Pictured (L-R): Elaine Buehnerkemper (Washington Savings Bank), Jim & Kathy Schroeder, Sandy Bernhard (Washington Savings Bank), & Vicki Cripps (Washington Savings Bank)
On Friday, October 19 several employees of Washington Savings Bank participated in a “Wear Pink Day” to bring awareness to Breast Cancer for the month of October. Employees participating were encouraged to make a small monetary donation which the bank then matched, raising a grand total of $1,000 to help two local organizations.
The bank’s Effingham location was able to donate $560 to the LeAnn Schroeder Hardiek Friendship Endowment. LeAnn Schroeder Hardiek was the 30-year old mother of two young boys when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away in April 2015 at the age of 31.
Upon a request to her family, a fund was established to provide children of cancer patients with the same comfort her sons received during her cancer battles. LeAnn’s father Jim and stepmother Kathy honored her request by establishing the LeAnn Schroeder Hardiek Friendship Fund with Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation. With the money donated by Washington Savings Bank, the Endowment will be able to provide cancer patients with gift cards for their young children. Many times, birthday and holiday gifts, dining out and entertainment becomes a luxury that parents cannot afford due to the expense of cancer treatments. The gift cards can be used for toys, meals, and other forms of entertainment that can provide a distraction for the child whose parent is battling cancer. The gift cards are distributed by the staff at the Effingham Crossroads Cancer Center, Altamont Medical Center, & Family Care Associates.
Washington Savings Bank’s Mattoon location decided to donate their portion of $440 to the Prairie State Women’s Health – Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. This program offers free breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams to eligible women.
Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women. However, if it is detected while still in its earlier stages, breast cancer can be successfully treated. Routine mammograms and breast exams can detect cancer early and provide women with better treatment options and results.
