“When we lose someone we love, we must learn not just to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.”

Since 2017, our family has honored Rose Duncan on her birthday by turning her love into action — raising funds to bring comfort to those undergoing cancer treatments at the SSM Specialty Clinic in Dodgeville, WI. What began as a small tribute has become a meaningful family tradition that continues to carry Rose’s warmth and generosity forward, year after year.

Over the past nine years, through the incredible kindness of friends, family, and community members, we’ve raised over $8,000. Each year looks a little different, depending on the donations received — sometimes we create care packages filled with Kwik Trip gift cards, socks, blankets, puzzle books, and other small comforts. Other years, we’ve provided direct cash gifts to each patient, allowing them to use the funds in whatever way best supports them during treatment.

Before each fundraiser, we reach out to the clinic to find out how many patients are currently in treatment at the same place where both Rose and her husband Gary received care. Then our family — Gary, Chase, Andrea, Shaina, and Rose’s grandson, River — come together to pack, count, or distribute the gifts. Whether we deliver twenty-five care bags or individual envelopes of support, every dollar represents a piece of Rose’s love being passed on to someone who needs it most.

The Dodgeville Clinic will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s where Gary underwent successful treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2004, and where Rose courageously faced gallbladder cancer beginning in 2015 under the compassionate care of Dr. Arbaje and his team. Rose passed away on December 14, 2016, surrounded by family at home — but her spirit continues to shine through every act of kindness shared in her memory.

Now, nine years later, it’s hard to believe how much time has passed. Some days it feels like forever; others, it feels like just yesterday that we saw her beautiful smile. Honoring her through this annual act reminds us that love doesn’t fade — it multiplies when we share it.

If you’d like to help us carry the love forward, you can donate through GoFundMe or directly by cash or check to Gary, Chase, Andrea, Shaina, or River.

From our family to yours — thank you for helping us keep Rose’s love alive and felt, one gift at a time.