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BURGER & BEER BENEFIT

FOR BRAIN CANCER

Thank you to over 200 attendees for joining the fight and helping us raise over $13,000+ for brain cancer research and treatment in Eastern Iowa! Save-the-date for Stephen's next birthday fundraiser on August 24, 2024...

We still need help continuing to raise awareness and increase funds for the #1 cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, and children and adults under the age of 40, but only receives 1-3% of all cancer research funds. Proceeds from this event benefit the University of Iowa Center for Advancement Golden Halo clinical trial for glioblastoma.

This family-friendly fundraiser honored Stephen Stepanek (August 26th Birthday) who passed away at age 37 in May of 2023. His memory will live on by helping others in our community impacted by brain cancer. They need your help to survive and THRIVE.

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MAKE A DONATION

Pictures from the Party

Highlights from Stephen's Birthday

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Stephen and his family (Brittney, Sawyer & Sylvia) thank everyone for attending his surprise birthday party last year in August of 2022.

Honoring Stephen

Stephen's brain cancer was discovered in August 2022 after going to the ER with a migraine but no prior symptoms. Before heading into major surgery, loved ones threw a surprise birthday party for him at Bass Farms to show their support. Stephen said this was one of his favorite memories, and how he wanted to be remembered before he got sick.

Stephen battled glioblastoma for 10 months before passing in May of 2023. He was touched by everyone who showed up continuously throughout his fight; we also realized along the way - he also touched the life's of so many others - and we hope to continue to do so in Stephen's honor in ways such as hosting a brain cancer fundraiser every year now on his birthday. 

Read Stephen's Journey

"DON'T DIE"

Stephen Sawyer Square

Sawyer's Contribution & Way to Give Back

Sawyer has chosen to sell t-shirts with his "Don't Die" slogan as his way to raise money for brain cancer. They are also the color gray for "Brain Cancer Awareness." Purchasing a t-shirt serves as a visual reminder of Stephen's love, and support we have around us.

At four years old, this was the advice message and picture Sawyer wrote in a birthday card to Stephen. It represented one of their favorite video games together (World of Tanks), but also became their Father/Son slogan in Stephen's fight to stay strong with brain cancer. A friend previously made the two of them matching shirts they loved to wear. Now, Sawyer would like to share it with others.

T-Shirts can be purchased online and shipped or picked up at Bass Farms after September 15th. You can also directly reach out to Brittney.

Dont Die Design 2022

T-Shirt Pricing: $20 for Kids Youth Sizes (S-L); $30 for Adult Sizes (S-3XL)

Purchase Your T-Shirt
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Luminous bags placed on custom bench gifted to Bass Farms in Stephen's honor. 

Light Up the Night

Stephen Sylvia Square

Sylvia's Contribution & Way to Give Back

Sylvia sold luminous bags for loved ones to write birthday messages to Stephen and light up the night at his birthday party. This served as a reminder that Stephen's light shines bright, and he looks over us among the stars. 

Cheers to Stephen

Stephen Britt Square

Brittney's Contribution & Gift to Attendees

A "Stephen Strong" souvenir pint glass cup were provided to adults with a Meal & Drink ticket. This is a keepsake for you to continually toast to Stephen, and act as a reminder to make the most of every day. Contact Brittney if you'd like to purchase more glasses. 

Stephen Strong Pint Glass

Extra glasses will also be available for $10 .

About Glioblastoma & Brain Cancer

Glioblastoma (GBM), or grade four brain cancer, is the most common form of brain cancer accounting for 47.7% of cases. With standard care of treatment (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy), patients on average only live about one year. The FDA has only approved four drugs in 50 years for GBM. Survival and mortality rates have been unchanged for decades. The cause is unknown, and there is no cure. Although the #1 cause of cancer deaths for men and women under the age of 40 (including children), brain cancer receives only 1-3% of total cancer research. GBM needs both increased awareness and funds raised to help advance treatments and save life's before it is too late.

MRI Imagery

MRI of Stephen's brain tumor (2022).

Make a Direct Donation

Proceeds Benefit the Golden Halo Trial

The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is developing a non-toxic option using energy fields to treat the deadliest forms of cancer. They have created a medical device, "The Golden Halo," that allows patients to receive therapy without having to travel to hospitals or care centers, making treatment safe, successful and convenient. The clinical trial is getting closer to launch, and expected to start in 2023 with GBM patients in Eastern Iowa. The biggest way we can help is by raising funds to get more Golden Halos built for GBM patients in need of treatment NOW.
Help Fund the Golden Halo Trial
Carter & Huang 2020_10_5-12_0

Calvin Carter, Ph.D. and Sunny Huang, Ph.D. & M.D. at UIHC Research Lab for Glioblastoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

We will close the silent auction at 8:00pm so winners have an hour to pick up items at the event.

Pick up at the end of the event is preferred. If you need to leave, you can pick up your winning item(s) at Bass Farms at a later time/date.

Yes, veggie burgers will also be provided!

We will stop cooking food by 8:00pm.

The event is planned to be held rain or shine!

There will be a burger bar buffet for you to build your own (beef, turkey or veggie) burger that includes salad, fresh fries and cookies.

Yes! Feel free to also bring a chair if you want to move around and listen to the live music.

If you'd like to make a donation directly to the Golden Halo clinical trial through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, click here. Tax deductible receipts are available upon request.

(NOTE: This will say, "Chad and Jennifer Winterhof Moonshoot to Cure Brain Cancer" - our friends also in this fight)

Yes. Tickets can be purchased online before the event (help us estimate numbers), or at the entrance the day-of. 

Wristbands will validate your entry for access to food and drinks.

Tickets available at: https://braincancer.ticketspice.com/burger-beer-benefit

Children under the age of 3 do not need a ticket.

Purchase Your Tickets

 

Thank you to the following donors:

We appreciate the support of the community! If you're interested in donating items towards the silent auction, please contact Trevor at 319.550.3142.
All other inquires regarding the event can be emailed to brittney.stepanek@gmail.com.

  • Whiskey River Grill (Beverage Sponsor)
  • Bass Farms (Host Sponsor)
  • Peppercorn Food Company (Dessert)
  • 30 Hop
  • Big Grove Brewery 
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • DFI Solutions in Print
  • Doll Distribution
  • Everbowl
  • 7G Distributing
  • Johnson Brothers of Iowa
  • IBEV

 

Questions about the event? For more information, contact brittney.stepanek@gmail.com.