In January of this year, Carol received a diagnosis of stage 4 Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Additional testing showed the cancer had metastasized to her liver, which was estimated to be over 80% diseased.
With great compassion, Carol’s oncologist explained that her cancer was terminal. His treatment goals were to slow the progression of the disease and prolong life in the most comfortable way possible. Carol’s oncologist gave her a prognosis of “weeks, maybe months” depending on the effectiveness of treatment as her cancer was very fast-growing.
Fast forward to today, nearly seven months later: Carol is fighting the beast with a positive attitude, a world of support, and is rocking the chemotherapy/immunotherapy treatments which have reduced the size of her tumors! Although there are days when she experiences pain and significant fatigue, Carol has tolerated the treatments well. Some days you’d have little indication there was anything wrong. Although her diagnosis is grim, Carol has never given up hope.
The bowling community has graciously coordinated “Carol’s Cause” as a benefit for her and her family. We hope you can come to All-Star Lanes Banquet Hall in La Crosse on Saturday, August 16th between 2-6pm. There will be all sorts of raffles, silent auction items & a bake sale. If you would like to donate an item (gift basket, raffle or bakery, etc.), please contact Chad Feyen at 608-386-0682, or Carol's Husband - John Pesch at 608-498-8469, or Carol's eldest daughter - Kasey Burg via messenger or 608-498-0876. Any of the Pesch’s can steer you in the right direction if you have any questions.
Carol’s connection to bowling in La Crosse can be traced back to her childhood. Her dad, John Papacek, and his brother Clarence built Pla-Mor Lanes, so Carol grew up in the bowling community. Carol bartended part-time at Pla-Mor throughout her high school and college years and became a great bowler as well! She met her husband, John through bowling (he “courted” her at Pla-Mor and South Lanes 😊), and the Pesch’s have continued to support bowling establishments and the sport in the Coulee region and beyond.
We hope you join the Pesch’s at Carol’s Cause to enjoy a couple of hours of friends, family & fun!
More about Carol:
Carol (Papacek) Pesch was born and raised on the south side of La Crosse and continues to live in the area, just across the Mississippi River in La Crescent. She attended St. Thomas More, Aquinas High School, and graduated from UW- La Crosse. She worked for G Heileman/Bond USA/Stroh Brewing for 18 years (2 years in Seattle, WA), La Crosse Footwear and for the past 7 years with Neighbors in Action as a care partner in La Crescent. She loves helping people remain in their homes with a little assistance.
Stay tuned to this page for Carol’s Cause weekly updates, and John’s page (JP Kegler) for updates on Carol’s progress!
Also check out other Nonprofit events in La Crosse, Sports events in La Crosse.
