Krause Custom Builders is a team of family and friends and is sponsored by Toby Krause and Catholic Financial Life. We raise funds for Tomorrow's Hope because we like that the money supports education, research and prevention of all life-limiting illnesses. We also like that the money is kept local.
Team Member Gail Aumann's story
I have been on a Tomorrow's Hope team since its beginning. I didn't have a story then, but knew it was a great organization which would help many and wouldn't be paying big $$ to a CEO. Its backbone is dedicated volunteers.
When Connor Bourke was diagnosed with incurable Glioblastoma brain cancer in 2008 his family had a team which I was honored to be a part of. Connor's young wisdom and courage gave me the incentive to do my best to raise as much money as I could. Sadly he lost his battle at only 12 years of age during the 2011 Event.
Since then my family and friends who battle a variety of life limiting illnesses have been my inspiration. My nephew, Mark Hamann, returned to Jefferson from Vancouver. BC Canada in 2011 due to health issues. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Six weeks later his mother, Barb, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Both were treated at UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison, which is one recipient who receives a portion of my fund raising in their honor and memory. Mark went through three years of strong chemo and radiation and beat the odds and remains in remission. There were days when both would be receiving chemo at the same time and they would keep each other's spirits up with their banter back and forth.
Sadly my sister-in-law lost her battle nine months later, but stayed with the program until there was no improvement or hope. She was a great inspiration and I miss her so much.
I couldn't raise the money I do without the love and support of my wonderful family and friends. They know their donations are going to give HOPE and help to those in need. I always give them the credit and not myself. I am just the catalyst.
