Oct. 7, 2004

Union professor awarded Local Hero Award during Tour of Hope rally

LINCOLN—Laura Karges’s friends and colleagues at Union College already know she is a hero. But on Oct. 5 she was publicly recognized for her personal strength. Karges, an associate professor of nursing at Union, received a Local Hero Award during Lincoln’s Tour of Hope rally at Bryan LGH Medical Center. During the event, Karges shared her personal journey since her breast cancer diagnosis two years ago, and how she chose to give back to the community through participating in a clinical trial.
        “So many people shared their time and helped me in many ways,” Karges said. “Being a part of a clinical trial was one gift I could give back.”
        The award, an enlarged, framed replica of the breast cancer awareness stamp, was presented by Lincoln’s postmaster general, Douglas Emery, for Karges’s courage and commitment to participating in cancer research.
        “It was wonderful to see Laura recognized,” said Karen Minear, nursing office manager at Union, who was with Karges when she was diagnosed with cancer. “I was so proud of her endurance and willingness to share with the community.”
        In association with Lance Armstrong, the Tour of Hope is a 3,500-mile bicycle relay that is raising money and awareness for cancer research. The Tour of Hope Team includes 20 cyclists who are cancer survivors, caregivers, physicians and scientists who have a passion for cancer research. The tour’s stop in Lincoln on Tuesday was one of many rallies during the nine-day cross-country event. .

Karges receiving award from Douglas Emery, Lincoln's postmaster general.