LaVerne and Julie Anderson of Ossian are saying ‘thank you’ the best way they know how on Saturday, Sept. 21, when they host Andyland Fun Day at their home (1732 160th Street). The event is LaVerne’s way of thanking the community and the families of those who have supported him as he battles cancer. The day will feature dozens of kids’ games, including the pig train and much more. (Zakary Kriener photo)
Saying thank you the best way he knows how
Zakary Kriener
News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com
For well-known Ossian man LaVerne Anderson, the past year of his life has been a bit of a rollercoaster. After being diagnosed with cancer last November, Anderson has faced an onslaught of ups and downs over the past 10 months. Despite the challenges, he and his wife Julie are planning a day of fun this fall to thank those who have supported him.
“Everything started when I went to the dentist in November of last year for a routine checkup,” said Anderson. “My hygienist felt a lump in my neck and suggested that I get it looked at.”
Two days later, LaVerne and Julie made the trip to La Crosse, Wis., where he was diagnosed with neck cancer.
“My team of doctors put together a plan that would include radiation five days per week and one day of chemo,” explained Anderson, a longtime maintenance worker at Ossian Senior Hospice. “We felt confident with the plan and continued to treat it through the early part of this year.”
Following his radiation/chemotherapy regimen, LaVerne underwent a surgery to clean out the area of his neck affected by the cancer, which included the removal of one of his jugular veins.
“At the end of May, we went back for a PET scan,” continued Anderson. “We were excited about the day and thought that I was completely in the clear.”
However, upon receiving the results of the PET scan, LaVerne and Julie learned that there was more cancer in his body.
“They found spots on my hip, in my lungs, on my sternum, and in my arm,” said LaVerne. “They did a bone biopsy and learned that it was the same cancer that was in my neck.”
The Andersons decided to continue LaVerne’s care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he would begin a new treatment that would include chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
“This all began in the middle of June,” he said. “I would get two rounds of chemotherapy and a treatment of immunotherapy once every three weeks. The initial plan is to do six rounds in hopes of slowing down the cancer.”
Through all of his challenges over the past year, one thing that the cancer has not been able to affect is LaVerne’s willingness to help others and provide entertainment for children.
“Through all of this, Julie and I have been overwhelmed by the support from the community,” said LaVerne. “From the day that we found out, we received gift cards, gas cards, food, offers for rides to treatments and other things from people to show their love and support. It has been really overwhelming.”
LaVerne and Julie went on to say that even people who no longer live in the area have reached out to offer their support.
“Through my diagnosis and all of the treatments over the last year, I have not shed one tear,” explained an emotional LaVerne. “But when I think about the support that I have gotten from everyone, that’s when I start to tear up. It’s amazing to realize the generosity of our little community.”
For LaVerne, he quickly realized that the best way to say thank you to the community is to do what he enjoys most.