Newberg Graphic Online

Winery fête supports brain cancer research

Holiday festivities — A portion of the sales of Dobbes Family Estate wine will go to National Brain Tumor Society, chosen by winery employee

• By: David Sale  
• Published: 11/17/2009 12:33:54 PM

   DUNDEE — Give the gift of wine and support health care through December at Dobbes Family Estate, which will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from the sales of the 2007 Skipper’s Cuvee pinot noir to the National Brain Tumor Society.
   An annual tradition for the winery, this year’s choice of charity was made by tasting room associate Michelle Bolliger-Olberding.
   “This charity hits home to me personally because my aunt and cousin have both dealt with and are still dealing with brain tumors,” she wrote in announcing the decision.
   “My aunt, Eileen Risser, was diagnosed in August 2006 with an extremely large brain tumor. The good news was that it was benign, the bad news was that even though benign, without surgery it would eventually take her life. She endured two surgeries four months apart and radiosurgery three months later ... I am very happy to report that her surgery and radiation removed the majority of the tumor and she is living an active and busy life with her husband and 21-year-old son.
   “My cousin, Brittany Bolliger, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 6, though her doctors believe it probably was there since her birth ... her tumor was determined to be inoperable.” With the aid of a shunt to relieve cranial pressure, Bolliger-Olberding added, her cousin has been able to live a normal life. “She has had MRIs at least every six months to check the tumor ... Brittany continues to do well and is now an active 10-year-old.”
   The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and creating programs and services for those affected by brain tumors, their families and caregivers. It also provides educational programs on topics ranging from new patient orientation to the latest clinical trials. September marked the nonprofit’s fourth annual 5K run/walk fund-raiser, with more than 800 participants.
   For more information, visit the group’s Web site at www.braintumor.org.

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