In the fight against cancer, hope is one of our most powerful tools — helping patients endure, find strength and persevere.
More than anything, hope lights the way forward, allowing those with cancer to see a life beyond their diagnosis.
In Bismarck, eight local cancer survivors reflected on the power of hope during the 2026 Blueway Gala, an event to support the Sanford Cancer Center in Bismarck.
“For those with cancer, hope is the most powerful word there is. Hope is the promise of more time. Of more memories. Of more moments that matter,” said Sara Haugen, vice president for the Sanford Health Foundation in Bismarck. “Hope means everything.”
“For each of these survivors, their hope was strengthened by the expert and compassionate care they received at the Sanford Bismarck Cancer Center,” she said. “Now, they are sharing their stories of hope and healing to inspire support for others who will face a cancer diagnosis in the weeks and months ahead. We are so grateful.”
John Lacis, 56
New Salem, North Dakota
Husband, Son, Brother, Security Officer
Diagnosis: Lymphoma
“Hope means a lot of different things to me. I hope nothing ever comes back again. I hope for others to get through all this when they’re feeling down.”
Monty Longmuir, 77
Bismarck, North Dakota
Widower, Father, Grandfather, Retired
Diagnosis: Melanoma
“My hope is that more people will be able to get the treatments they need from places like Sanford. My team was next to none. They’re there not just for medicine, they’re there to help people.”
Angela Grossman, 43
Wilton, North Dakota
Wife, Mother, Substitute Teacher
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
“To me, hope means the chance to be there for the future for my kids. I hope that things will continue to go good. So for me, hope just means to live life and enjoy it.”
Royce Cheadle, 7
Bismarck, North Dakota
Future Firefighter and Hockey Player
Diagnosis: Leukemia
“Because of your support, you can help kids like me. You can let hope ring.”
Rebecca Cornell, 50
Williston, North Dakota
Wife, Mother, Farmer, Rancher, Billing Coordinator
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
“There’s hope for tomorrow. There’s hope for the future, and there’s hope that there will be a cure for cancer. Those are my prayers every day.”
Don Paulsrud, 62
Ashley, North Dakota
Husband, Father, Retired Teacher, Coach
Diagnosis: Lung Cancer
“You hope for the best. I hope someday they find a cure, even if I’m not here to see it. As long as I have hope, and as long as I have breath in my body, I’m going to fight. I hope that tomorrow is going to be a good day.”
Jody Eckert, 46
Bismarck, North Dakota
Wife, Mother, Physical Therapist, University Program Chair
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
“Hope moves me forward. I really believe in all of the research that’s come out in the last five years. There’s hope in the statistics that are out there for women with breast cancer, especially if detected early.”
Kevin Mosser, 64
Mandan, North Dakota
Husband, Father, Grandfather, Barber
Diagnosis: Colon Cancer
“Hope is having faith in God, believing that He will get you through what you’re going through. If you don’t have hope, you don’t have anything.”
Give for Hope
If you’re inspired by this story, gift the gift of hope to those with cancer today. 100% of your gift will help patients and families at the Sanford Cancer Center in Bismarck by supporting areas like these:
- Services like Nurse Navigation, offering guidance and support from day one of a diagnosis
- Complimentary wigs and head coverings
- Lifesaving equipment and precision technology for early diagnosis and better outcomes
- Cutting-edge research and clinical trials
- Direct assistance to help with treatment-related costs like meals, mileage and transportation
- And so much more!