EDGAR, Wis. (WSAW) – Bauman Nursery and Landscaping in Edgar hosted hundreds of people at their annual Midsummer Garden Party on Wednesday.
This year, they’re supporting ‘Hakuna Ma-Tatas,’ an organization named so people living with and fighting breast cancer could have no worries.
Hakuna Ma-Tatas began after Christina Zaleski of Rozellville battled breast cancer three and a half years ago. After her double mastectomy and finding out she would not require chemotherapy, she wanted to find a way to pay it forward.
“I woke up thinking, ‘I think I’m going to walk a 60-mile Susan G Komen Walk, and I was prepared to do it myself,” Zaleski said.
Within a week or two, she gained support from over 20 friends and family. Team Hakuna Ma-Tatas has walked in multiple fundraisers across the nation to raise money for access to mammograms.
This year, 75% of the funds will come back to central Wisconsin.
“I want the Marshfield breast team to have the best. I want women to be diagnosed at earlier stages,” Zaleski said. “We know that when you’re diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer, it’s far more curable than the later stages. My mammogram saved my life.”
The $100,000 goal would support contrast-enhanced mammograms.
Dr. Anna Sydell, Christina’s former breast surgeon turned friend, says this type of equipment can really help.
“It’s advanced technology for patients who are at high risk. Who can’t otherwise undergo MRI screening.” Dr. Sydell explained.
Christina hopes Wednesday’s fundraising party helps the community in more ways than one.
“Besides mammograms, I think laughter really is the best medicine and laughter got me through my diagnosis,” she shared.
If you weren’t able to make it to the Midsummer Garden Party, Hakuna Ma-Tatas’ next event is a Trivia Night at Hop and Grape in Marshfield in August.
To learn more about Hakuna Ma-Tatas or how you can donate, click here.
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