A Designated fund of Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Foundation

LPCF - OUR MISSION:

To provide funds for non-medical expenses of men in active treatment of prostate cancer in the Brainerd Lakes area of Essentia Health, Minnesota and to promote public awareness and education relating to the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.  We also form and operate support groups throughout the area.

Gary Harris, Founder/Director

Merrill (Dutch) Cragun, Director

Dr. Jim Roelofs, Director

Sharon Harris, Director

David Jeremiason,  Director of Development 

          - Central Region Essentia Health Foundation

Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer in men & leading cause of cancer death in American men and you can help us to provide funding for non-medical personal expenses incurred by men and their families while in treatment in the Essential Health  .  Our efforts towards early detection of prostate cancer through public education programs and the dissemination of information through the media and personal support groups are intended to reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men and provide valuable information

Donations to the Lakes Prostate Cancer Fund and Essentia Health - St. Joseph’s Foundation are tax deductible and the organization is a current and valid 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Irma Cragun will be remembered for her beauty and kindness  to the Brainerd Lakes Area, her leadership in the resort and business community and for being instrumental with husband Dutch in the formation and support of the mission of Lakes Prostate Cancer Fund.  God bless her memory, dedication and friendship.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and is the second highest cause of death in men over the age of 50.  It is believed that genetics and heredity play a role in the development of prostate cancer as well as exposure to radiation, chronic inflammation, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, high levels of androgens (testosterone), can cause gene changes which lead to cancer.

Implications of Prostate Cancer

Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer is generally highly successful in its remission but metastasis (escaping the prostate and entering surrounding tissues or the blood stream) has occurred, the disease prognosis and treatment will change dramatically.

Advanced prostate cancer may cause:

     · Urinary dysfunction

     · Erectile dysfunction

     · Loss of fertility

     · Bowel dysfunction

     · Pain as a result of bone metastasis

     · Compromised organ function & death