The La Crosse, Wisconsin health care facilities annually sponsor an event called A Celebration of Life. This event is a cancer survivorship celebration for persons who have been serviced by either Gundersen/Lutheran Health Center or St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse. Annually this event is held in the downtown La Crosse Center where 1,500-2,000 cancer survivors and their family and loved ones arrive for an evening picnic, community, music and fun.
For the past ten years Clown Camp® participants have been invited to share clowning fun and entertainment at this event. Many of our participants have indicated to us that this is a highlight clown experience of their week at camp. On Tuesday, June 9th our group of costumed humor ambassadors will take buses downtown to once again make appearances at this wonderful event. The visit will only involve approximately an hour to hour and a half, nevertheless memories of this event will likely stay with you for a lifetime.
Remembering Don Burda
Long time staff members Don and Dee Burda were regular guests at the Celebration of Life event. Although they were from California, Dee was treated at Gundersen Hospital with various treatments including chemotherapy during most of the past six years of their attendance at camp. Don is seen here returning from the Celebration of Life event carrying the prize won by Dee. She was the patient who had traveled the greatest distance to attend the event. Regrettably, Don passed away in the fall of 2008. Don and Dee will sorely be missed from our presence at Clown Camp.