“Pink the Rink” shoots to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer

Dubuque Fighting Saints will be dropping the gloves in the fight against breast cancer when they host the Chicago Steel at 7:05 p.m. for their annual “Pink the Rink” night, Saturday, Oct. 11, at ImOn Arena—proceeds from the 50/50 raffle benefit the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center. 

MercyOne is pleased to team up with the Dubuque Fighting Saints for the fourth consecutive year for “Pink the Rink,” a fundraiser aimed at raising funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. 

Dropping the puck before this year’s game will be cancer survivor Jenny Corkery. Just over a year ago, at age 45, Corkery was diagnosed, after a routine mammogram, with a form of breast cancer called invasive ductal carcinoma. Her cancer was found to be hormone-positive, HER2-negative, and aggressive.

She’s been getting annual mammograms since she was 28 due to her family history, and thankfully, providers at MercyOne caught her cancer early.

With a strong family history of cancer on both sides and a high risk of recurrence, Corkery decided to undergo a double mastectomy. She then started a complex treatment plan that included chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.

“Mammograms absolutely save lives. I am forever grateful to my medical team at MercyOne. They are outstanding and compassionate caregivers to their patients,” Corkery said. “Dubuque is blessed with the best at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center.” 

But cancer isn’t just a medical journey — it’s an emotional one. There were times when Corkery needed someone to talk to. What began as a brief check-in often turned into an hour-long, heartfelt conversation. More importantly, she left feeling heard, supported, and never alone.

Thanks to her nurse navigator, expert care team and MercyOne’s close-to-home cancer center, Corkery found strength in every step.

“I have the best medical team anyone could ask for,” she said. “They saw my tears, listened to my fears, and never rushed me.”

“At MercyOne, we know life can take unexpected turns. That’s why we’re here — with advanced treatment options, compassionate experts and personalized care to guide you from diagnosis to survivorship,” said Jackie Bierman, director of the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

• Last year, the funds raised were allocated to the Cancer Center and supported our patients through various programs, including the Cancer S.A.F.E. Fund and our survivorship program.
• In June 2020, we opened the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center and made a promise to provide the highest standards of cancer care so people dealing with the tough news of a cancer diagnosis could receive the best care right here in Dubuque.
• The holistic services at the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center include medical oncology and hematology services (delivered by our Medical Associates Clinic partners).
• Please stop by our booth to participate in our 50/50 raffle.
• Fans will have the opportunity to donate via a QR code displayed on the video board during the game.