Our Inspiration
Mom
Joanne Currey was a cherished sister, devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, and dear friend to so many. When she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer, she faced it with remarkable strength and grace. Though doctors gave her just six months, Joanne’s unwavering spirit and resilience gifted her family and friends four more precious years—years filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. She was a shining example of courage, proving that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, hope and determination can create more time for the people and memories that matter most.
Dad
Rev. John Buerk was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. A beacon of faith, he always put others first, sharing God’s word with unwavering love and kindness. His message was simple but powerful—love above all.
Given only months to live after a lymphoma diagnosis, John’s strength and determination turned them into two precious years. He continued to inspire, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he knew and welcoming his youngest grandson into the world.
His life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and faith—an enduring example of perseverance and the human spirit.
Dad
Paul Hansen was a devoted father, a loving husband, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend to so many—especially to his beloved "best buddies," Ziggy & Zoey. When diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, Paul faced the battle with unwavering determination. Refusing to let cancer define him, he never missed a single day of work throughout his two-year fight. His perseverance was nothing short of inspiring, a testament to his incredible strength and resilience. Paul’s legacy is one of courage, love, and an unbreakable spirit—proving that no obstacle, not even cancer, could diminish his will to keep moving forward.
Uncle Tom
Christian’s Godfather and 'Uncle Tom,' the late Dr. Thomas Dougherty, dedicated his life to cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Center. In the late 1970s, he pioneered Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)—a groundbreaking treatment that uses a light-sensitive drug and a specific wavelength of light to target and destroy cancer cells. Today, his innovation continues to save lives, offering hope to those battling cancers of the skin, lung, breast, esophagus, and more. Dr. Dougherty’s work wasn’t just science—it was a mission to give patients and families a fighting chance, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shine.
