Dickinson's Sherry's Wishes continues tradition of helping families

Talk about it

Cory and Andrea Bittner of Dickinson are among the families who plan to attend the 11th annual Sherry’s Wishes Walk/Run, but they have a personal reason for doing so.

The Bittners were recipients of a Sherry’s Wishes donation for their daughter, Grace, 2, who is being treated for an optic glioma tumor of the brain. She was diagnosed at the age of 4 months.

“We travel a lot with her diagnosis and this helps us with travel expenses and meals — anything that helps take off the burden,” said Andrea Bittner.

“I think the biggest thing when families get into situations like these, is you’re thinking about the people who support you,” added Cory Bittner. “It’s the unbelievable love and care we have for each other in Dickinson. With so many things a family goes through, we’re just grateful to Sherry’s Wishes.”

Grace has undergone 44 chemotherapy treatments in Bismarck with additional checkups in Minneapolis.

“We’re trying to stop the tumor from growing,” Cory said.

“Every day is a gift,” Andrea added.

Their sons , Grant and Owen will be doing the kids’ run.

There’s still time to get involved in the Sherry’s Wishes Walk/Run and the fourth annual Golf Scramble on Saturday, June 23.

The organizers seek participants to support their goal of helping area families with cancer-related expenses.

“Basically, we’re asking the community to come out and participate in the event, or by donating or by coming to see the other participants at the walk/run,” co-founder/president Stacey Kadrmas said. “We still have room at the golf tournament and will take registrations until it’s full.”

Sherry’s Wishes was started in the memory of Sherry Mikkelsen Kadrmas, who died of cancer.

“All of the proceeds stay within the community by supporting families who are facing cancer,” Kadrmas said. “We will be selecting 11 families to support with funds for cancer-related expenses and comfort for those who have been impacted by this disease. The hope is that all proceeds will make a positive impact on the community.”

As of 2008, Sherry’s Wishes has raised more than $60,000, she said.

The walk/run is at the West River Community Center. Registration is 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Free kids’ face painting starts at 8 a.m.

The third annual Kid’s Fun Run is 8:30 a.m., with an entry fee of $10 per child.

The second annual 10K run is 9 a.m. with an entry fee of $20 per participant.

The 11th annual 5K walk/run is 9:15 a.m., with entry fee of $20 per participant.

The golf scramble is at the Pheasant Country Golf Course in South Heart. Registration is from noon to 12:45 p.m. The shotgun start is 1 p.m. and the entry fee is $45 each participant (not including cart) for teams of four.

Pledge sheets are available on the website, Stacey@sher

ryswishes.org.

For further information, contact Sherry’s Wishes committee members, Brandy Jurgens, 701-238-8823; Jo Marie Kadrmas, 701-483-3445; Shar Kadrmas, 701-290-2636; Pam Pavlicek, 701-290-3639 or Kadrmas, 612-385-4972.

Tags: sherry's wishes, lifestyle, dickinson, local