About Us...
The Team Vogel vs Cancer board is a volunteer group, working with the Winona community, finding ways to raise funds and provide support to families in the Winona area dealing with the overwhelming struggles caused by cancer. Please contact teamvogelvscancer@gmail.com if you would like to become a board member, or assist as a volunteer.
(Front row) Terry Gray, Tom Vogel, Mary Vogel, Mary Kosel, (back row) Jeff Hubbard, Julie Biggerstaff, Bea Salisbury, Amanda Weifenbach, Christine Windsor, Scott Christiansen, Jessica Schmidt, Kristin Biesanz
Where We Began... Joe's Journey = Team Vogel vs. Cancer
Joe was diagnosed with colon cancer on May 12th, 2006. After an extensive surgery to remove part of his colon, chemotherapy began on July 17th for 8 weeks, followed by six weeks of continued chemotherapy, plus radiation. This round of treatment then ended with another 8 weeks of chemotherapy. Joe fought through all of the pain and side effects with a smile on his face and a truly inspiring attitude. He remained cancer free for almost three years.
Then, in April 2009, Joe began having severe headaches and learned that the cancer had returned and spread to his brain. On May 28th, 2009 he began full brain radiation to stop the growth of the three tumors. On July 1st, he received his first of three Gamma Knife procedures. He then received chemotherapy to fight the tumors that developed in the rest of his body. Ultimately, Joe and his family decided to stop treatment in the spring of 2010 as the treatments were no longer working. Joe wanted a chance to enjoy life. After this decision, Joe and his wife, Rachel, were able to take a few trips together and spend more quality time with friends and family.
Joe and his family were overwhelmed by the support they received from friends, family, co-workers and the community during his journey. In January 2010, Joe made a vow to "Pay It Forward" and help other families in the Winona area dealing with cancer. He enlisted the help of his support system, Team Vogel, and on June 26th, 2010 the first annual Team Vogel vs. Cancer event was held. Over $35,000 was raised and donated to six area families as well as cancer research facilities Gundersen Lutheran Foundation and Fransiscan Skemp Cancer Center.
Team Vogel lost their honorary president Joe on August 6th, 2010 but a vow has been made to never stop believin' that a cure can be found and the Team Vogel vs. Cancer event will live on in Joe's name. Please consider donating, now or at future events, so that more families can benefit from Joe's dream to "Pay It Forward." Thank you for your support of Team Vogel vs. Cancer.
For more information on Joe's battle with cancer, click here. You can find his obituary here.
Then, in April 2009, Joe began having severe headaches and learned that the cancer had returned and spread to his brain. On May 28th, 2009 he began full brain radiation to stop the growth of the three tumors. On July 1st, he received his first of three Gamma Knife procedures. He then received chemotherapy to fight the tumors that developed in the rest of his body. Ultimately, Joe and his family decided to stop treatment in the spring of 2010 as the treatments were no longer working. Joe wanted a chance to enjoy life. After this decision, Joe and his wife, Rachel, were able to take a few trips together and spend more quality time with friends and family.
Joe and his family were overwhelmed by the support they received from friends, family, co-workers and the community during his journey. In January 2010, Joe made a vow to "Pay It Forward" and help other families in the Winona area dealing with cancer. He enlisted the help of his support system, Team Vogel, and on June 26th, 2010 the first annual Team Vogel vs. Cancer event was held. Over $35,000 was raised and donated to six area families as well as cancer research facilities Gundersen Lutheran Foundation and Fransiscan Skemp Cancer Center.
Team Vogel lost their honorary president Joe on August 6th, 2010 but a vow has been made to never stop believin' that a cure can be found and the Team Vogel vs. Cancer event will live on in Joe's name. Please consider donating, now or at future events, so that more families can benefit from Joe's dream to "Pay It Forward." Thank you for your support of Team Vogel vs. Cancer.
For more information on Joe's battle with cancer, click here. You can find his obituary here.