January 10, 2014 at 4:57 p.m.
In Leanna's name: Friends, family, employer to hold fundraiser in memory of teen struck down by cancer
In Leanna's name: Friends, family, employer to hold fundraiser in memory of teen struck down by cancer
The 17-year-old's story was well documented, from her trip to Mexico for treatment to the designation of Leanna Kossack Day in Rhinelander by Mayor Dick Johns just days before her death, and her courage under unimaginable circumstances inspired the entire community.
Now, a year later, her friends, family and former employer are honoring her memory by holding a fundraiser for the foundation that bears her name, continuing her legacy of never-ending hope and remarkable good.
Throughout the month of January, yellow ribbons will be for sale at Dairy Queen in Rhinelander, where Leanna worked prior to her illness. The proceeds from each purchase will directly benefit the Leanna Kossack Sarcoma Foundation.
The Kossack family started the foundation after Leanna was diagnosed, with the goal of helping others dealing with the financial burden that comes when a family member must fight a serious disease.
Jaimie Kossack, Leanna's mother, said her daughter wanted to leave a legacy of hope for others.
"When she found out she was dying and there was nothing else she could do, she wanted to make sure the foundation would help local families," Kossack said. "It was Leanna's dream. We started it to cover her medical needs, but it was her wish to keep it going to help others."
With Leanna gone, it's up to others to carry that banner. For the majority of the time, that falls on Jaimie Kossack, who drums up support and administers funds to families in need.
This month though, as the anniversary of Leanna's death nears, others have taken up the cause.
Rachel Harder, Valerie Sielhauer and Stephanie Kuski worked with Leanna at Dairy Queen, but they weren't just coworkers. They were close friends.
"She was great to work with," Harder said. "She was a very hard worker and was polite with the customers, but also liked to joke around and have fun, which is why we got along so well."
Harder and the others decided they wanted help raise money for the foundation and thought a fundraiser at Dairy Queen would be a fitting tribute to their friend.
"We have kept in touch with her family and have seen what they've done with the foundation," Harder said. "They have already helped so many people. We haven't forgotten Leanna and we want to help others in her memory."
The three girls had an idea, but first they had to clear it with the man in charge at Dairy Queen, Don Harder. It wasn't hard to convince him to OK the project.
"I thought it was a great idea," Harder said. "I hired Leanna about two years ago around this time and she was a great girl. She was very friendly and outgoing. She became a part of the Dairy Queen family. Her family made numerous trips to Madison and other places (after she was diagnosed), and had so many expenses on top of everything. This foundation helps others with that burden now. It will be a year since she passed away, but we still feel the foundation is very important to people going through that battle. I think it's a great thing and I take my hat off to the girls who have spearheaded the fundraiser."
When Jaimie Kossack learned about the girls' plan to raise money for the foundation, she was thrilled and knew she wanted to be a part of it. So, on Jan. 28, the anniversary of Leanna's death, the entire family will be at Dairy Queen, wiping tables and handing out food, anything to help out. It will be an opportunity for people in the community to come out and learn about Leanna's story, the foundation and, most importantly, donate.
"The girls used to visit Leanna in Madison all the time, and Don would drive them all the way down there," Jaimie Kossack said. "Everyone is excited and happy. It's a sad time because it's the day she passed away. There will be a lot of remembering. The biggest thing though is following her wishes and that's what we're doing."
Rachel Harder said she was excited to hear the Kossacks would be helping out.
"I thought it was an absolutely wonderful idea," she said. "It shows that they want to help us raise the money and they're grateful that we're doing something. Jaimie told us we're the first to really come out and support the foundation like this since Leanna passed away. We want to still be there for her."
People who attend the fundraiser on Jan. 28 can donate any amount of money, not just the cost of a ribbon. All the money will be pooled into the foundation's funds.
"Any child with cancer can file for Social Security and get the medical card, but that doesn't pay for nearly enough," Jaimie Kossack said. "The gas money, the special food and all the hidden costs aren't covered. Our foundation wants to help with those costs. There are so many little things that aren't covered by insurance. Even something as simple as grocery money can mean so much to a family dealing with cancer."
The Kossacks will be a Dairy Queen from 2 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 28, exactly a year after Leanna Kossack succumbed to her cancer. Don Harder said he thinks the event will serve as an important reminder of the toll cancer takes on a family and a community.
"Some people in the community probably still don't realize exactly what they went through," he said. "People can come in that night and visit with the family and hear their story. Cancer doesn't discriminate who it attacks and to see them participate in this way and continue with the foundation is wonderful."
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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