Backyard Bash Benefiting Cancer embodies spirit of love
September 11, 2024For the past decade, the annual Backyard Bash Benefiting Cancer (BBB) has united North Iowa community members to support and raise funds for those affected by cancer. In 2014, after several close friends were diagnosed with the disease, Melanie Sewell and MercyOne North Iowa anesthesiologist Dr. Wade Sewell felt compelled to help.
Driven by their deep-rooted family values of faith, service, and compassion, they were determined to make a meaningful difference in the face of hopelessness. Along with friends from a local mom's group and their spouses, MercyOne North Iowa ENT Dr. Tim Dettmer and Board of Trustees member Pastor Dan Gerrietts also played a key role in the event’s long-time success.
“We started the BBB on a whim,” reflects Melanie, “but the vision quickly revealed itself as love made visible. I think that anytime someone acts out of love and a desire to serve others, good follows.”
Since it began, the BBB has embodied the spirit of love made visible. Numerous individuals and groups have donated their time and talents to provide entertainment, food, and more to ensure an enjoyable event for all attendees. Over the years, supporters have raised nearly $100,000 to directly help those affected by cancer in North Iowa. This philanthropy benefits the MercyOne North Iowa Foundation’s Cancer Patient Support Fund. The fund helps cover the cost of various barriers for cancer patients, such as providing financial help for transportation to treatment appointments or supporting purchases of personal care items from the Cancer Center Boutique.
One patient who received help from funds raised by the BBB needed essential medical procedures before starting their primary treatment. Without transportation to attend the appointments, funding from the BBB covered the transportation costs and ensured the patient received the crucial care needed. Reflecting on the support received because of BBB funding, the patient expressed their gratitude, saying, “It was perfect! Thank you!
This year marked the final BBB fundraiser, and the community responded with extraordinary generosity. Friends, family and community leaders ended the event with its most successful year yet, raising over $20,000 for cancer patient support.
The success of the BBB is simply a result of many good people wanting to love and serve others,” Melanie concludes. The BBB is love made visible. And that can be done in many different and small ways.
