Annual fundraiser benefits nonprofit cancer support

When 52-year-old Robert Wagner began feeling ill in May of 2022, he did what many men do. He ignored it.

When the pain finally became too much to bear, Robert finally did what he rarely does — went to the doctor.

“Like most guys, he didn’t say anything for quite a while,” his wife LeAnne said. “I’m sure glad he finally decided to seek treatment when he did.”

It was the beginning of what would eventually lead to a cancer diagnosis. And without the assistance of Wings Regional Cancer Support, the couple last year would have been facing a financial burden alongside that diagnosis.

For the past 26 years, the organization has supported cancer patients with expenses such as food, travel and lodging. To raise funds toward that effort Sportsman Ski Haus in Kalispell will once again be the host of Wings Regional Cancer Support’s annual radiothon Thursday and Friday as the organization teams up with Bee Broadcasting for its annual fundraising event.

After an initial trip to an urgent care center turned up nothing, LeAnne insisted that Robert get an MRI.

It was the best decision she ever made.

When the MRI found a perforated appendix, Robert was rushed to the surgical wing of the hospital, but was told by the attending surgeon that a round of antibiotics would probably do the trick.

Again, a second opinion probably saved Robert’s life.

After the Wagner’s consulted Whitefish’s Dr. Ryan Gunlikson for a second opinion, the decision was made to remove Robert’s appendix.

Only upon the removal of the appendix was the true cause of the illness found — an extremely rare form of cancer known as goblet cell adenocarcinoma.

“This kind of cancer is very, very rare. It’s just not something that is seen very often. It’s very prolific and multiplies quickly. It is terrible cancer,” LeAnne said.

With no openings in his schedule and fearing the quick spread of the aggressive form of cancer, Gunlikson volunteered to come in on his day off to perform the surgery needed to remove any traces of the cancer from Robert’s abdomen.

After Robert’s first oncology appointment in Whitefish, the couple once again decided to seek a second opinion, this time in Seattle — no matter the cost.

“Just from our previous experience and learning that a second opinion can be very important, we decided to go to Seattle to get an opinion from a large cancer center,” LeAnne said. “During things like this, you don’t even think about the cost of things. You are just in such a panic that your only concern is getting your loved one better.”

Upon their return home, LeAnne learned from a friend about the assistance offered by Wings Regional Cancer Support. When she applied for assistance, she was hoping the organization would be able to help with some of the expenses incurred during their trip to Seattle.

Wings paid for all of it.

“I can’t tell you how much it meant to us. What we were going through was overwhelming and to have someone reach out and help us like that was incredible. The last thing you are worrying about at times like those are your finances,” LeAnne said through tears. “I hope people understand how wonderful it is for our community to have something like Wings available to help.”

The Wagner’s story is just one of thousands like it as Wings has been helping cancer patients and their families since 1997.

Wings was founded in 1995 by Ray Washtak, a local cancer survivor, and Jennifer Schaffner, a social worker serving then at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and has given out more than $3.2 million in assistance in Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties over the years.

In 2022, Wings provided $189,006 in assistance to 182 cancer patients and their families.

While grants and donations come in throughout the year, the annual radiothon fundraiser is the organization’s main source of income and usually brings in around $50,000.

Organizer Terri Dunn is hoping to bring in more this year.

“We would love to raise $100,000, but even if we can get half that number, that would be great.”

As for the Wagners, Robert received his final chemo treatment Monday and the couple is hoping for the best.

“Robert is cancer free at the moment and we are hoping it stays that way,” LeAnne said. “Now we just watch and wait.”

Learn More

The Wings Regional Cancer Support Radiothon will be held from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jan. 19 and 20.

Donations can be made in person or by sending a check to Wings at P.O. Box 7852, Kalispell, MT 59904.

To donate over the phone, call 406-257-WING (9464).