Rising To The Occasion, A Fundraiser For Reggie

Embracing that every day of life is a special occasion.

We’re rising to the occasion in honor of an incredible woman fighting for her every day, our dearest Reggie. Help us plan for comfort in her difficult days, warmth in her okay days & grace in the unknown personal events ahead. You’re invited to rise in Reg’s honor & show support for her future occasions - Let’s gather for the one who has been there for all of ours! <3

Regina’s Story:

As of August 14th, 2023, Reggie is in the direct care of Doctors and Specialists at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. She is staying with her Sister, Cathy, who lives nearby, while traveling to-and-from the clinic for her weekly appointments.

This is the second round of the rally for Reggie (& Cathy)… Cathy came to stay with Reggie & Jim five years ago while Reg went through her first round of cancer treatments in 2018, unrelated to her most recent diagnosis of plasma cell leukemia and multiple myeloma (a rare blood cancer).

Reggie started her most recent chemotherapy treatments on Thursday, September 7th, 2023, scheduled for 2-3 treatments per week to begin. After just her first week of treatment, Reggie was admitted to the ICU with extremely low blood pressure, nutrapenia, and eventually septic shock. The Doctors have adjusted the medication levels after her reaction but stated she must continue on the meds that made her sick to have a chance with this type of cancer. There is an unknown timeline on when Reggie will return to her home in Duluth as much depends on her health through these intensive cancer treatments.

When I first asked Reggie if I could help her with some type of fundraiser, she was grateful, hesitant, mindful and bashful… as I knew she would be. She took a few days to think about it, talk with Jim and digest the entire situation she is now calling reality. I told her to take some time with the thought because her first words were - “But I’m not in a dire situation”, “Other people need more than I do” and “I don’t want anyone to spend time they don’t have on me”.

When she reconnected with me with the idea, I heard her gracious, kind-Kentucky soul in tremendous gratitude for the support of the unknown. She said she “knows she’s up against unknowns and a difficult road ahead - not only physically but financially as well”. She has several more years before possible retirement - time she has been making it a goal to get to. Her hard-working heart has had a difficult time stepping back from her career. Always working in hospitality, all she knows is to take grand gestures in the care of others. It’s hard to take care of yourself when you’ve built a life taking care of everyone else, but now is the time she must and now is the time I stated she gets to be catered to. BUT, Reggie had several conditions for allowing me the opportunity to assist her she stated:

“1. I don't want it to cost you or anyone a lot of time,

2. It should be low-key, and

3. Not to cost much expense.”

I assured her it would be created under these terms and a gentle reminder that there is a difference between “having to do” and “wanting to do” something as well as a little of the song lyric - “everyone gets by with a little help from their friends”.

(If you don’t know my personal friendship history with Reg:

I first met Reggie when she started at Glensheen Mansion following her long -term position at Northland Country Club. That was over 15 years ago and while I was working at the Mansion as a college student. Reggie stepped into a role at Glensheen that was new to the organization and helped drive the Museum to successful event management. Reggie took me under-her-wing and taught me all the professionalism ins-and-outs of event service and true hospitality (the good ole’ southern care mixed with heart-filled northern dedication). She was above and beyond in everything she did - she led with empathy and compassion, she was the life-of-the-party at every event (yes, even as the planner)! One of my fondest memories that encompasses Reggie’s true character was when Reggie and I made flower boutonnieres out of Glensheen garden flowers as fast as we could with scotch tape and whatever ribbon we could find in the “junk drawer” in the Glensheen office - all because the groomsmen forgot their boutonnieres or the florist never delivered it or whatever - it was never about why it didn’t happen, it was all about what was the right thing to do and how to help someone during the biggest moments of their life. Reg was naturally pursued by Greysolon Ballroom by Black Woods when they opened in 2009, and she at the time was in a place where she felt the healthcare benefits the University position at Glensheen provided for her was important.So Reggie referred me to them instead and the rest is history… I have stayed connected to Reg throughout our event careers. We have catered events together, poured wine at events together, danced at events together and everything in-between. Reggie has shown up for me on more occasions than I can count - including my own wedding day. On that day I made her a promise: that she would not lift a finger at my wedding, she would officially be a ‘guest’ at a wedding - something she had never before been nor since (us event planners tend to always help with every event personal and professional). I made her that promise then and now I am making her that promise & more - she will be a guest and only a guest, a guest of honor in honor of her journey.)

It’s time to get by with a little help from those who know our dear Reggie. It is time to rise to her occasion now and in the future when we can celebrate again together.

Unfortunately, many of those reading this entry may have already been in a situation similar to this or knows someone with a cancer diagnosis, or can relate in some way to the needs and expenses that so quickly rise for patients. The costs are there regardless of budget/income - and working through these treatments is almost never an option. Reggie's costs add up daily, she is unable to work and she is in need of keeping her health insurance.

If you can’t relate, here is a small insight to just how quickly costs add up:

Ohio Hwy Turnpike Tolls $6.50/ea to & from Hospital = $13 per visit

Valet Parking Fees/Tip (required) to park = $10 per visit

Gas each way (85 miles both directions) = $25+ per visit

Bite to eat/drink for treatment per visit = $25.00 per visit

Average of $75 to just get to appointments at Clinic per visit!

+ Medications Copay = $$

+ Monthly Insurance Premium

+ Average Costs - Groceries, Mortgage Payments, Car Payments, Etc.

For those who would like to join us on this occasion - please see the details of a fundraising event happening at Glensheen Mansion in November.

For those who are not able to attend, please join us in our online fundraiser here.

For those looking to give in other ways, please contact Katie Marturano.

THE EVENT:

RISING TO THE OCCASION

A Fundraiser For Regina Christensen

Tuesday, November 14th, 2023

5:30pm - 7:30pm | Cocktails & Bites

Glensheen Mansion (Reg's 2nd Home)

3300 London Road

Duluth, MN

To RSVP to the event, please see our Event Facebook Page: