Longtime Carthage R-9 administrator passes away

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Saturday, September 24, 2022, Carthage R-9 schools release information that a longtime beloved administrator has died.

It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of Dr. Sam Rogers, Carthage High School Assistant Principal. Please join us in keeping the Rogers family in your thoughts and prayers.” — CARTHAGE R-9

The district states that counselors will be available for staff and students at the high school.

Rogers, father of two, has been battling cancer since 2019 with his wife Allison closely by his side.

HUG YOUR LOVED ONES!” — SAM ROGERS

Their journey has been chronicled in a blog where they’ve both written dozens of powerful entries.

Recently Allison Rogers and others have scheduled a benefit to help another family facing a cancer diagnosis like they did. It is scheduled for October 8.

We will update more information on services as it becomes available from Carthage R-9.

“It is in the stillness that reminds me of what is important. The sound of the wind and the rushing waters while holding Allison’s hand as she leaned into me allowed me to simultaneously remember and forget for a moment. We are not meant to walk this earth alone and I am blessed beyond measure to walk beside her. Hug your loved ones!” — Sam Rogers, June 18, 2022

Camp Quality Ozarks gives kids with cancer a summer camp experience

JOPLIN, Mo. – An organization is giving area kids with cancer a chance to have a summer camp experience at home.

Camp Quality Ozarks is hosting a virtual “Camp-In” with several activities for kids and their families. Normally the camp would be in-person but because of COVID-19 it has gone digital.

Yesterday the organization hosted a camp kickoff, which was in person.

“It’s a lot harder to a week-long virtual camp, but man in the end it’s definitely worth it,” said Executive Director Kirstin Patterson. “Getting to be together for these two hours tonight, we definitely had to take a lot of COVID precautions. But we got that under wraps, and we were so excited to get these two hours together.”

The camp runs all of next week.

Freeman selling daffodils in support of local cancer patients

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System is voicing support for caner patients in need in the form of Daffodil Days.

Hospital officials say the daffodil is a symbol of hope as a spring flower and marks new beginning in a patients journey. Freeman is selling the flower with proceeds benefitting cancer patients at the Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute.

“The fund helps address the community’s critical needs,” said Jason Gorham, Freeman Vice President of Administrative Services. “Donations made to the Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute Fund help ensure that patients receive the very best care through the newest medical techniques and cutting-edge technologies, as well as providing cancer education materials to patients and families.”

Orders for daffodils must be placed online by Thursday, March 4. They are available in a bundle of ten for $15 or three flowers for $5.

Visit freemanhealth.com/daffodil to order. For more information, please call 417.347.6658. Pre-ordered daffodils will be available for pick-up at Freeman Hospital West lobby on Tuesday, March 23, from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Bob Dole says he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Bob Dole, a former longtime senator of Kansas and the 1996 Republican presidential nominee, announced Thursday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Dole, 97, said in a short statement that he was diagnosed recently and would begin treatment on Monday.

“While I certainly have some hurdles ahead, I also know that I join millions of Americans who face significant health challenges of their own,” Dole said.

 

Dole, a native of Russell, Kansas, represented the state in Congress for almost 36 years before resigning from the Senate in 1996 to challenge Democratic President Bill Clinton. Dole had unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination in 1980 and 1988, and he was President Gerald Ford’s vice presidential running mate in 1976, when Ford lost to Democrat Jimmy Carter.

After his last run for office in 1996, Dole continued to be involved in Republican politics, offering endorsements and commenting on public issues. He was known during his congressional career for both a sharp tongue and his skills in making legislative deals.

Dole was a driving force behind the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, speaking poignantly at its 2004 dedication before tens of thousands of fellow veterans in their 80s and 90s, calling “our final reunion.”

He served with Clinton following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as co-chairman of a scholarship fund for the families of the victims. He was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2018 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997 for his public service.

Dole overcame disabling war wounds sustained near the end of World War II to forge his lengthy political career. Charging a German position in northern Italy in 1945, Dole was hit by a shell fragment that crushed two vertebrae and paralyzed his arms and legs. The young Army platoon leader spent three years recovering in a hospital but never regained use of his right hand.

Dole left the Army as a captain, but Congress in 2019 approved a promotion for him to colonel. He also received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for his military service.

A lawyer, Dole served in the Kansas House and as Russell County attorney before being elected to the U.S. House in 1960. He won a Senate seat in 1968 and became Senate majority leader after the 1984 elections. He led Republicans when they were in the minority for eight years, from 1987 to 1995, and then again as majority leader starting in 1995.