Knowledge, hope and inspiration are essential elements in the fight against cancer.  Patients and their families have to learn it and live it together.  In essence, an entire family becomes "survivors."  In America alone, there are approximately 10.8 million people living with a history of cancer as well as millions more who have been touched by the disease.

As a survivor celebrating a personal victory, or a friend or family member honoring a loved-one's battle, you can volunteer for the Ambassador of Hope Gala team by sharing your reflections regarding your battle with cancer at the 2008 Gala.  The Ambassador of hope Gala is a fundraiser for cancer research which benefits the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Eppley Cancer Center in Omaha, NE.  The event, held every two years, features a keynote speaker, an award ceremoney, auction, and dinner.

The 2008 Gala will be held Saturday, October 18 at the Qwest Center Omaha at 7:00 p.m.  The honored guest is Robin Roberts, co-host of ABC's Good Morning America and a breast cancer survivor.  The event is hosted by the Friends of Eppley Cancer Center, a community-based volunteer group committed to raising funds for cancer research in Nebraska.

If you woul like to volunteer as a representative of Hope we would ask you to learn more at www.nebraskahope.org or contact Melonie Welsh at (402)502-4117 of This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Co-Chairs Ken & Annie Bird and Steve & Amy Lindsay present a check to Dave Karnes for $151,000 during the 2008 Kicks for a Cure event. Photo courtesy of Sara Rogers Photography.

The 2008 Kicks for a Cure Event brought in record numbers, both in fans and money raised to support Liz's Legacy.  The event, held April 19-20, 2008, raised $151,500 for research projects at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center and the Hereditary Cancer Center at Creighton University.

Chris Strickland, Kalen Karnes and Courtney Smith cross the finish line.

We enjoyed another successful Mother's Day run in New York City's Central Park and corresponding Liz's legacy fundraiser.  The 10-mile race on May 11th, 2008 was completed by my sister Laurel and myself (Kalen Karnes), as well as our boyfriends and close friends. 

  BK Beat Cancer for Kids was established through the generosity of Burger King Restaurants, owned and operated by SimmondsRestaurant Management in Omaha, Nebraska.  The partnership between SRM/Burger King and UNMC Eppley Cancer Cener has been instrumental in the fight against childhood cancer.  The program is one of many outreach and fundraising programs benefiting Liz'sLegacy, the Fund to Advance Cancer Research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer.

Throughout the past 4 years, over $540,000 has been raised for pediatric cancer research by this campaign.

Building upon this success, Burger king Restaurants have kicked-off the 5th Annual BK Beat Cancer for Kids campaign with high goals again this year.  For the first time this year, the Grand Prize winner will drive away with a 2008 Mazda CX-7 from the Woodhouse Auto Family!   Visit www.bkbeatcancerforkids.org to see  how you can help us meet a new goal.