2017 RECIPIENT: Dorothy lives in Wichita and is a single mother of four children, Johna (21), Hunter (19), Phillip(17) and TJ (15).

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Dorothy was a Para-professional at Explorer Elementary in the Reading room and the Director over the Before and After Program at Apollo Elementary. Her true love in life is her dedication to empowering, educating and being a positive role model for all children.

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In 2005 Dorothy was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She had a bi-lateral mastectomy as well as a radical hysterectomy. One in every seven lymph nodes were infected. She then began chemotherapy and remained on a Tamoxifen pill until one year ago. 

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This last November Dorothy's cancer came back. This time she is Stage 4 with a cell grade of 3. The cancer cells have invaded her chest wall and has been determined inoperable. Chemo treatments began in November of 2016 and the last round was finished in April of 2017. She has been in and out of the hospital numerous times with surgeries and pain due to the effects of chemo. She is now starting intense radiation that will cause her bones to become very brittle and will give her severe burns. It remains uncertain if she will have to have another bi-lateral mastectomy before radiation starts.

Dorothy vows she will beat this and will use this experience to be a role model to children and others with medical conditions. 

2017 RECIPIENT: In 2015 Lanora was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer. Her tumor was removed and her treatment plan ensued. After months of daily radiation and an aggressive chemotherapy regime, her cancer was declared in remission. Less then six months later a routine scan and blood test revealed the tumor was back with a vengeance. 

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Lanora was referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN, and it was discovered the tumor had spread into her abdomen and invaded her sciatic nerve. She immediately started back on chemotherapy and daily radiation as her team of doctors scheduled her for an invasive two part surgery. On January 24th the tumor was detached from her sciatic nerve. Unfortunately, the result was the loss of the nerve and permanent loss of feeling in her left foot. On January 26th, she had an abdominal resection, which is the reconstructing of all the major organs in her abdomen. The doctors were able to remove the tumor and obtain clear margins around the tumor sight. 

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The road to recovery will be arduous for Lanora as she adapts to her new body. She currently uses a wheelchair and walker for mobility and is working with a rehabilitation specialist to gain mobility and strengthen her leg. Through it all, she has maintained dignity and a positive outlook. She is gradually easing back into work, as helping others is her passion. 

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Lanora lives in Wichita, Ks and is a dedicated mother to 4 and grandmother to 2. She loves to bake with her grandchildren and her famous macaroni and cheese is renowned in many circles. She has devoted her adult life to public service serving on the Wichita School Board and currently as a Juvenile Justice Liaison for Sedgwick County. 

2016 RECIPIENT: In the summer of 2013, at the age of 15, Caleb began to complain of pain in his right hip. By February 2014, the pain intensified, and after enduring multiple tests he was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a very rare form of bone cancer.  Caleb began chemotherapy immediately, along with hip replacement surgery in June, followed by 6 weeks of radiation therapy.  During his first go-around, he spent a total of 168 days of his adolescence in the hospital.  Caleb finished his final round of chemotherapy and radiation in December 2014.

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In early 2016, additional testing showed that the cancer had resurfaced and spread to Caleb's skull and pelvis.  Surgery was immediately performed to remove tumors pressing on his brain, and he began a new regimen of chemotherapy.  In August, Caleb received radiation treatments again. He is currently restricted to bearing only 50% of his weight on his left leg, and is required to use a cane.  Hopefully, Caleb will not need a hip replacement on the left side once treatment is completed.  

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Caleb continues with his routine followups, as of April 2017 his last bone marrow aspirations and biopsies came back clear and free of any cancer cells. Caleb graduated from Northwest High School in 2016 and will be attending Wichita State University in the fall of 2017. 

2016 RECIPIENT:Tanya lives in Clearwater, KS along with her parents, Lee and Jackie Wallis.  She is a dedicated mother of three children: Hunter (15), Ashlyn (13), and Hannah (12).  She is a valued member of the Clearwater community and is a Special Education paraprofessional at Clearwater Elementary.

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Tanya first noticed a lump on her breast in the summer of 2015.  She scheduled an appointment with her gynecologist who immediately ordered a mammogram and sonogram, but both scans showed no sign of cancer.  As the lump continued to grow, her doctor wanted a second opinion and sent her to a breast specialist.  The specialist performed a mammogram and sonogram; again the results were negative.  Her breast specialist then took a biopsy and the results were positive for cancer.  In January 2016, Tanya was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer.

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Tanya underwent a double mastectomy in March 2016.  During that surgery, twenty-one lymph nodes were removed and two tested positive for cancer. Tanya's diagnosis was then changed from Stage 1 to Stage 2 breast cancer. She had her first chemotherapy treatment in May 2016, and still needed to complete four to six additional treatments.  After chemotherapy, Tanya will begin the long road to recovery and breast reconstruction surgery.

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As of 2017 Tanya is cancer free! Tanya continues to reside in Clearwater and is a Special Education paraprofessional at Clearwater Elementary.

2015 RECIPIENT: In 2013, Shari was diagnosed with Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and had numerous cancer spots removed.  One had made its way into the lymphatic system, and she underwent surgery to have the lymph nodes removed.  Since surgery, the cancer has spread to her bones, abdominal wall and lower back, as well as areas in the clavicle/head/neck region.  Lymphedema in her right leg has severally limited her mobility.  

Shari is the mother of two amazing young women, and a grandmother to a very active grandson.  She has always been incredibly active, spending as much time as possible outdoors. Sadly on Wednesday August 24, 2016 passed away.

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2015 RECIPIENT: On October 10, 2014, Gale was admitted into the hospital with severe stomach cramps.  A CT scan followed by exploratory surgery discovered a cancerous mass in his abdomen.  The mass was removed, along with a few inches of small intestine, the appendix and half of his colon. Gale was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer which had metastasized into his liver.  He underwent radiation in June 2015 for the cancer in his liver.  He is currently on his second round of chemo to address new cancer growth in his lymph system. 

Gale Chinn is married to Danielle, and is a proud father of two children.  He was employed as a computer programmer for Spirit Aerosystems, Inc.tSadly on Monday October 24, 2016 Gale passed away.

2014 RECIPIENT: Dave grew up in Clearwater, KS.  In 2013, he was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer and remained very positive when revealed cancer findings.  Dave's family and friends were everything to him and he coached several of his kid's baseball, softball and soccer teams.  Dave's friends gathered around him and organized events to help in any way.  In June 2014, Dave was honored to be chosen as a 2014 "Cause for Klaus" recipient.  Dave said "It was a blessing to have so many people come together to help support me and my family."

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Dave was always known for his smile, positive attitude and kindness to others.  Sadly on Thursday, March 31, 2016, Dave lost his battle against cancer.

2014 RECIPIENT: Robbie was born in Wichita, but grew up in Udall, KS where he played football, baseball and yard games with the neighborhood kids.  As an adult, he enjoyed fishing where his dad grew up, seeing the latest action film, and spending time with his nieces and nephews.  He was chosen as a 2014 "Cause for Klaus" recipient to help him financially fight against a rare form of male breast cancer.  During his therapy, the cancer continued to spread throughout.  

Robbie was always there for many people and was the type of person that would do anything for anyone. Unfortunately, he succumbed to cancer and passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2015.