2008 Star Awards

Thank you for making the 2008 Star Awards a success.

On February 2, 2008 Angel Foundation hosted the sixth annual Star Awards. Five outstanding individuals were honored for their contributions to the health and wellness of cancer survivors and their families. More than 460 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, awards presentation, live auction and entertainment by local vocalist Michele Marie. Kristin Stinar Geer was emcee for this heartfelt evening held at the Hyatt Regency on Nicollet Mall.

In addition to recognizing community leaders, the evening raised awareness of the needs of cancer patients and their families. Over $45,000 was raised specifically to fund the Financial Assistance Program. One attendee commented, “I never realized the financial and emotional stress that cancer patients can experience, I am fortunate to be able to support this worthwhile effort to ease their burden. I hope I can make a difference for someone going through this journey.”

We applaud these extraordinary honorees for their passion to help improve the quality of life for cancer survivors and their families. They are truly our angels.

2008 Honorees

Anita Buel, Advocacy Award
Anita Buel is a deaf breast cancer survivor and tireless advocate. She is involved with the Deaf Hospice Project and is one of the founders of the "Pink Deafies", an organization that supports deaf breast cancer survivors. Anita is the first Deaf Community Health Worker in the USA and is now Director of the Deaf Health Workers Project.

Tom Bloom, Corporate Award
Tom Bloom is a senior manager for Oreck Corporation, a family run company that donates regularly to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure and other cancer related organizations. Tom began raising money for Angel Foundation in memory of his father and in tribute to the care received at Maplewood Cancer Center.

Dee Dee Jonrowe, Humanitarian Award
Dee Dee Jonrowe is a high profile athlete, breast cancer survivor and the foremost female dog musher competing in the world today. Her humanitarian and fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, as well as other organizations, are well-documented.

Joelle Syverson, Spirit Award
Joelle Syverson is a cancer survivor who has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research. She created an event called Humor to Fight the Tumor, which raised over $500,000 in just four years and has become one of the American Brain Tumor Association's largest fundraisers.

Kristin Stinar Geer, Reseach and Education Award
Kristin Stinar Geer is an Emmy Award Winning Investigative Reporter who spent the past six years at KSTP TV. She is a cancer survivor and founder of CanCurables Foundation which support ovarian cancer education and research.