Magic Moments: Menard Family
A cancer diagnosis is a lot for a family to handle. It’s even worse when it’s a second occurrence of breast cancer — and devastating when the cancer spreads throughout the body. That’s the case for Dawn Menard, whose second breast cancer diagnosis quickly ballooned into facing nine different tumors in her brain.
Dawn is a fighter and has been facing her disease with bravery and strength, but it’s taken a toll on her and her children: 25-year-old Phylisha, 23-year-old twins Chellsea and Catina, 15-year-old Aaron, and 9-year-old Robert. While friends have stepped up and helped out as much as they can, there isn’t much family support outside of Dawn’s mother, LeNee, and the family is struggling to make ends meet while Dawn undergoes chemotherapy, radiation, and many horrible side effects.
Daughter Chellsea provided one of two nominations for Dawn to receive a Magic Moment; the other came from son Robert’s YMCA Jets football team. Chellsea filled in details of Dawn’s diagnoses and spoke about how hard it has been on Dawn and her two sons who live at home, but that Dawn continues to put others first and would do anything for anyone. Roxanne from the YMCA Jets spoke on behalf of the whole team about how special Dawn and Robert (and Grandma LeNee) had become to the team and how deserving they are of a really special holiday. Union Bank is only too happy to help make some magic happen for this remarkable woman and her family.
A holiday to remember
Though it was hard for Dawn to name gifts for herself — it was all about her children for her! — UBT wanted to make sure that Dawn and her boys were given plenty of surprises for their Magic Moment. Dawn enjoys spending time with her friends and family above all else, and her boys have fun and unique interests of their own: Robert is an avid football lover, and Aaron is really into anime and drawing.
For Dawn, Union Bank was able to secure a new king-sized bed and some comfy UGG boots to help her relax and feel comfortable when her body is feeling weak. We also gave her gift cards for gas from Super C and groceries from Walmart, plus three hours of home organization and tidying services from Clean & Clutter Free in Omaha. She also received four tickets to the Bandstand Musical at the Lied Center.
Robert received a twin loft bed with a desk, mattress, desk chair, and bedding featuring his favorite NFL team, the Browns. He also received new clothing and three 60-minute football training sessions from the FUNdamental Athletics Academy. Aaron got a brand new drawing tablet, plus lots of drawing supplies and new clothes. The family also got passes to YMCA, Escape Lincoln, and Marcus Theaters to have some special outings together.
We’re hoping the family will soon hear some good news from the doctor, but until then, we’re wishing them the very best this holiday season and beyond.
