For Barb's Benefit!

Barbara Sher McClard worked with us at the Ridgeview Clinics for 19 years.  I clearly remember this bubbly young woman  joining us at our old clinic site across the street from the Chanhassen Dinner Theater.  This was a small woman with a big personality who was an instant hit with our patients and staff.  She literally made friends with all that passed her way in the Chanhassen and Excelsior lab and X ray departments.  She addressed my elderly father as "Bernie" and was the only one that called him that.  He was generally known as "Ben".  He loved it and, although not the most outgoing guy on the planet, always had a big smile for Barb! She was also great friends with my aunt Audrey, who frequented our lab in her later years.  Barb has always had a special affinity for the elderly.

She eventually met and fell in love with Shawn McClard and Barb and Shawn completed their family with the addition of son MIcah, who coincidentally turns 18 on June 8, the date of our event/party at the home of Kevin and Stacey White in Waconia, Minnesota.  (Details to follow.)   Shawn's job required a move to the Chicago area.

Tragically, while living in Chicago Barb was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer.  She has accepted this challenge with courage, dignity and her usual good humor.  Unfortunately she has been unable to work and although Barb and Shawn have health insurance, the out of pocket expenses continue to mount.  Several months ago I suggested to Barb that she allow us to "do something" to help her on this journey, but she asked that we put this on "the back burner".  After several attempts Barb has reluctantly agreed to allow us to raise some funds to help defray her medical expenses.  

All of you who know Kevin and Stacey White will not be surprised that they are all over this.  There is not a more generous and loving couple on the planet.  As Kevin states, "Barb is family and we look out for our family!"   In addition to this GoFundMe page my wife Candace is working diligently on an online auction site as many have generously donated wonderful items.  Details to follow on this as well.  We also hope to have some fun fundraising activities at the White compound starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, June 8.

Thank you all for reading this and for sending your prayers, good wishes and possible donations to Barb, Shawn and Micah.  There are many good causes out there and this certainly fits that category.  

Please stay tuned as we open the auction site soon and provide more details on the June 8 event.  If you would like to donate anything to the auction you may contact me at [email redacted].

Mike Lano