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From left are Jody Hobson, Bouquet of Hope committee member, Dave Karnes, and Jill Bydalek, chairperson of Bouquet of Hope. Not shown is committee member Wanda Utecht. The custom-made glass angel is one of dozens of guardian angel figurines Liz Karnes has received during her battle with cancer. Photo by Walter Brooks. |
October marked the fourth annual “Bouquet of Hope” program involving 20 florists in eight Nebraska communities. Sponsored by the Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, the program raised close to $2,000 for cancer research at UNMC — making 2002 the best year yet for the program’s efforts.
During October, a “Bouquet of Hope” could be sent by going through one of the participating florists in Bellevue, Fremont, Lexington, Lincoln, North Platte, Omaha, Papillion and Kearney.
The bouquets, which typically cost $20, included a special enclosure card designed by Sue Kocsis, an Omaha artist who lost her battle with breast cancer. The card depicts a colorful bouquet of flowers with the following message, “Long after the blooms have faded, money spent for this bouquet allows the hope to continue through cancer research.” For every bouquet sold, 20 percent of the proceeds were donated for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
Spirit of Hope recipient
The Bouquet of Hope committee presented a “Spirit of Hope” award to Liz Karnes. Karnes, the 2002 Bouquet of Hope spokeswoman, is an Omaha cancer patient whose own battle with the disease has made her a nationally acclaimed support person and advocate.
Karnes was too ill to attend the Dec. 9 presentation ceremony. Instead, her husband, former U.S Sen. David Karnes accepted a “Spirit of Hope Award” on her behalf during the Friends’ Board meeting. The top contributing florists — Baker’s, Hy-Vee, and Kearney Floral — were recognized for their efforts. MSM Printing also was recognized for donating services.
For more information on the annual program contact Jill Bydalek at (402) 384-9316.