Fundraiser to be held for Amy Becker

Amy Becker has the moto “Hold my hoops while I kick cancers butt” while she has been on her cancer journey. (Photo/Submitted)

Sara Stadem | Editor

The 21st Annual Humboldt Lawn Mower Poker Run Benefit will be for Humboldt resident, Amy Becker, who was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer.
Becker, originally from Humboldt, married her high school sweetheart, Phil, who is also originally from Humboldt, and have three children; Mike (Hannah), Cole (Kim) and Olivia (Carson). Becker is also the owner of Becker’s Bright Beginnings Preschool & Daycare and recently celebrated her 25th year.
Her journey began on August 20, 2020, when she received her diagnosis. “On August 20, 2020, I was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer which is quite rare for a 48-year-old,” Becker said.
From there, Becker explained she started radiation and chemotherapy right away and had great results. “My tumor shrunk and so in January I was able to have the tumor removed along with my rectum and some of my colon,” said Becker. She continued, “It was a long and rough surgery but they removed the cancer and all our prayers were answered.”
After surgery, Becker did port chemo that was supposed to help clean up anything that might have been missed. Unfortunately, Becker explained her body was not cooperating and the side effects were so terrible that she had to stop the port chemo.
“I then had to have some time to recover and then on July 13, I had an ileostomy reversal and hope that’s the last of my therapy and I can celebrate and maybe get on with my life, my new normal,” Becker said. She continued, “Our first grandbaby is due July 31 so I have a lot to look forward to and to be thankful for.”
Due to her diagnosis and treatment, Becker has not been able to work for almost a year now. “I am so thankful we’ve been able to keep it running with my awesome staff and families,” Becker said. She continued, “I absolutely love to teach and see the things each child accomplishes and the excitement when they do! It’s so rewarding to love and care for each of these children.”
Becker walked into her cancer journey with a motto – Hold my hoops while I kick cancers butt! When asked how she picked that motto, Becker explained, “If you know me, I wear big earrings. So, when you fight you ask your friends to hold your hoops so that they don’t get ripped out. My friend Jo taught me that.” She continued, “So my family and friends have been so great holding my hoops when I really needed them by doing fundraising, to keep our bills paid, bringing flowers to cheer me up and bringing countless meals to keep us fed!”
So, when the Humboldt Lawn Mower Poker Run asked Becker if they could have the next poker run in her honor, Becker couldn’t refuse. “I got asked by members of the poker run if they could do the lawn mower poker run in honor of me. Of course, I didn’t want them to but how can you turn down an organization that wants to help your family in time of need,” Becker said. She continued, “My community has been an outpouring of support and love. Thank you, Humboldt. I’m very proud to call Humboldt my home.”
What is the Humboldt Lawn Mower Poker Run? Kelly O’Gorman, co-chairman of the organization, explained 21 years ago some local community members decided to drive around town on lawn mowers for fun and the Lawn Mower Poker run was born.
O’Gorman continued to explain after a couple of years, they had a large group attending and decided that it would be a good opportunity for a fundraiser. Originally the poker run was ran by Dave Froke and Lynn Froke and once retired after 10 years of it, Jen Reynolds took over for the next nine years. This year, both Theresa Muth and Kelly O’Gorman took over as co-chairs of the Humboldt Lawn Mower Poker Run.
According to O’Gorman, there is a committee in charge of picking the recipient each year, usually a Humboldt resident that is going through a difficult time and could use some monetary and community support. “Amy was chosen this year because she is being treated for cancer. She owns Becker’s Bright Beginnings Daycare and literally hundreds of local kids have attended her daycare through the years,” O’Gorman said. She continued, “She has had a positive effect on the entire community and this is a chance for everyone to give back to her and show their support.”
A few years back, the poker run decided to add some more fun to the event by having a theme each year, giving out prizes for Best Decorated Ride, Best Male Costume, Best Female Costume and Best Kid Costume. This year’s theme is “At the Movies.”
The event is not just for lawn mowers, O’Gorman explained. “We have had lawn mowers, ATV’s, motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, tractors, cars, pickups, mopeds and even motorized wheelchairs participate, really, just anything that has wheels and you can get around town on,” O’Gorman said. She continued, “Many of the vehicles pull trailers loaded with people participating in the event.”
The event will take place on Saturday, August 7, with registration starting at Big J’s from 12 pm – 1 pm. Stops along the way include the city park, baseball fields and bank parking lots. The final is at Main Street Humboldt which includes a pot luck and where prizes are handed out. O’Gorman explained anyone is welcome to join at any time throughout the event. The 50/50 tickets will continue to be sold at each stop. Poker run tickets can be purchased at the beginning and late arrivals can still purchase a poker hand up to the third stop.
“This is a big event for the Humboldt community. I love seeing all the locals come out to show support for one of their own,” said O’Gorman. She continued, “And of course it’s such a festive event, it’s the most fun you will ever have on a lawn mower!”
Anyone wishing to donate prizes for participants or money to the fundraiser can contact event co-chairs Theresa Muth at 605-366-9781 or Kelly O’Gorman at 605-940-9695.
What’s next for Becker’s journey after the fundraiser? “My next journey is to heal and gain strength and get back to work. I miss the kiddos and my staff so much. When I do stop in, I get the best hugs and cheers. I think they miss me too!” Becker said. She concluded, “I’ve learned not to take life for granted. Enjoy every day even if it’s not a great day. I want to travel more and spent more time with my family and friends. Don’t sweat the small stuff (it’s okay if your house gets messy).”