2015
On May 2nd, 2015, we honored the following families:
Pete Kalan
Pete Kalan was diagnosed with stage four-brain cancer last July, after a brain tumor was found to be the cause of some sudden debilitating symptoms. Since the diagnosis he has bravely undergone a six week round of radiation treatment and several rounds of chemotherapy, which have improved his condition. Despite a discouraging prognosis, that includes very little chance of a full recovery, significant improvement has been made through treatment and he has remained continually optimistic. Pete is very grateful for the overwhelming support from family and friends that has fueled his efforts towards recovery and his positive perseverance.
Pete worked at Federated Insurance for 33 years, retiring at the end of 2014. Pete has been married to his wife Kelly for over 33 years and has three children; Joey (and wife Kaitlin) live in Minneapolis, Ryan (and new wife Nicole) live in California, and Amy, is a sophomore in high school. Pete has been the voice of Owatonna Hockey for 14 years announcing both the OHS Boys and Steele County Blades Junior hockey games. He would also jump in whenever needed at OHS girl’s hockey games, band festivals, football games and Community Band. Since retiring, he has been enjoying the extra time to spend with friends and family.
Paul Grannes
Paul Grannes moved to Owatonna in ’02, and became a part of Judy Barlow and son’s family, married in August of ’03. Judy, a single mom with 3 boys, Jeff, Justin and Josh
had prayed for a man of integrity with great heart to come into their lives. Many of you have witnessed the incredible bond Paul has with Josh (special buddy) showing him amazing love and care each day. Paul and Judy both work for Wenger Corporation, very family oriented; “their Wenger team”. Paul enjoys time with family and friends and is an avid golfer and whitetail deer archery hunter.
Paul was feeling healthy and was very active as he went for a regular health screening at age 50. This is where, we learned of his enlarged prostate and high PSA score. On December
18th, they got life changing results from the prostate biopsy that he has an aggressive, high risk prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9. After numerous trips to Rochester Mayo, they were given grim news that Paul has Stage 4 prostate cancer and it has metastasized to his bones. His aggressive treatment started in January with an outstanding team of Mayo doctors.
It includes several sessions of chemotherapy intermittent with hormone therapy, followed by SBRT radiation. PET scans will be done as needed to target missed cancer and recurrent
cancer.
Paul will continue treatment as needed until a cure is found for this complex cancer. He and Judy are of strong faith and together with loving family, caring friends and a supportive
community are trying to remain positive and embrace each day. Finally, they feel Paul’s age, strength and competitive, athletic background with strong determination will beat this!
Tracy Williams
Tracy Williams was diagnosed with stage 2B, Grade 3 breast cancer in August 2014. Her treatment began immediately with 5 months of weekly chemotherapy treatments in Rochester. Once the chemotherapy treatments were completed, Tracy underwent significant surgery in January 2015 and will continue with IV Herceptin treatments every 3 weeks through September 2015. Her treatment plan in battling this cancer includes an additional surgery this upcoming summer as well.
Tracy is an Owatonna native (1985 OHS graduate) & is mom to Alisha (24), Nicole (21), Rachel (16) & Zachary (13). She has been self employed as a home daycare provider for 22 years & loves spending her spare time cheering on her kids in their many activities!
Tracy is so very grateful for all the love and support she has received and continues to receive from her family and friends as well as her current daycare families who have stuck by her throughout these chaotic past 6 months! An extra special thank you to her 16 year old daughter, Rachel, who has taken on way more than any 16 year old should ever have to, her close family friend, Melissa Mogen, who has come to her home weekly to care for her daycare children while Tracy has had appointments and her mom and dad for spending countless hours with her at appointments in Rochester! Strength comes in being surrounded by those who give from their heart!