News / Happenings

BK Honored at the 2012 Pennsylvania Spirit of Hospitality Awards

The BK Hope Cures initiative was recently honored at the 2012 Pennsylvania Spirit of Hospitality Awards Program in Harrisburg, PA.  Bob received the Community Service Award for his efforts, with the help of his family’s business resources at Woodloch, in raising funds and awareness in the battle against cancer.

The Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association presents the Pennsylvania Spirit Hospitality awards as a measure of honoring exceptional performance, commitment and achievements in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Woodloch’s resources certainly contribute to the success of the Hope Cures fundraisers but it is Bob’s dedication, passion and ability to offer hope to those affected by cancer that moves people to participate, volunteer and contribute.

LIVESTRONG President’s Circle, July 2011We are honored to be team member of the LIVESTRONG President’s Circle.  The President’s Circle is a select set of philanthropic individuals with a unique purpose: to support innovative mission-focused opportunities where other funding may not be available.  It is a fundamental pillar of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. This leadership group ensures that LIVESTRONG continues to inspire & empower people affected by cancer and fight for the 28 million people worldwide living with the disease today.

Immunotherapy research

The BK effort has made a sizable commitment of $50,000 to fund immunotherapy research which will result in a $100.000 contribution with the aid of a $ for $ match by the Bezos Family Immunotherapy Pledge. This revolutionary research is being conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. It has the potential to be a “game-changer” in how cancer is treated.

An individual’s own immune system is comprised of antibodies and T-cells that can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact. This type of therapy could eliminate the use of conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation which are highly toxic to the body.

These advances have come about through years of hard work & research. “The latest discoveries have enormous implications for immunotherapy and offer an unprecedented opportunity to save lives.” The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Bob & Joan were invited in October of 2010 to NYC for an intimate gathering with the Bezos Family, other contributors and the two leading researchers/physicians, Dr. Fred Appelbaum & Dr. Stanley Riddell.

Bob’s Story Published with Other Inspirational Survivors!

I was honored to have my personal story published along with other survivors in a book recently published by author Tami Boehmer, “From Incurable to Incredible”. The goal of the book is to inspire others who are impacted by cancer or obstacles in their lives. I have included more information below from Tami’s website along with a link to purchase the book: www.miraclesurvivors.com there is an icon on the upper right corner of the webpage that allows you to purchase and/or read reviews.

From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds
Authored by Tami Boehmer

“From Incurable to Incredible is a book that everyone should read because it is filled with the wisdom of those who have confronted their mortality and let it become their teacher.”

— Bernie Siegel, M.D.-Best-selling author of Love, Medicine and Miracles; Faith, Hope and Healing, and dozens of other books.

From Incurable to Incredible features 27 stories of cancer survivors who shocked everyone by overcoming a terminal prognosis. You’ll learn about Dave Massey, who in 1986 and again in 1997, was given six months to live. Today, he runs marathons and speaks at cancer centers nationwide to spread his message of hope.

Paul Falk, diagnosed 23 years ago at age 9 with acute leukemia, describes how his doctors wondered if he would survive two weeks. A year later, he wowed everyone by becoming the personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush.

And then there’s Mary Jacobson who, after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, bought a coffin and made arrangements for her young daughter. Fifteen years later, she competes in Strong Woman competitions and pulls planes, trains and automobiles for charity.

The book includes discussion questions, a list of common attributes these survivors share, as well insights on survivorship by best-selling author Bernie Siegel and Doug Ulman, CEO and president of LIVESTRONG.

Hope Cures Effort Recognized at Mass General Hospital Cancer Center’s Annual One in One Hundred Event held at the Westin Boston Waterfront, Boston, MA

Bob was honored to be selected as part of The One Hundred, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s annual event recognizing one hundred individuals and groups whose diligence and discoveries, philanthropy and passion have helped advance the fight against cancer.

As part of “The One Hundred”, Hope Cures was honored at a dinner on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at the Westin Boston Waterfront. Ted Kennedy, Jr. was among the special guests, and spoke at the event. Funds raised at the gala went to support the Cancer Center’s patient care, research, education and community outreach programs.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is an integral part of one of the world’s most distinguished academic medical centers. Their commitment to eradicating cancer is fueled by scientific investigation conducted as part of the largest hospital-based research program in the United States.

Woodloch & Hope Cures Initiative receives PMVB’s Community Service Award

The Community Service Award was presented to Bob & Joan Kiesendahl, representing their grassroots cancer fundraising efforts in conjunction with Woodloch May 13, 2009 at Shawnee Resort.

Kiesendahl receives “Livestrong” award

Bob Kiesendahl, one of five notable persons from across the country, was awarded the Lance Armstrong’s foundation “LIVESTRONG” Survivor of the Year award in a ceremony in Philadelphia. Bob is an ten-year leukemia cancer survivor who was treated at the Penn State Cancer Institute.
More than 2,700 cyclists, runners and walkers, along with 500 volunteers, from 34 states and seven countries took part in the Lance Armstrong Foundations’ LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia presented by Nike.

“Shred” for the Cure

On Sunday, January 30, 2011, Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain held Winter Carnival Shred for Cancer – a fundraiser which benefited the Livestrong Foundation. The event was organized by Wayne Highlands student, Jeremy Taninies, for his high school senior project. Jeremy approached Bob Kiesendahl with his project idea and looking for some guidance in benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation with Bob’s Hope Cures Fund.

With the support of Ski Big Bear, Jeremy planned a great day including ski/snowboard races, big air contest, rail jam, scavenger hunt and lunch tray races. The fundraising partnership proved very successful raising $1800.00. We thank everyone who was involved including Sawmill Cycles & NE Wilderness Experience, IceWorks, our volunteers & especially Ski Big Bear & Jeremy Taninies. Jeremy showed great initiative & followed through in every way – an admirable young man supporting a worthy

Mother Nature gave us a lot of rain this year, but she could not dampen our spirit! The Hope Cures Ride combined the efforts of Baer Sports Center & Woodloch again this year in a fundraising event that benefited the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Through pouring rain, 50 riders still showed along with many others who stopped in to drop off donations. The gathering at Fantasy Island was festive as usual even with lower #’s due to the weather.

Some of the award winners this year: Kirsti Longyour, Top Fundraiser with $945.00!! Youngest Rider, Jillian Helfrich age 11, Most “Mature” Rider, Howard Steeple, Largest Club, The Hamlin Hawgs, Farthers Rider, Frank from Dover, NJ! Steve Schuster from Lakeville, PA was the winner of the Polaris Sportsman 4-Wheeler!!

We are looking forward to next year’s event – which will take place in August 2010 – date to be announced in the near future!

THANK YOU to all of our sponsors & participants for supporting the fight against cancer and creating hope for others in the battle!

Woodloch & Hope Cures Initiative receives PMVB’s Community Service Award – The Community Service Award was presented to Bob & Joan Kiesendahl, representing their grassroots cancer fundraising efforts in conjunction with Woodloch May 13, 2009 at Shawnee Resort.