We got married in 2005 in Redding, California and have two amazing sons. After our second son was born, Amanda was diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. Thankfully, they were able to remove it all with surgery and there have been no signs of cancer since. After the diagnosis, we started volunteering for Relay for Life in California.   

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   When we moved to Alaska in 2013, we were introduced to the Interior Alaska Cancer Association. We fell in love with the thought of an organization that was all about helping our own community.   Outside of our IACA life, we love to fish, camp, hike, play games, and basically do anything that revolves around family-time.

Lori

Gretchen

 I moved to Alaska from Canada via Minneapolis. I arrived in Anchorage in January of 1971 and after 6 years I met my future mother in law and thus my future husband. I married in 1977 and moved to Fairbanks and have been here ever since. I have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. I was widowed in 2013 but continue to make my home in Fairbanks.

   I was a nurse and retired in 1999 only to continue to help out at the office from which I retired until 2007. I also enjoy volunteering with groups whose goals and mission statements are of interest to me. I did volunteer footcare for 14 years. I have been involved with the Hospice Greenhouse fundraiser for many years and am on the advisory council. I am a member of P.E.O. Chapter I - a group that promotes women’s education. I have been on the board of Interior Cancer Association for a number of years - a group that supports Cancer patients through resource guidance and through financial assistance.

   Personally I enjoy my grandchildren, walking , reading (actually audiobooks), quilting, knitting, playing bridge, gardening, fishing, travelling. Keeping busy in general.

   I graduated from Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City.  Worked in NYC., upstate New York, and Florida.  I came to Alaska 1958 on vacation and stayed, got married, and had 2 sons.  I've worked at St. Joseph’s hospital, Tanana clinic, BenEielson Jr/Sr High School, dentist office chair side assistant, PHN at Fairbanks Public Health Center and retired with 50 yrs. of nursing. 

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   I proudly helped establish Fairbanks feet first and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I've volunteered for the hospice plant sale, crisis line, Survivors after Suicide, mental health board member, ACS, and IACA board member. 

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   I've done some traveling with the Lifelong Learning Program at UAF.  My Son and DIL live in Anchorage and visit periodically. I have good friends and I'm happy to be alive and kicking.

Alaska became my new home in 1973. What an adventure it's been. I came believing it would be 30 months. This year marks my 50th anniversary of living in this Golden Heart City, and it doesn't look like I'll be leaving.

I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Nursing. During the early years I worked at the hospital in the emergency room, as a school nurse and public health nursing. 

After a few years I attended UAF getting a masters degree in education. I switched over to teaching in elementary and middle schools. Eventually I retired from the school district. 

I participated in several community organizations as a volunteer over the years. I love it here and plan to continue to give of my time and talents.