CNSTC: May 1, 2019

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May 1, 2019

Granting wishes

St. Peters-based Stella’s Wish Foundation helps make wishes come true for terminally ill cancer patients

Augusta angler snags state-record fish. Pg. 3 Enter your group to be part of the O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade. Pg. 3

Business Greater St. Charles County Chamber announces small business of the year finalists. Pg. 5

By Brett Auten Shelly Barr will never forget it. Barr’s close friend, Lisa Drummond has Stage 4 Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Drummond lost her middle son in 2016 and he left behind two sons, the eldest of which lives in Las Vegas. Drummond yearned to see her grandson once again, as the last time they met was it her son’s – and his dad’s – funeral. “She did not want to be remembered as some grief-stricken woman,” Barr said. That’s where Stella’s Wish Foundation stepped in and calmly said, “We got this.” Just last month, flights were booked, Blue Man Group tickets were purchased and Barr was right by her friend’s side as Drummond reconnected with her grandson. “The whole thing was heart melting,” Barr said. “It was nothing short of amazing. It was a whirlwind that we were not expecting to come to fruition. And Lisa made it through by sheer determination and will.” Stella’s Wish Foundation is a St. Peters-based nonprofit foundation fully funded by sponsors, donors and fundraisers. It began granting wishes in Missouri, but soon branched to grant wishes across the United States. Since February 2008 Stella’s Wish Foundation has been searching to grant wishes and to collect charitable donations which are used to grant wishes for terminally ill cancer patients, ages 18-andabove. Wishes that have been granted thus far

Around Town

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Submitted photo Stella’s Wish Foundation was able to help cancer patient Lisa Drummond (center) travel to Las Vegas to reconnect with her grandson (right) and attend a performance by the Blue Man Group.

range from a catered family gathering to Alaskan cruises with loved ones. There has been the backyard carnival in Troy, Christmas in October and surprise hospital visit by pro wrestling superstar Kevin Nash. The charity’s namesake and inspiration comes from the story of Stella Czerniewski. Upon receiving the news in June 2006 that her colon cancer had reached stage four, Stella decided to live her last days to their fullest and in doing so, created a Top Ten List. Among the items on that list was a trip to Disney World. Stella played a vital role in at her church, Victory Baptist Church in

Florissant, including Sunday school secretary, special musician, choir member, organ player and bus worker. It was a teenager from her church who surprised Stella by making her wish of going to Disney World come true. Stella was inspired to launch a foundation which granted wishes for adults who were diagnosed with a life-threatening cancer. On Jan. 18, 2007, Stella lost her battle with colon cancer. To honor the final wish of his wife, Don Czerniewski began Stella’s Wish Foundation a little over a year later. See’WISHES’ page 2

Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol.21 No.18 | 636-379-1775

Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword. Pg. F-4

Weather FRIDAY Sunny; Isolated Storms late 70/53 SATURDAY Partly Sunny 73/55 SUNDAY Partly Sunny; Isolated Storms 78/58 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.


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