Thrive hosted their third annual Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer at Bass Family Farm on Saturday August 29th from 5:00PM-9:00PM. The event was created by Brittney Stepanek and Thrive founder Jennifer Winterhof in honor of Stephen Stepanek (Brittney Stepanek’s husband). Four years ago Brittney threw a surprise birthday party for her husband right after they found out that he had a brain tumor. Brittney Stepanek told me that on that night Stephen told the guests “This is how I want to be remembered, not for the cancer, not for the treatment, not for how I may die, but for living life”. After Stephen’s passing Brittney Stepanek and Jennifer Winterhof decided to continue hosting the celebration (which features a silent auction, live music, and food provided by Peppercorn Food Company), and turned it into a fundraiser. All proceeds from this event go to local brain cancer research. Over the last two years this event has raised about $40,000 for cancer research. This year they managed to raise between $15,000 and $20,000.
Lion Bridge Brewing Company provides the beer for the Beer and Burgers Benefit for Brain Cancer every year. Brittney Stepanek has partnered with Lion Bridge Brewing Company to create their Don’t Die Beer. Don’t Die is a slogan that was created by Brittney and Stephen Stepanek’s son Sawer Stepanek when he was told to write some advice on a birthday card for his dad.
Brenda Buzynski from North Liberty takes a look at some of the items available in the silent auction while attending the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer for the first time. Buzynski bid on a modern piping basket and a massage.
Gabe Kringlen plays the electric violin while playing with the band Retro Mix during the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer at Bass Family Farm on Saturday August 29th. Kringlen has been playing the violin since he was three years old.
Bryce Engberg works the grill for Peppercorn Food Company while preparing food for the attendees of the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer on Saturday. Engberg also does live audio work on the side, and worked for Bricks Bar & Grill prior to taking the job at Peppercorn Food Company.
Assistant professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy in the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa Whitney Zahnd speaks to the crowd about the cancer research that she has done over the course of her career. Zahnd uses health services research and social epidemiological approaches to address cancer disparities in rural communities.
Brittney Stepanek speaks to the crowd about her husbands journey with brain cancer, and her work with Thrive. Thrive’s mission with brain cancer is to not just treat-but cure; to not just survive-but Thrive.
Jenna Jandik speaks to the crowd at Bass Family Farm about her journey with brain cancer. Jandik has a grade three astrocytoma (astrocytoma is a type of brain cancer that starts in cells called astrocytes). Thankfully due to the treatment that she has received Jandik’s cancer has been stable (meaning it hasn’t spread) for the last five years. Jandik says that finding joy in the little things, and being a good mom to her little boys has also helped her in her cancer journey.
Jeanne Wampler from Cedar Rapids speaks to a friend while enjoying the music of the band Retro Mix at the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer on Saturday. Wampler has been in attendance at all but one of the Burgers and Beer Benefits for Brain Cancer.
For inquiries about purchasing advertising space on this newsletter or any of the photos please email me at cobbwildphotography@gmail.com