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| Benefit to be held for Jeanne Koopman |
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June 5, 2008 |
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Jeanne Koopman and her family | by Norma Dittman |
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On Saturday, June 7th, a benefit will be held for Fulda resident, Jeanne Koopman. Koopman's cancer journey is one that reflects courage and a strong spirit buoyed by the support of family, friends and community. Koopman was first diagnosed with cervical cancer during January of 1999. She underwent surgery for a total hysterectomy at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD, in March of 1999. Medical reports indicated that the surgery had been successful and that all of the cancer had been removed. Following the surgery, Koopman continued with regular check-ups. Then in April of 2007, Koopman sought a medical appointment at Avera Cancer Institute for treatment of what felt like a bladder infection, although, instinctively, she sensed that something "wasn't quite right." Testing indicated that the cervical cancer had reoccurred in her pelvic area and was preventing the bladder from functioning properly. Koopman learned that the cancer was very advanced and began treatment that same week of high-dose radiation and chemotherapy. She went through 35 radiation treatments and nine weeks of chemotherapy. When this course of treatment was completed, testing showed that there was no sign of cancer. Not quite one year later, at a follow-up appointment, some of the testing returned questionable results. More testing was done and showed that the cancer had returned. Koopman was left with few options. One option was to have a surgery, called a Pelvic Exoneration. With this surgery, there was a 50 percent chance of removing all of the cancer. The surgery would remove a large part of her pelvic wall and organs. The other option was to do another round of chemotherapy to extend her life and try to keep the cancer maintained. Doctors explained that with the chemotherapy option, it would be a matter of time before the cancer would eventually take over. With these two choices before her, Koopman decided to choose the surgery, which, if it was successful, would extend her life. On April 15th, Koopman was in surgery for six hours. She remained a patient at Avera for two weeks, and was released from the hospital. One week later, she was rehospitalized with a severe infection throughout her kidneys, in her abdominal area, and in her blood. Testing revealed that the infection was being caused by a leak in her bowel. Koopman, who is still in the hospital, is currently on complete IV nutrition, as the leak is still in the process of closing. Another surgery to fix the leak may be done in the near future, which would allow for a faster recovery. Koopman, and her daughter Stephanie, working through email and telephone calls, have shared the information that is contained in this article. It is of great importance to the family that the residents of the Fulda community understand how they have encouraged Jeanne and her family throughout this cancer journey. When Jeanne was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1999, she was employed as a paraprofessional at Fulda Elementary School. During her surgery and subsequent recovery, the staff brought meals to the house, helped with errands, and prayed for her to have a full recovery. In 2007, Koopman was once again blessed with the support of the Fulda community, friends, and family. A benefit was held to help pay living expenses as Jeanne was unable to work. At the time, she was preparing for her daughter Chelsie's graduation. She was amazed at how her family members and friends basically made the graduation event happen, "as if I wasn't even sick at the time." This month, a special event will take place on June 28th for the Koopman family when Stephanie will be united in marriage to Philip Culham. Once again, as this anticipated occasion draws near, friends and family have been a tremendous help in helping to prepare for the special day and make everything run smoothly. With pride, Stephanie reports, "Mom has been told that she tends to have a little bit of a stubborn attitude and that is what helps get her through the ups and downs. She is not going to let anything get the best of her. She figures that she's not ready to give up the fight so "bring it on", and she will deal with it as it comes. The support she has helps a lot. She knows that she is not fighting this alone." Jeanne's words express this knowledge as she stated, "I have my own little army behind me: my three amazing children, my special partner, Drew, and his children and grandkids, my mom and sisters, and my in-laws who have all been such wonderful help. The crew at Brian's Supper Club, New Dawn, Iron Horse Motorcycle Club, friends, and the entire Fulda community have all been fighting with me. There have also been numerous prayer chains going, and with those, and my faith in God, I know, will get me through." Jeanne has three children: Dallas, age 25, Stephanie, age 23, and Chelsie, age 18. Dallas is currently living and working in Sioux Falls, SD. Stephanie is living in Fulda for the month of June and after her wedding will move to Logansport, Indiana, where her fiance is employed as a youth pastor. Chelsie has just completed her first year at the University of Minnesota. She is working in Fulda during the summer months and will be returning to the college in the fall. Saturday's benefit for Jeanne will begin with a motorcycle run. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at Brian's Supper Club, Highway 59 South, Fulda, MN. The cost is $10.00 per person with all proceeds going to Jeanne. Beginning at 5 p.m., a benefit meal will be served at Brian's Supper Club with the menu consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, beans, salads, chips and bars. Serving will continue until the food is gone. A free will offering will be accepted with all proceeds going to Jeanne. The VanderBeek's, owners of Brian's Supper Club, have also pledged to donate $1.00 of every drink sold to the fund for Jeanne. Karaoke will follow the meal and a silent auction will be in progress. Over $1,000 of items have been donated for the auction. All proceeds from the auction will also go to the fund for Jeanne. A Benefit Fund has been established at First National Bank, Fulda. All donations are welcome! |
©Fulda Free Press 2010