Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s diabetes education fund-raiser Because of Brandon will be the topic of KKIN Radio’s Community Connection program, 94.3 on the FM dial, Thursday, July 11, from 8 to 8:30 a.m. The event’s chair, Doug Houge, and CRMC’s Clinical Nutrition/Diabetes Education Director Heather Erickson, R.D., will be the guests.

Because of Brandon ia fund raiser in memory of Brandon Houge, a young man from Ironton who unexpectedly passed away from complications of diabetes. Planned for Saturday, July 27, at the Crosby Bar & Grill, all proceeds will fund youth diabetes camps, patient travel expenses, and educational events.

The benefit for Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes Education Department will include a wine and craft beer tasting, silent auction, ATV ride, barbecue, raffle, and street dance featuring Pandemic from St. Cloud. The raffle is for a 2018 Textron Alterra 700 ATV with winch and plow (value: $7,999), Ruttger’s weekend with meals and golf ($1,150 value), .22 LR Barracuda gun donated by Magnum Research ($840 value), $150, and $50. Tickets are $10 each and are available at CRMC’s Cuyuna Lakes Pharmacy, the Crosby Bar & Grill and numerous other locations throughout the area.

Since Because of Brandon was established three years ago, more than $120,000 has been raised to fund youth diabetes camps, patient travel expenses, and educational events. Most of the funds provide scholarships for youth to attend Camp Needlepoint, a week-long, summer outdoor camp on the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisc., for youngsters with diabetes. The camp lets children have a great time participating in traditional activities while connecting with others with diabetes. Healthcare professionals oversee daily diabetes care and help campers learn to manage and live successfully with their disease.

For more information, send a message to Peggy.Stebbins@cuyunamed.org or call 218-545-4447. Event updates are available http://brandon19.givesmart.com.

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