this helps knowing that all of the money we’re raising goes to research to fight the battle that a lot of people are burdened with,” Pietila said.
Jed Pietila collects the puck during the first period against Aberdeen last November. Herald file photo
You’re Invited to the Annual
Paint the Town
PINK
Craft Show February 8, 2020 9 AM – 2 PM at Home Federal
201 W Oakland Ave. JustCallHome.com/Austin Member FDIC
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD PAINT THE TOWN PINK
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
11
The story behind the science By Eric Johnson
newsroom@austindailyherald.com
Behind the continuing search for a cure to cancer is science. It’s 100 percent of what The Hormel Institute is about, but to do the job of extending the future of millions, science needs money. It needs partners. In Austin, that partnership is highlighted by the work of Paint the Town Pink and all of it’s different elements. The money raised goes directly to the effort to find a cure for cancer and it’s for that reason that scientists like Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe are allowed to do the cutting-edge work it does. Hinchcliffe has been with the Institute for 12 years. He came to Austin from Notre Dame to serve as a professor, running an independent research lab, concentrating on basic cell biology, geared toward curing human cancer. Hinchcliffe was instantly drawn to the Paint the Town Pink drive, starting with a pair of intersecting interests: science and hockey. “We were smaller then and so Gail (Dennisen) came to me and asked me to be a part of it,” Hinchcliffe said. “It’s a way to be involved and I’m a hockey fan, so going to the hockey game was easy.” Since then, Hinchcliffe has spent a lot of his involvement in PTTP getting out into the public and being an unofficial face of sorts for the Institute’s part in the drive. It’s a way for people to see the work the scientists do, which is important. Hinchcliffe said it’s key for the public to see what the scientists do, to understand the investment they have in the fight. “Most people don’t know (what we do),” Hinchcliffe said. But being the face of the science behind the search for a cure also has the consequence of making that understanding easier for people. Science — in all of its applications — is often not an easy thing for people to understand. Filled with complicated concepts and even more complicated wording referring to — and you may have guessed this — complicated ideas. Hinchcliffe is an ambassador for that understanding. “It’s a whole different language,” Hinchcliffe said. “Before I came here, I was at Notre Dame, and trying to explain that to undergraduates, trying to explain the science … trying to explain that is what’s complex. You spend about eight to 10 years studying to do that and a lot of that
12
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe (center), of The Hormel Institute, has been a very public face for the Institute at Paint the Town Pink. Herald file photo is studying the language and how those pieces fit.” One aspect of this hunt for a cure has scientists trying to explain why the cure isn’t here. Many in the public will sometimes look at the technology and the advancements and wonder as to the lack of cure. Again, it’s where that public face becomes so important. To further explain just how complicated it is and to do that, Hinchcliffe often relates it to an instruction manual. “What’s hard to explain to people, is we’re not a medical school. We work with model systems that allow us to test our ideas out,” Hinchcliffe explained. “We don’t have an instruction manual. We’re trying to write the instructions as we go along and now we’re dealing with a machine that is broken.” Hinchcliffe feels the honor of being able to be that bridge and that connection from
the world of science to those working to earn the money. “I take that very seriously because of my commitment to the community. It’s one of the most important things you can do,” Hinchcliffe said, marking the importance of events like the January kick-off. “Here, I get to stand up in front of the community and business leaders. That is what our community is about. All those different things. That’s important to me.” For this kind of effort, everything is about the community. For the large amounts of money being donated through events like Paint the Rink Pink, Fishing for a Cure and Plunging for Pink, Hinchcliffe said it’s important that people know where their money is going to. It’s like any other investment. “We ask for a lot of money. This community is extremely generous in supporting us,” he said. “It’s important they know the
value they are getting for that. We really do appreciate those dollars.” And the value the Institute and the community is seeing is the growing research. Hinchcliffe said recently it was released by the American Cancer Assocation that in the past 25 years, this year has seen the single largest drop in cancer deaths. “More and more people are getting cancer and it’s not a death sentence,” he said. Hinchcliffe said that now that the growing pains of a still young initiative are over, he sees a jump in positive results in the next 10 years and beyond. PTTP acts as a boost to both the community and the scientists. “The community support part is equal to the money,” Hinchcliffe said. “It gives us the feeling we’re doing something right, but not only that, but when we go to the state for bonding money we can show them a community that supports something big.” PAINT THE TOWN PINK AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Come on in, the water’s fine Dutchtown Jumpers look forward to continue Plunging for Pink By Tyler Jensen
tyler.jensen@austindailyherald.com
Since 2013, the Dutchtown Jumpers Plunging for Pink team has raised more than $100,000 for cancer research. The group, which includes Jeremy Olson, owner of Hoot and Ole’s Tavern in Austin, raised about $750 the first year. For the 2019 event, the group raised more than $37,000. “We’ve been rolling ever since,” Olson said. All of the members have known someone who suffered from cancer and that was one of the things that made them want to get involved with the annual plunge into the freezing cold East Side Lake. In order to raise the most amount of money for a cause when there are so many different causes people can donate to, Olson said people have to put their faces out there and talk with people. One benefit those involved with Plunging for Pink have is that it is an opportunity to make a lasting impression with how they are dressed. The group has five or six events to raise money in a year and also created a non-profit organization a few years ago. These fundraisers range from barbecues and crayfish boils to hotdish feeds and chicken bowling. The status makes the organization more appealing to larger businesses to make a donation to, Olson said. Taking the work to the next level was something that just happened and wasn’t really decided on by the group. “The events started getting bigger, we started raising more money and everyone has a good time,” he said. The fact that the funds stay with the locally based Hormel Institute also increases community support for the event and its participants. “Keeping the money helps us a lot,” Olson said. Despite what people may think, Olson feels jumping into the lake in February is not all that bad. “The way I explain it is it is no different than if it is 100 degrees up north and you jump into the lake water that is 80 degrees,” he said. The worst parts of the event are right when someone hits the water and the trip AUSTIN DAILY HERALD PAINT THE TOWN PINK
Chad Thomas and Jeremy Olson, a mainstain in their jumping flamboyance, make their jump at the Plunging for Pink in 2017. Herald file photo from the lake to wherever they can change and warm up. One memory that sticks out to him is how people could not believe it when the team raised $10,000 for the first time. Every year, the group hopes to outdo itself both in terms of raising money and their crazy outfits, Olson said. A couple years ago, Olson had another reason to continue fighting to end cancer. “I lost my dad two years ago to cancer,” he said. “Once it struck that close to home with my father, it made me more and more driven.” For Olson, the desire to raise as much money for cancer research as possible comes from his desire to never lose another person to the disease. “I’m so sick of hearing, ‘He’s died of cancer. He’s got cancer. Everybody’s got cancer.’ I want it to go away,” Olson said. For all involved, this fight against cancer has become more and more personal, he said. Plunging for Pink 2020 will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event will be located at the public access for East Side Lake at the East Side Lake Park in Austin. More information about the event can be found at plungingforpink.com.
“I’m so sick of hearing, ‘he’s died of cancer. He’s got cancer. Everybody’s got cancer.’ I want it to go away.” Jeremy Olson THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
13
Paint the Town Pink’s impact on The Hormel Institute urban areas, and The Hormel Institute’s unique location has allowed scientists to truly feel like a part of Paint the Town Pink, now celebrating its 10th year, the community. has had a profound impact on The Hormel Institute's Scientists themselves have become part of Paint the cancer research as well as impacting Austin and nearTown Pink, joining with local community members by communities. This annual campaign has not only to brave the cold and raise funds to support cancer reallowed researchers at The Hormel Institute to further search. Several groups and individuals from The Hortheir research through seed grants fully funded by mel Institute have jumped into East Side Lake as part Paint the Town Pink, but it has also fostered a greater of Plunging for Pink. Scientists have tried their hand connection with the community of Austin and commuat ice fishing during Fishing for a Cure. A large group nities throughout the region. from The Hormel Institute attend Paint the Rink Pink “Paint the Town Pink is unique in that it continues each year, often the first time new scientists have ever to grow with more people contributing, holding events, seen a live hockey game. coming up with ideas to further the campaign and getPaint the Town Pink has allowed the community ting excited about helping stop cancer,” said Gail Denof Austin to get to know The Hormel Institute better, nison, director of development and public relations for meeting scientists and hearing firsthand the imporThe Hormel institute. “Every dollar funds innovative tance and impact of dollars to fund cancer research. studies to help accelerate answers to cancer. It is an Those scientists, in turn, are inspired by the commuamazing thing to see the full circle of people caring, nity members and local businesses that work so hard people giving and people researching all in the quest each year to make Paint the Town Pink a success. to prevent and stop cancer so people can live longer Paint the Town Pink is furthering cancer research at healthier lives. We truly are working together for this The Hormel Institute through seed grants that would common cause.” not be possible except through the generosity of the Scientists from The Hormel Institute take their plunge during Paint the Town Pink has raised over $1.77 million to local community. In 2020 Paint the Town Pink will Plunging for Pink in 2018 at East Side Lake. Herald file photo fund breast cancer research at The Hormel Institute. campaign throughout the year to “RAISE A RECORD With the support of The Hormel Foundation, 100 perNUMBER” of grants, dollars, events and communities cent of those donations go directly to research, none to administrative costs. Thanks to involved and The Hormel Institute's scientists will also be working every day to find the amazing outpouring of support from the community, 13 seed grants have now been new and better answers to cancer. distributed to researchers at The Hormel Institute. Please visit hi.umn.edu for more information about PTTP and to donate or get inThe community funded Paint the Town Pink seed grants allow scientists to research volved. exciting and innovative ideas to prevent and better control breast cancer. Each seed grant allows a scientist to collect initial data they can then use to apply for larger, national grants. These ideas would not be funded without Paint the Town Pink and the research that comes from these seed grants has impacts beyond breast cancer. Five seed grants are currently under research at The Hormel Institute: •Dr. Ilana Chefetz - ALDH inhibitors in TNBC •Dr. Yibin Deng - Targeting human translation initiation factor eIF4A/eIF4G complex inhibits pathogenesis of inflammatory breast cancer in vivo •Dr. Sergio Gradilone - Development of targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer •Dr. Liang Liu - Hairless As A Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene in Breast Cancer •Dr. Shujun Liu - The Role of the FTO/m6A Axis in Breast Cancer Past seed grants include: •Dr. Rick Brown - Role of Inflammation in Breast Cancer Initiation and Progression: Intervention Potential by Sphingolipid Transfer Proteins •Dr. Yibin Deng - Targeting Therapy for BRCA1/Trp53 Mutation-Driven Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in vivo •Dr. Sergio Gradilone - CILIOTHERAPY: Restoration of Primary Cilia as a Targeted Therapy in Breast Cancer •Dr. Edward Hinchcliffe - The role of Repo-Man/PP1y in regulating chromosome instability •Dr. Luke Hoeppner - New treatments that promote recovery from radiation dermatitis are necessary to improve the quality of life and clinical outcome of breast cancer patients by alleviating painful short- and long-term radiation side effects to ensure completion of radiation therapy regimens •Dr. Shujun Liu - The clinical implications of the FABP4-DNMT1 cascade in breast cancer •Dr. Rebecca Morris - Blood epithelial trafficking in mammary cancer •Dr. Anna Sundborger -Lunna- EGFR down-regulation may be a superior strategy to develop efficient EGFR based treatment option for triple negative breast cancer Paint the Town Pink’s impact has gone beyond furthering research and has inspired the researchers at The Hormel Institute and encouraged them to become part of the campaign themselves. Most research facilities like The Hormel Institute are in large By Gail Dennison
Director of Development/Public Relations Hormel Institute
14
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
PAINT THE TOWN PINK AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
AUSTIN COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER WWW.YMCAATACRC.ORG AUSTIN DAILY HERALD ïš» PAINT THE TOWN PINK
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
15
16
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
PAINT THE TOWN PINK ïš» AUSTIN DAILY HERALD