Their Help Beat Cancer for Kids program has raised more than $1 million for cancer research
Two longtime supporters of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Eppley Cancer Center – Mike and Lin Simmonds – have been selected to receive the Margre and Chuck Durham Spirit of Nebraska Award.
The Simmonds will be recognized at the Ambassador of Hope Gala on Oct. 26 at Qwest Center Omaha. Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of State (2005-2009), will be the featured honoree at this year’s gala.
The Spirit of Nebraska Award is named for Omaha philanthropists Chuck and Marge Durham, who were legendary supporters of UNMC and its mission.
Hosted by the Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, the gala is held every two years and is one of the top fundraising events in the city. In 2008, the event raised more than $1.1 million to support cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
The Simmonds launched a program in 2004 through their Simmonds Restaurant Management firm and its affiliated Burger King restaurants. The program – called Help Beat Cancer for Kids – has raised more than $1 million for cancer research at UNMC.
“We’re honored to be recognized with this award,” Mike Simmonds said. “Cancer has long been on the top of my mind. From a personal standpoint, I’ve had my own battle with cancer for the past eight years, and I’ve lost several of my best friends to cancer. It’s terrible for adults, but it’s even worse when you see a child with cancer. That’s why we’ve focused our attention on the fight against cancer for children. It’s a fight that will never end as far I’m concerned.”
After more than 30 years in the restaurant business, Simmonds sold his restaurant interests recently and is now developing two new start-up businesses in the health care field. He is board chairman of the Methodist Hospital Foundation and of Bellevue University and a member of the Omaha Business Hall of Fame and the Omaha Restaurant Hall of Fame.
A former elementary school teacher in Alabama, Lin Simmonds has worked tirelessly as a volunteer and community leader. She has served on the boards of the Arthritis Foundation, Omaha Community Playhouse, Family Services, and Sacred Heart School (CUES). Her volunteerism and fundraising have benefited the Salvation Army, Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, YWCA, Omaha Symphony, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Cerebral Palsy Foundation, American Heart Association and the Omaha Food Bank.
“The Simmonds are truly difference makers,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. “They have left an indelible mark on the Omaha community. They embody what Margre and Chuck Durham were all about – giving back to society. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done to support research at the Eppley Cancer Center.”
Rice was 15 when her mother, Angelena, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died in 1985. While in Omaha, she will continue the national tour of her memoir, "Extraordinary Ordinary People," which will be released in October.
As the 66th Secretary of State, Rice focused on engaging America’s many partners around the world to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that would respond to the needs of their people. She joins an elite group of five others who have received the Ambassador of Hope Award – Robin Roberts, Tom Brokaw, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Sam Donaldson and Chuck Durham.
Invitations have gone out and tickets are now on sale for the Ambassador of Hope Gala, said Lisa Mellen, event co-chair along with Angie Miller.
“We’re hoping to get 1,000 people or more at the gala,” Mellen said, “We’ve already raised $400,000 thanks to the great work of our honorary chairs – Howard and Rhonda Hawks.”
Tickets for the Ambassador of Hope Gala are $150 per person. Table sponsorships range from $1,500 to $10,000. For more information, call 402-559-4179 or go to www.nebraskahope.org.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 66 centers in the country. The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated center in the state of Nebraska. The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is also one of the 13 founding members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers. This recognition means the most current and innovative treatment options are available to Cancer Center patients through the integration of cutting-edge research into state-of-the-art care. Cancer Center physicians and scientists work together to quickly translate discoveries made in the laboratory into innovative treatments for the patient.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.