Second Annual WE CAN Cure-a-Thon Begins April 28

Raising Money for Cancer Research and Patient Assistance in Nebraska

Omaha, Neb – Taking a hard line against cancer. That’s the mission of a continuing alliance between The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and NRG Media. It’s also the focus of a fundraising effort set to begin this week, called “WE CAN.”

“Our radio stations and on-air staff are so committed to doing this,” said Andy Ruback, general manager of NRG. “We are proud to stand alongside some of the brightest minds in cancer research, treatment and education and lend our full support to making a difference for people here in the communities where we live and work.”

Last April, the WE CAN Cure-a-Thon raised $30,000 for cancer research and patient assistance at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The donated funds help advance cutting-edge research, while meeting some of the financial needs of current cancer patients and families by providing lodging, meal cards and transportation costs associated with ongoing therapies. From its inception, the $323 million Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center has been a model of community partnership between private donors, public investment and individual fundraising efforts.

“Those initial investments are what put up the physical structure of the cancer center,” said Sarah Thayer, MD, PhD, physician in chief of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “Ongoing support from the community with the help of NRG will allow us to build strong programs to care for our patients.”

This year’s WE CAN event is set to run April 28-29 on all seven NRG Media radio stations: 98.5 FM, 106.9 FM, 101.9 FM, 1020 AM, 1290 AM, 1620 AM and 1180 AM. Listeners of diverse types of music, talk and sports will hear stories of the milestones achieved at Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, along with bold plans for the future – building the nation’s finest cancer research and treatment facility here in Omaha. Most importantly, they’ll hear from patients who’ve benefited from the care, treatment and research provided at the med center.

“My experience as a breast cancer patient has been second to none,” describes Ashli Brehm. “The doctors have been committed to my care in such a way that I feel like I’m their primary patient. They work together as a team and provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ when it comes to all components of my treatment plan. I’ve been impressed by the way they’re using the most current and even upcoming treatments and technologies. I don’t ever, for a moment, second-guess my choices at Nebraska Medicine. Serious medicine is saving my life.”

“It’s very eye-opening to hear these types of patient stories. It puts a face to the entire WE CAN campaign,” adds Crash Davis, morning show host on 101.9 The Keg. “Every one of us knows somebody affected by cancer. It’s so important for us to help these families.”

From 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., NRG and med center staff members will be answering pledge calls in a call center at NRG Media headquarters in Midtown Omaha. People are encouraged to call 800.200.9506 (English) and 800.200.9507 (Spanish). Donations will also be accepted 24/7 online at: https://nufoundation.org/wecan.

“It’s so easy to make a monthly, annual donation. You’re investing in yourself and the future,” explains Jenny, midday host on Q98.5. “We need to keep the research going. Having research in the same building as patient care is very unique and groundbreaking. It benefits our entire community.”

This year, two Omaha businesses are stepping up and giving back to WE CAN in big ways. Access Bank has committed $5,000 and Jams is donating ten percent of all wine sales (at both locations), along with extra tips.

“Support like this is absolutely essential,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “We know with strong and dedicated support, we are truly building for the future and making a cancer center that will change the lives of so many patients and their families, but will also make the state of Nebraska stronger.”

To learn more about WE CAN, watch this YouTube video.

ABOUT THE FRED & PAMELA BUFFETT CANCER CENTER

A joint venture of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which is under construction and scheduled to open in early 2017, is designed to lead the world in cancer education, research and care.

ABOUT NRG MEDIA-Omaha

NRG Media-Omaha operates seven diverse radio brands (Q98-5,1620 the Zone, 1290 KOIL, Power 106.9, 101.9 The KEG, 1020 La Nueva, & 1180 Zone2), HuskerMax.com, Search and Surf (Search Engine Marketing), and NRG-LiveEvents. NRG-Omaha reaches nearly 500,000 listeners, generates over 7,000,000 monthly pageviews, and has nearly 200,000 social media followers.