I am Susan (Banta) Helweg, Gale Struther's long-time friend (more like a sister!). I am setting up this GoFundMe at her request to benefit her since she was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this summer. She wrote her story to share here:

"Dear friends and family,

This Go Fund Me is a new concept for me, but at the encouragement of friends and family I have decided to give it a whirl. I would appreciate donations, but even more would value your prayers as this journey continues.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 18, 2025; three separate masses were seen on an ultrasound and a biopsy showed that two of them were cancerous. I had a single mastectomy on July 11th, and two sentinel lymph nodes were removed as well. Further testing showed that both were cancerous. A PET scan was then ordered to detect any further spread. Praise God that no other cancer was detected with that scan! The oncologist recommended infusion chemotherapy to be sure there were not any cancer cells remaining. A port was surgically placed on August 8th, and infusion chemotherapy started on August 12th. I will need four “cycles” of chemotherapy three weeks apart, and then will likely need radiation therapy directed at the left axillary lymph nodes after that. So far I have done really well with all the surgeries and treatments. I am trying to slow down and take it easy - saving energy to deal with the cancer treatment. Due to this, and the required appointments required to manage everything, I have cut back my teaching load at Oak Hills Christian College.

As many of you probably know, cancer takes over most of a person’s life, and along with the physical and emotional toll, it also creates financial stress. Each infusion chemotherapy treatment costs over $11,000, and the PET scan was $9,000. Insurance has covered quite a bit, but the bills are starting to add up. Any donations would go directly to outstanding medical bills."

Thank you to everyone who donates to this Go Fund Me. I am very thankful for your care and concern for me. Please pray for me. I know God is in control and I feel his peace in this whole process. I want to always remember that he is in control of this whole journey. It is because of faithful prayers that I am doing so well, and that the cancer has not spread further. Thank you, each one, from the bottom of my heart.

In Him,

Gale"

P.S. If you are more comfortable sending funds to Gale directly, checks may be mailed to: Gale Struthers; 1975 Carr Lake Rd. SW; Bemidji, MN 56601