Fund-raiser held in honor of pancreatic cancer victim

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 12:32 PM CST

OCONOMOWOC - “I Won't Back Down” is the theme of a rock ‘n roll fund-raiser to be held Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at Olympia Resort and Conference Center in honor of local woman Teresa Krier, who lost a battle to pancreatic cancer in August 2008 at age 49.

Tickets are $40 per person, and include admission and hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds go to the national Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan), AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc and the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

The event features local favorite bands Big Al and the Hi Fi's and the Ken Rhodee Orchestra. A silent auction of items including a book and DVD signed by Tom Petty, a guitar autographed by members of Big Al and the Hi Fi's, a Door County weekend, spa packages and teeth whitening will take place in addition to dancing and camaraderie that evening. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the Ken Rhodee Orchestra to perform from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by Big Al and the Hi Fi's starting at 9 p.m.

According to event organizer Peter J. Sheild, DDS, the event is being hosted to honor Krier, keep her memory alive, inspire and educate others, increase awareness and work toward finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Krier served as office manager at Sheild's Oconomowoc practice from 1997 to 2008. Sheild recently established Teresa's Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer, which is sponsoring the event.

“My mom inspired many with her positive attitude and contagious smile while fighting a courageous battle,” Amanda Krier, one of Teresa Krier's two daughters, said. “Her hope and humor gave others strength, even when she had none.” Teresa Krier is survived by many loved ones, including daughters Amanda and Sarah, and 5-year-old grandson, Andrew.

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Tickets may be purchased at First Bank Financial Centre locations in downtown Oconomowoc and on County Highway P across from Piggly Wiggly, ISB Community Bank locations on Highway 67 next to Culver's and on Highway P next to Winestein's, Sheild Family Dentistry, the YMCA at Pabst Farms and from any committee member, including Sarah Krier, Amanda Krier, Laurie Claus, Keith Farley, Julie Reuteman, Paula Jacobs, Mary Sue McNamee, Lucine Spheeris and Kathy Allen.

Those unable to attend but desiring to support the event may send donations to Teresa's Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer in care of Dr. Pete Sheild, 1300 Summit Ave., Oconomowoc 53066.

“Whether at work, with friends or in the community,” Sheild said, “Teresa touched many people in a way that was as remarkable as she was. We miss her and we are moved by the opportunity to help others in the fight against pancreatic cancer.”