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An idea that started over three years ago is now a reality.  The Infusion Therapy Center at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center is now fully remodeled.  MCL Construction completed the work in December and patients have noticed.
 
"We are really excited about the final outcome," said Patty Bauer, Service Executive of Oncology Services at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.  "We really wanted a place that was warm and inviting for our patients."
 
Gone are the pink walls, the laminate countertop at the nurse's station, and the old carpet.  The Infusion Therapy Center is painted with brighter colors, the nurse's station has a solid surface top, and the floor is medical grade vinyl that gives the appearance of a hardwood floor.
 
"When I started, I really didn't know the difference, it's just how it was," said Amy Hartigan, a registered nurse at the Infusion Therapy Center.  "The new colors and the remodel brings a whole new attitude to the Infusion Center, to the patients, and the staff."
 
The project was made possible by the generous contributors to Scare Away Cancer. The annual event organized by the employees of MCL Construction raised money for the remodel for two years and contributed $80,000 to the Methodist Hospital Foundation to make construction possible.
 
"Scare Away Cancer is an awesome event," said Bauer. "It's amazing to be around people who have so much compassion for people they have never met before.  It's evident that the people who participate and donate are very genuine."
 
Scare Away Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Since 2010, the Halloween-themed event has raised over $500,000 for cancer patients and programs in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Scare Away Cancer is a 100% volunteer organization by the employees of MCL Construction.  The 2017 event will be held at Anthony's Steakhouse on October 28.

​The Omaha Lancers presented Scare Away Cancer with an $8,000 check at the non-profit organization's annual event on October 22, 2016. The money was raised through a jersey auction at an Omaha Lancers game earlier in October.

"We are humbled and grateful for the support," said Tony Fucinaro from Scare Away Cancer. "The Omaha Lancers are a great community partner and have been for many years. Their support of Scare Away Cancer allows us to reach more patients and families."

This was the second consecutive year the Lancers have held a Scare Away Cancer jersey auction. The sweaters were custom made and featured a Halloween theme design. 

"Scare Away Cancer is such a great organization," Said Omaha Lancers President Bryan Marshall. "The fact that it's run entirely by volunteers is so impressive. The jerseys were a big hit with our fans, and we look forward to doing it again next season."

Scare Away Cancer was founded in 2011; its mission is to help year-round, patients and families who are fighting cancer. Scare Away Cancer also gives support to local programs that provide services and treatments for cancer patients.

Featured at the sixth annual event, JoJo leGrange from Arlington, Nebraska. The seven-year-old fought brain cancer over the last year and a half. She was just told she is now cancer free! Scare Away Cancer also supported theLinear Accelerator project at Methodist Health Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs. The new machine provides cutting edge technology and treatment for patients in Southwest Iowa.

Donate today and make a difference is the lives of patients and families fighting and dealing with cancer.

​It is with great pleasure to announce that Scare Away Cancer 2016 is officially SOLD OUT!
 
It's a pleasure, and it's also humbling, to know what we have built an event that is in high demand because of its mission, its dedicated and generous sponsors, and its focus on fun when it comes to fundraising.
 
If you didn't get one of the coveted seats for Scare Away Cancer 2016, you could still make a difference by donating today. The Scare Away Cancer mission has expanded since we first started six years ago. We are now dedicated to helping patients and families year-round who need assistance. This year you will meet 7-year old JoJo LeGrange from Arlington, Nebraska. JoJo is fighting brain cancer and winning! This year we are also contributing to the Linear Accelerator project at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. This state-of-the-art technology delivers the best cancer treatment available to patients in southwest Iowa.
 
Scare Away Cancer is presented by MCL Construction and sponsored by: JR Barger and Sons, Prarie Mechanical, Tom Hansen Construction, Electric Company of Omaha, Allied Construction Services, McGill Asbestos, Peitzmeier Demolition, and the Omaha Lancers.
 
Scare Away Cancer is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer-run organization.  In its first five years, Scare Away Cancer has raised close to $500,000 for cancer patients, families, and programs. This year's sold-out event will once again be held at Anthony's Steakhouse on October 22, 2016.

​Golfing on a Monday -- it's a tough job, but somebody has to do it, right? The MCL Construction team hit the links on September 19th to play in the Drake-Williams Corporate Charity Challenge at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn. $30,000 was up for grabs and divided up for local charities.
 
"It's a great event," said MCL Construction Executive Vice President Gary Leapley. "It's a friendly competition where there are no losers because every charity is guaranteed to get at least $1,200."

​The MCL Construction team finished tied for fourth out of fifteen teams, shooting nine under par.  That finish, combined with additional money won on the course from a marshmallow drive, a frisbee toss, and a couple of birdie holes, won Scare Away Cancer $2,260. It was the second year Drake-Williams has hosted the Corporate Charity Challenge.  To date the event has contributed $5,660 to Scare Away Cancer.
 
In five years, Scare Away Cancer has raised close to $500,000 for cancer patients, their families, and programs to help in the assistance of cancer treatment.  The organization's rapid growth has allowed contributing to patients and families throughout the year.  If you know someone who needs assistance, please fill out this application.
 
Scare Away Cancer's major fundraising event is coming up on October 22 at Anthony's Steakhouse. This event is the premier costume party in Omaha; there is still time to purchase tickets or a corporate table.  Hurry, because the event sells out fast.

​Scare Away Cancer's annual Boo Brew at Nebraska Brewing Company was a huge success.
 
An estimated crowd of 200 people gathered to raise a pint (or two) to help in the fight against cancer. $3,700 was raised for Scare Away Cancer, a nonprofit organization that supports patients and families who have immediate needs.  The organization also supports cancer programs that provide treatment and services to cancer patients. This year, Scare Away Cancer is helping the Linear Accelerator project at Methodist Health Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
 
"It's inspiring to everyone come and support our cause," said MCL Construction Senior Vice President Tony Fucinaro. "I think this event is a success because it's low key and very relaxed. Everyone here considers each other friends."
 
Scare Away Cancer is an all-volunteer organization started by the employees of MCL Construction. This year, Boo Brew 3 was supported by a team of volunteers from the Lincoln Financial Group. Its team was instrumental in driving presale tickets to the event, checking in guests, selling raffle tickets, and organizing basket raffle prizes.
 
Scare Away Cancer's feature event is coming up on October 22 at Anthony's Steakhouse. If you haven't been to our Halloween costume bash, you are missing out! Purchase individual tickets or an entire table by clicking here.
 
If you were not able to come to Boo Brew and find yourself inspired by those who did, please feel free to make a donation to help us continue our mission of helping, helping in any way we can.

​Looking for a great way to help fight cancer? Raise a pint, or two, or three!
 
Save the date for Scare Away Cancer's Boo Brew 3 at the Nebraska Brewing Company Tap Room (6950 S 108 St), July 21 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. If you haven't tried the great beers from Nebraska Brewing Company, you are in for a treat. If you have, you know exactly how delightful a brewski can and should taste.
 
Not much has changed from our first two Boo Brew events. Tickets are available at the door; $10 will get you a souvenir glass and your first beer. Refills are just $5!
 
This event keeps getting bigger so plan on having fun! The employees at Lincoln Financial Group are already getting in the spirit volunteering their time to help promote the event and pre-sell glasses and tickets. This dedicated group will be at Nebraska Brewing Company on the night of the event helping out and making sure you have a great time.
 
Scare Away Cancer is now in its sixth year, and we have raised almost $500,000 for cancer patients and programs in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.  Our support has expanded from a one-time yearly donation to the ability to help out year-round and fight a disease that affects each and every one of us.
 
Here's a challenge: (I hope you have read this far) share this post with two friends on your social media channels and invite them to come.  Let's fill up the Tap Room and make Boo Brew 3 the biggest and best yet.  If, by chance (and it better be a slim chance), you can make the event, please consider a donation to Scare Away Cancer. We are a 100% all-volunteer organization; your money is helping families and making a difference in the quality of care patients get.

​Omaha Gives! is just around the corner. The community day of giving organized by the Omaha Community Foundation takes place on Thursday, May 25. Scare Away Cancer is participating in the 24-hour charitable challenge for the first time; we ask you to consider us for a scheduled donation so we can continue our mission of directly helping patients and families fighting cancer.

Recently, we presented a check for $8,250 to five-year-old Sydney Gatzemeyer and her family.  Sydney was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma at the age of three. In November of last year, she had a second surgery to remove a mass on the right side of her brain. Chemotherapy started in January at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, TN. Sydney was able to have her February treatments in Omaha. She will travel back and forth from Omaha to Memphis throughout the treatment cycle and have MRIs every three months to make sure the treatment is working.
 
We first heard about Sydney's case from Paulette Theisen, the Assistant Principal at St. James/Seton School. Sydney started the school year enrolled in the five-day prekindergarten program but had to stop attending to fight her cancer. If possible, Sydney comes to school once a month to visit classmates.
 
"I have seen her spirit grow and touch the hearts of many that come in contact with Sydney," said Theisen. "She has been a huge positive influence on our students here at St. James/Seton."
 
Sydney has tremendous community support and we are honored to help in a small way that helps ease the burden that comes with fighting this terrible disease. 

​Scare Away Cancer started almost six years ago as an all-volunteer effort of the employees at MCL Construction. Our mission is to give direct financial assistance tocancer patients and their families as well ascancer programs that benefit cancer patients and survivors.
 
AsOmaha Gives! approaches, remember Sydney's story and the fact that there are hundreds more just like hers here in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. Your gift makes a difference! Also, make plans now to attend our sixth annual Halloween event on October 22nd at Anthony's Steakhouse.
 
Do you know of a patient or a family that needs help in their fight against Cancer? Fill out our gift application and tell us more. Cancer is a personal battle, but it shouldn’t be one that is fought alone.

Scare Away Cancer, an all-volunteer organization by the employees of MCL Construction, donated $50,000 to the Infusion Center remodel project at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.
 
"The support we get from our sponsors and donors is tremendous," said MCL Construction Senior Vice President Tony Fucinaro. "Without them and their belief in our mission, this gift would not be possible."
 
The current Infusion Therapy Center was built 20 years ago when Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center opened to provide cancer care for our Omaha community.  It is in need of renovation.
 
"The very generous gift we received from Scare Away Cancer will make our goal of refurbishing the Infusion Center a reality.  Updating the physical environment will enhance the patient experience by creating an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and healing," said Patty Bauer, Service Executive at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.
 
Often, patients can spend six to eight hours a day, five days a week, receiving treatment.  The Infusion Therapy Center becomes a patient’s home-away-from-home during chemotherapy treatments. 
 
In total, Scare Away Cancer has donated $80,000 to the project that is scheduled to begin soon.
 
Scare Away Cancer, now in its fifth year, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  It has raised over $400,000 through fundraising efforts to support cancer programs as well as patients and families fighting cancer.
 
You can donate to Scare Away Cancer by clicking here.  Make sure to save the date for Scare Away Cancer 2016, October 22, at Anthony's Steakhouse.