Hedin will share his story of courage, strength, and the journey it takes to survive cancer twice.

The banquet coincides with the 25th Anniversary LINKS Charity LPGA PRO-AM Golf Tournament and Golf Clinic and Scramble on July 25 and 26.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend all golf and banquet activities.

Tickets for the banquet are $50 per person, available at the door or calling Megan Barone, WCA Director of Development, at 664-8423.  Cost includes Surf and Turf dinner, silent auction, and program message by motivational keynote speaker, Paul Hedin.

Paul Hedin

PAUL’S  STORY

Paul and his wife, Anne, have been Jamestown natives for most of their lives. They have two children and two grandchildren. He graduated from Princeton University where he earned an engineering degree and continued his education at Syracuse University, to earn an architectural degree.

For more than 40 years, Paul has worked for Clark Patterson Lee, previously known as Habiterra. He and his wife are very active in the community and privileged to be this year’s United Way campaign co-chairs.

During his message at the banquet, Paul will take the opportunity to say that if he can do it, anyone can.

“Prior to my daughter’s wedding in 2008, I was suffering from night sweats, weight loss, and unbearable headaches, and scheduled a visit to see my family physician,” said Paul who describes his condition during his first cancer diagnosis.

“After a series of blood and diagnostic tests including an MRI, sonogram, and chest x-ray, Dr. Mueller discovered a nodule on my thyroid and I was quickly referred to a local physician specialist for further testing and surgery to remove the right half of my thyroid.  Not the best comedic timing, on April’s Fool Day, I received the call from my physician that it was cancerous.  That was tough.  I was scared. I was really worried that this would get in the way of our daughter’s upcoming wedding, but I was very hopeful that we could find a pathway to keep going and not make my illness part of what would be one of the happiest days of our lives.  Luckily, we were able to delay the treatment process and I was able to walk my little girl down the aisle on June 21st as planned.”

Beating the odds in 2008 by embracing a positive attitude and propelling forward to a lead full life again, Paul was diagnosed with melanoma in 2011.  “When I talk about the scary part of cancer, this is the terrifying part,” said Paul.  “I went down that rabbit hole pretty far.  It was hard to sleep and hard to stay focused.  I continued to work, but quite honestly, I was in a fog. I had to tolerate more surgery and more treatment.  Gratefully, I got through another episode of cancer and the great news is that I feel good and by and large, I am leading a full and productive life today.”

LINKing Together Banquet & Auction items will be available for preview starting at 6:00 p.m.  One of the area’s leading auctioneers, Charles Ludwig, will host the “live” portion of the auction.  HOT TICKET auction items include a week stay in Aruba including airfare; 4 tickets to the 200 club level, Lexus Club passes and parking passes for a Buffalo game; Buffalo Bills Marcell Dareus autographed helmet and cleat; Buffalo Bills Rex Ryan autographed football;

Buffalo Sabres Jack Eichel autographed hockey stick; Buffalo Bills game tickets; Cummins Engine generator; $100 United Refining gift cards; park passes; hotel stays; dinner cruise; and other exciting silent auction prizes!  Donations are still needed and community individuals, businesses, and agencies/organizations interested in donating to local cancer, may drop off donated items to Megan Barone at WCA Hospital or call Megan at (716) 664-8423 for pick up.

“Attend this fabulous event, place your bid, and help support someone you know diagnosed with cancer,” said Elyse Hazelton and Shelly Salva, LINKS Charity co-auction chairs. “There is something for everyone that will not only delight the lucky individuals who win, but also help raise critical funds to support the WCA Cancer Care Program.  For winners of the auction items, it’s a two-fold gift!”

LINKS Charity’s 25th anniversary event is the 2-year of a 4-year, $400,000 pledge toward the Discovery MN630 by GE Healthcare equipment at WCA Hospital.  The cutting-edge nuclear medical technology boasts lower radiation, better image resolution, and shorter exam times, aids in an early diagnosis.  “Our $400,000 pledge is an aggressive goal, but we are confident that the community will support this effort that helps WCA advance cancer care,” says Brad Van Riper, Truck-Lite senior vice president and LINKS Charity executive director.  “Not only is this a significant and worth-while cause, but all of the proceeds stay right here in Chautauqua County to care for local family, friends, and neighbors fighting cancer.”  In total, LINKS Charity has raised $1,290,000 toward its efforts in advancing local cancer care efforts in its 25 year history of giving

Tickets for the banquet are $50 per person, available at the door or calling Megan Barone, WCA Director of Development, at 664-8423.