National Spotlight

Brainerd Lakes- Honorary Chairs

Honorary Chairs 2011- Bruce and Kathy Buxton

Our choices for this year's Honorary Race Chair and Honorary Survivor Chair are Bruce and Kathy Buxton. Both are well known in the community for their many philanthropic efforts, not the least of which is Susan G. Komen for the Cure. We are very thankful to them for all of their support and considerable efforts to promote awareness of breast cancer and to provide aid and comfort to those affected by it. Here is their story:

Fifteen years ago, a doctor said to me “I’m shocked. The tumor we found was cancerous. I thought it would be benign.” Cancer! Shocked was the word alright. Bruce, my husband of twenty-seven years was beside me. He turned to me, took me into his arms. “We’ll do this together. I want you to do whatever it takes to be with me.” We entered into the world of breast cancer.

Because of a family history of early deaths from cancer, with his encouragement, I chose to act aggressively and have bilateral mastectomy, though only one breast was cancerous. My doctor here in Brainerd was very supportive of the decision, so much so that he offered to perform the surgery on the second breast at no cost if our insurance would not reimburse. Together, we went to every doctor appointment, daily care of drainage tubes during healing, chemotherapy treatments and dealing with the side effects. We had the support of our family, friends, and community. Our sons were involved and kept informed of every decision we made. As I recovered from treatment, I realized how important that support was to me. My youngest son even shaved his head as I lost my hair and said, “Look Mom, bald is beautiful.” What happens to those who do not have that kind of support? We felt we needed to do something for others.

The past fifteen years, we have become advocates for breast cancer research, education of the public about cancer, education of women on the importance of early detection, and support of families going through treatment. Before Susan G. Komen for the Cure came to the Brainerd Lakes Area, we volunteered with the American Cancer Society and chaired the Relay for Life event. Working with hundreds of volunteers, together we were able to raise more than half a million dollars for research and help for those going through cancer. We still support the local Relay for Life and all the worthwhile efforts they make towards research and education about all kinds of cancer.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, no one talked about it, few people were aware of the numbers of women afflicted with the disease. We have made it a part of our mission to educate the public about breast cancer. Early detection has become the mantra as the best chance of survival. Susan G. Komen for the Cure strongly believes in educating women on the importance of early detection. Becoming involved in Susan G. Komen for the Cure was a natural fit for us. Since Susan G. Komen for the Cure came to the Brainerd Lakes Area, we have participated in local events; have hosted special teas to promote breast cancer awareness, raised money by having a luncheon and plant sale and a golf tournament. We actively participate through our support of the Survivor’s tent and the Survivor’s Luncheon to recognize the wonderful women who have fought breast cancer. We even took dance lessons and performed the waltz publicly as part of these events. Throughout all of this, we have learned many lessons we hope we can pass on to others. You must be an advocate for your own body so speak up, ask questions and demand answers. You are the same person, with or without cancer. You are not defined by whether or not you have your breasts or hair. Take time to tell your loved ones that you love them. Keep your sense of humor. It takes less energy to smile than to frown and you need your energy while going through treatment. Take every day as a gift. Cancer makes you more aware of your own mortality and teaches you to not take life for granted.

A lot of what we do is involved with breast cancer. I own A Woman’s Choice, where I provided and fit breast prosthetics and surgical bras for women who have had breast surgery. I volunteer to help with I can Cope, Reach for Recovery and many other cancer related activities. Together we work to educate families, raise money for research, and give hope to families that a good life follows treatment for cancer. Our latest effort is called the Pink Ribbon Cupboard. With the help of St. Joseph’s Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Pink Ribbon Cupboard fund was started to help families financially while going through breast cancer treatment. Many cannot work and need assistance that is not available through other sources.

We do enjoy other things as well. We still enjoy dancing and continue to take lessons, I am involved in PEO, an organization that helps women get an education, I sit on a committee at Essentia Health, and I enjoy playing bridge and golf. Bruce has been a principal and CEO/Chairman of the Board of Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates, has or is involved with the Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce, Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC), and other community organizations since we moved to Brainerd more than thirty years ago. He enjoys bridge, golf, hunting and fishing as well. Much of our enjoyment has been watching our sons grow up, get educated, marry wonderful women and raise their families. Obviously, our grandchildren – Carson, Griffin, Elizabeth, and Samantha are the apple of our eyes and we spend as much time as we can with them. Being Grandparents is Grand!

Honorary Chairs 2010- John and Sally Ward

This year’s Honorary Chair and Honorary Survivor Chair are John and Sally Ward of Brainerd. For the past six years, Sal’s Team Hope has been one of the strongest teams at the Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure®. They are great examples of spirit and hope for many other breast cancer survivors and they are committed to support the Komen mission to find the cures. Both are educators; John has retired to serve as a Brainerd representative in the Minnesota state legislature. We are grateful to have these two most vibrant people as our honorary chairs for 2011.

Sally’s story: Lucky or Blessed?

I remember the day June 6, 2003, in vivid detail. As I sat in the doctor’s examining room with my husband, I was speechless as I heard the words “ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)”. I did not understand all of the words, but I was well aware of the meaning of “carcinoma”. It was the word no one ever wants to hear his or her doctor saying. The doctor proceeded to say that I was one of the lucky ones. I would have to take his word on that, because right then I did not feel so lucky.

I had just had surgery the previous week to remove a papillloma that was discovered after having experienced a discharge from my breast. I had been told by my doctor not to worry, because most papillomas are benign. Removing it was a precautionary measure that I needed to take. I had in fact not worried about it. After all, I had none of the risk factors for breast cancer. I had just had a clear mammogram 3 months earlier. As it turned out, the papilloma was benign, but cancer cells were discovered beside it. The cancer diagnosis presented me with options for treatment and making that decision was a personal journey in itself. After many sleepless nights, research, and conversations with myself, I had to come to the decision that I felt was best for me. I felt God answered my prayer for guidance and when I made the decision to have a mastectomy, a peace came over me.

It turned out the doctor was right. I was a lucky one. Due to the early detection of my breast cancer and decision to have a mastectomy, I did not need to have any further treatment because the cancer had not spread. It may have been luck, but I prefer to think that I was blessed! I was also blessed with great support from family and friends.


It seems that everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Everyone’s story is unique and it continually amazes me how strong and kind human beings are in difficult times. One survivor friend told me that she thanks God every day for her breast cancer. At the time I thought, “Wow, will I ever be at that point? I am grateful to say that, yes; I am now at that point in my journey. Having a health crisis of any sort helps a person set priorities and appreciate the good things in life.

For the past 6 years I have been a team caption of “Sal’s Team Hope” for the Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure. Through all the great continual support surrounding me from family and friends, in 2008 our team won the prize for the largest Family and Friends Team. I support the race because I am a firm believer in early detection. Thanks to the monies raised at the local Komen race, any woman in the area is able to have a free mammogram. I want all women with breast cancer to be able to hear their doctors telling them that they are one of the lucky ones because their cancer was found early.

John’s Story:

Many of us take things for granted in our lives. Our physical health is one of those areas in which this is true. With one word, our whole world can be thrown into a topsy-turvy situation. CANCER is one of those words. I remember my wife, Sally, telling me she had some signs that the school nurse said she may want to have her doctor check out. Some initial visits to the doctor left both of us feeling “calmed” as the doctor felt this was not a major health concern. Even after the early tests results, the doctor was feeling good about this being not being a major health situation. The tests results came back, and the doctor called us into “talk about the results”. When he said, “Please sit down, we need to talk.” My heart sunk to my feet. When he told my wife the tests indicated that she had breast cancer, I remember immediately thinking, “Am I going to lose my love, my rock, my sweetheart, my best friend? Please Lord, don’t let that happen.” The doctor told Sally that she was “lucky” as we caught the cancer very early. Funny neither of us felt “lucky” at that point. After the initial shock and my feelings of fear, alarm and anger, Sally went into a fight and conquer mode. Sal had a huge level of support and love from family and friends. Sal’s brother, a doctor, was also a huge help to us. Sal became an “expert” on breast cancer and treatments as she used every piece of knowledge she could gather to come up with the “right” choice of treatment for her. She really battled with making her choice. While we all supported and helped her in the best way we could, I witnessed her sleepless nights and anxiety filled days take a toll on her. We all knew the decision of what to do had to be hers, but she struggled with making that decision. I would support her on whatever she decided. I kept thinking of the biblical scripture, “God will never give you more than you can handle”. This verse had helped me through some difficult times in my life. At the same time, I truly wondered if Sally was going to get through this. Her strong faith in the Lord helped her. When she “Let go and let God”, she was able to make a decision. It brought a clam over her that was almost joyful.

That was six years ago and I have watched my wife serve as a strong, emotional, physical and spiritual support for many women who have also been diagnosed with cancer. She has been a captain of her own team in the Komen Lakes Area Race for the Cure for the past six years. She has also participated at the Relay for Life event. Our family is proud of her and marvels at the beautiful, caring and God loving person she is. She continues to be my rock and my best friend.

Honorary Chairs 2009- Al and Mary Lindner

The Honorary Chair and Honorary Survivor Chair for 2009 are Al and Mary Lindner of Brainerd who have supported the Race since its inception. Mary Lindner is being honored for her personal perseverance against breast cancer and her dedication to raising breast cancer awareness. Al is being honored for his steadfast support during Mary’s difficult times and continued support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Mary says, “All of us have challenges as we go through life. The question is how do we deal with them? The immediate crisis always seems to be the most overwhelming. In 1997, my mammogram came back questionable. The doctor recommended surgery in four days. Each time I saw him I would say, “I’m expecting a good report!” To this day, I continue saying this for every appointment or test. “ This positive attitude along with a very strong faith, prepared her for a subsequent medical challenge.

In 2001, Mary needed a mitral heart valve replacement due to damage from rheumatic fever she had suffered as a child. An unrecognized allergy to heparin caused an anticipated 5 day stay to lengthen to over three weeks to change and adjust her medications and another three months recovery at home. Her previous bout with breast cancer taught her well to never give up and never quit until you win.
Mary’s advice: “Keep happy and positive, these are life-sustaining actions that you do on purpose. Also I laughed a lot, just to laugh. It is so good for you. It is a choice to be positive or negative; to fight or just sit back. It’s worth the fight and to surround yourself with people that carry that same value.” Through it all, Mary was strengthened by her deep faith and the support of family and friends. She wears her pink "Sharing the Promise" wristband daily, as a reminder of her own victory and also for support for those yet in the fight. She is always looking for someone to encourage and give a hug to and remind them to keep their joy.

As the honorary team member, Mary has been outfitted with New Balance Lace Up for the Cure® shoes and apparel. She joins other individuals at more than 100 locations around the country, hosting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® in 2009.

Al says, "When I heard the "C" word I had to deal with some doubt and fear. You need to believe for total victory for your loved one. I'll never forget what I heard years ago, "Fear knocked at the door, Faith answered and found no one there." I think about this often. All of us have been impacted by friends and family who have had cancer. We continue to make progress and GET THE VICTORY through everyone's support of the Susan G. Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure. Together we WILL make a difference."

Al and Mary continue promote breast cancer awareness through their Lindner’s Angling Edge website, www.anglingedge.com, by the pink ribbon on their son’s fishing boat used in fishing contests around the country, and comments on their fishing shows broadcast on the Versus channel. Lindner Media Productions specializes in producing educational fishing programs, DVDs, videos, national TV commercials, product sales videos, point of purchase videos as well as providing underwater photography to the sport fishing industry. Al, Ron, James, Daniel and Bill Lindner are the creative forces behind Lindner Media and their award winning productions.