April 12, 2017 at 3:02 p.m.
Benefit planned for day care owner battling cancer
Benefit planned for day care owner battling cancer
By Kayla Thomason-
Engstrom, owner of Tiny Tykes Daycare in Rhinelander, was diagnosed Feb. 15 with Stage II breast cancer and started chemotherapy March 16. After she completes six months of chemotherapy, she will undergo a double mastectomy.
Due to her illness, she has not been able to keep the day care open full time, and it is her only source of income.
"Her day care is her only source of income to be able to support her son, Teagan," said Jenny Kowalczyk, Engstrom's sister. "With having to miss work one day a week, and as she gets further into her treatments she may have to miss more due to feeling ill, her family and friends want to make sure the extra stress of bills at their home as well as making sure her business stays open and running, are the least of her worries and her main focus is to beat cancer."
Engstrom's son, Teagan, is 6 years old and he and her business are everything to her.
"Amanda works day and night to make her day care such a success; getting licenses, planning holiday parties, learning new songs to develop social skills, and always coming up with new ideas for her kids," Kowalczyk said. "Her business is more than a job, it is her passion, something she has dreamed of and worked hard for. Amanda has a giant heart and always willing to help anyone she can in any way she can, always putting others first before herself."
Engstrom is keeping her spirits up and continues to fight.
"The night after treatment she is a bit ill, but she is tough," her sister said. "Even with losing her hair, she has not slowed down. Right now she works four days a week with one day receiving treatment or labs. She is in high spirits and will continue to fight."
The public can help Engstrom by participating in the benefit.
There will be raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are $20 for arm length, $10 for 15, and $5 for 10. Participants don't need to be present to win, however here will be a few larger items that people must be present to win.
Raffle prizes include firearms, family photo sessions, a fishing trip valued at $400, pool stick, baskets and gift certificates from businesses, homemade jewelry, and more.
Those looking for a sweet treat will find some at the bake sale, which will include candy bars, cupcakes, cookies and more.
People can also enjoy pulled pork and a variety of soups while listening to live music performed by Scott Kirby and Dave Drivas.
"My family and I and Amanda's friends want to thank the community for the enormous amount of donations and well wishes we have been receiving, also the amount of people asking what they can do to help during this time! It is wonderful to see the community pulling together," Kowalczyk said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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