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BURGER & BEER BENEFIT

FOR BRAIN CANCER

*THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED, DONTATED & CONTRIBUTED*

Saturday, August 24th from 5:00-9:00pm 
Bass Farms (Mount Vernon, Iowa)

LIVE MUSIC  |  FOOD  |  DRINKS  |  GAMES  |  SILENT AUCTION 


Over 200 attendees came out again to this important fundraiser raising awareness and increasing 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 event will benefit local brain cancer research.

This family-friendly fundraiser honors Stephen Stepanek (and what would have been his 39th birthday on August 26th) who passed away in May of 2023. Read his story below. His memory will live on by helping others in our community impacted by brain cancer. They need your help to survive and THRIVE.

Live music provided by Chris & Laura Swiser (The Jasmine Band), and Patrick Tecklenburg (Patrick The Gathering)
Drinks provided by Lion Bridge Brewing Company
Food provided by Peppercorn Food Company

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Brittney, Sawyer & Sylvia dedicate bench in honor of Stephen for his birthday wearing special "DON'T DIE" shirts.

Learn More About the Campaign

*NEW*
DON'T DIE Beer

Cheers! This year we will release a limited-edition custom-labeled beer featuring Stephen and Sawyer's slogan, "DON'T DIE." This was advice Sawyer once wrote in his dad’s birthday card, along with a drawing of their shared love of tanks (see below for more details). Later, this would also become their slogan in Stephen’s fight against brain cancer. After a 10-month battle, Stephen passed away from glioblastoma, but we continue to honor his memory by toasting to him.

Future plans of the campaign DON’T DIE will support additional loved ones currently battling cancer, or loved ones we’ve lost but wish to keep their memory thriving. Next year, we plan to release another special edition print, but include names of YOUR loved ones impacted by cancer so you can continue to toast to them and show your support. Click below to learn more about how to share your story and honor those impacted by cancer.

 

Thanks to the help of Lion Bridge Brewing Company!

Honoring Stephen

Stephen was diagnosed with brain cancer 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; at the same time, we discovered along the way - he was also touching the lives of so many others. We continue to do so in Stephen's honor - like hosting a brain cancer fundraiser every year on his birthday. 

Read Stephen's Journey
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Stephen and his family (Brittney, Sawyer & Sylvia) thank everyone for attending his surprise birthday in August of 2022.

Dont Die Design 2022

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

T-Shirts can be purchased at the event while supplies last. You can also directly reach out to the Thrive Team for arrangements to pick up or ship.

"DON'T DIE" Shirts

Stephen Sawyer Square

Sawyer's Contribution & Way to Give Back

Sawyer will be selling t-shirts with his "Don't Die" slogan as his way to raise money for brain cancer. 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.

Illuminate the Night

Stephen Sylvia Square

Sylvia's Contribution & Way to Give Back

Sylvia will be selling luminary bags for attendees to write messages to loved ones and light up the night. This serves as a reminder that our loved ones light shines bright, and they continue to look over us among the stars. 

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Luminous bags placed on custom bench gifted to Bass Farms in Stephen's honor. 

Stephen Strong Pint Glass

Extra glasses will also be available for $10 .

Cheers to Stephen

Stephen Britt Square

Brittney's Contribution

"Stephen Strong" souvenir pint glass cups are available for purchase at the event. This is a keepsake for you to continually toast to Stephen, and act as a reminder to make the most of every day. Koozies will also be available.

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 a heirloom tomato, avocado, & cucumber salad, watermelon & feta fruit salad, chips and dessert!

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 THRIVE Brain Cancer Non-Profit, you can do so through our Venmo Account, on our Event Ticket Page (Select "I can't go but please accept my donation"), or contact the team for other options.

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.

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 Geminii Team is developing a new 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 2024 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
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Calvin Carter, Ph.D. and Sunny Huang, Ph.D. & M.D. at the GBM lab.

 

Thank you to the following donors:

We appreciate the support of the community!

 

  • Bass Farms (Host Sponsor)
  • Lion Bridge Brewing Company (Beer Sponsor)
  • Peppercorn Food Company (Dessert)
  • Trevor & Lacey Christansen (Silent Auction Leaders)
  • Chris & Laura Swiser (Jasmine Band Music)
  • Patrick Tecklenburg (Patrick The Gathering Music)
  • William Nelson & Linda Nelson (Silent Auction Volunteers & Donors)

Some of this year's generous silent auction donors!

If you're interested in donating items towards the silent auction, please contact Trevor at 319.550.3142.

  • 30 Hop
  • 7G Distributing
  • Ageless Med Spa
  • Almost Famous Popcorn
  • Back in Line Family Chiropractic & Wellness P.C.
  • Blackstone
  • Bloomsbury Farm
  • Cedar River Garden Center
  • Cedar Rapid Kernels
  • Coca-Cola
  • Chili's
  • Cookies & Dreams
  • DBat Marion
  • Edgewood Locker
  • Escapology Room
  • Glazer's Distributing
  • HOTWORX Yoga Studio
  • Hy-Vee
  • Illuminations
  • Iowa Chop House
  • Johnson Brothers of Iowa
  • Marquee Pizza
  • Prairiewoods
  • Radisson Hotel
  • Randy Kuehl Honda
  • Red's Alehouse
  • Riverside Resort & Casino
  • Sally's Restaurant
  • Scheels
  • Scores on 33rd
  • Siegel's Jewelry
  • The Fantastic Escape
  • The Iowa Athletic Club
  • Total Rejuvenation
  • Toula Yoga
  • Tribute Eatery & Bar
  • Whiskey River Grill
  • X-Golf
  • Zio Johno's

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

Donate Now

Pictures from Last Year's Party

Highlights from Stephen's Birthday Fundraiser 2023

Thank you to the 200+ attendees last year who joined our fight and helped raise over $13,000 for brain cancer research and treatment in Eastern Iowa. We are excited to host another fundraiser to support others and honor loved ones impacted by cancer while paving a better path for the future.

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