Celebrate an Evening to Benefit the Hourglass Fund

As you may know, this past year has been rewarding for me in two pivotal ways:

First, I launched a new career chapter as an inspirational public speaker, with the message that we grow when we’re mindfully navigating the “narrow spots of the hourglass” which life brings to each of us uniquely.  I have been invited to speak to groups of all sizes and in locations across the country— what an experience!

Second, Dale and I established the Hourglass Fund at the Minnesota Medical Foundation to support collaborative research teams within the Masonic Cancer Center and the Center for Spirituality & Healing whose interests advance integrative healing practices for those with some form of cancer.  I am donating my speaking honoraria to the Fund, and also with help from the University, will actively fundraise such that the Fund consistently has sufficient resources for new research projects each year.  We envision seeding an array of pilot projects, with some eventually finding their way to NIH with more substantial funding that results in new evidence-based practice.

With all that’s been accomplished, we want to celebrate.  On Monday, May 16th, 7:00-8:30 p.m., we’ll gather friends and family at Bachman’s Heritage Room for what promises to be a remarkable evening.  I’ve invited Jon Hallberg, M.D., medical director, Mill City Clinic, to present one of his innovative “Hippocrates Café.”  This ‘salon’ is a collage of poetry, short stories, letters, and music—all selected to explore a specific healthcare topic.  Naturally, our Hippocrates Café is entitled, “Expressions of Cancer,” and will feature actors Mark Nelson and Katherine Ferrand, accordionist Simone Perrin, and a soon-to-be-named cellist.  What fun it will be to experience the talents of these gifted artists!

This event will benefit the Hourglass Fund.  Attendees have been asked to give a $100 contribution and I hope 100 people will join us in order to raise $10,000.  At the end of the evening, I would like to announce that several generous donors have agreed to match whatever we raise so that the Hourglass Fund could grow by $20,000! My hope is to find two couples so  that the amount can be shared evenly—ideally each gift would be about $5,000.

It promises to be a rewarding and inspiring evening.  I hope to see you there!