Kari Rankins is passionate about giving back. And when she has a passion for something, she’s all in.
Wanting to show her gratitude for the care she received from Rush Copley’s Midwest Center for Advanced Imaging (MCAI) and Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center, the retired Boeing executive recently participated in a motorcycle run to raise funds for Waterford Place.
Then, she hosted a dance to raise awareness of, and benefit, Waterford Place. Raising more than $3,500, the event featured a one-man band, raffles and a silent auction. The event was such a success that she plans to make it an annual event.
She also shared the story of her experience with breast cancer in a video called “Kari’s Story.”
Her story began with a mammogram at MCAI. Although the results were normal, Kari received a call from the center’s High Risk Breast Clinic recommending an Automated Breast Ultrasound or ABUS, an additional screening that helps detect breast cancer sooner in dense breasts. The ABUS detected cancer, and Kari had a double mastectomy.
She soon learned about the services Waterford Place provides to people affected by cancer, and she knew she needed them. She benefited from the reading material and programs offered, including counseling, massage and a support group. Waterford Place even helped her get prosthetics and bras.
Kari is now cancer-free and grateful for the early detection. She wonders how bad her cancer might have been if it had gone undetected for another year. And she is grateful to Waterford Place for the support she received.
“Waterford Place provides incredible services to help people get through whatever situation they’re going through during their cancer journey,” she says.
In addition to her philanthropical support, she soon will be volunteering at Waterford Place a couple of times a week because she knows that sharing her experience can help others.
“Volunteering at Waterford Place is something I’m going to feel really good about,” she says. “I need to pay back and support my local community any way I can.”
