Cathy (McMullen) Ensign is a lifelong Northwest Indiana resident, born and raised and currently living in Hobart. She has always been a positive influence on her family and friends, and now they (along with many, many others) are coming together for her while she undergoes chemotherapy for the second time.
Ensign was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010, but even after enduring surgery to correct it, the cancer has returned this year. Dawn Alvarez, a longtime friend of Ensign’s, has put a ton of effort into organizing a fun benefit to help raise funds for her medical bills. Musical acts, a bounce house, kid games and prize raffles will highlight the event set for Saturday, October 4 at the Hobart American Legion Post 54, 208 S. Linda St. from 2-10 p.m.
Alvarez has collected items to raffle off in addition to organizing the logistics behind the benefit. It’s something she’s done for others in need at other times, with this one being extra special because it is for a dear friend.
“This will be a celebration of how great Cathy is,” said Alvarez, a Hobart Parks Department worker who noted both Ensign’s extended family and Alvarez’ too have gone above and beyond in making the benefit a reality. She says Ensign has always had a big heart and has kept positive during this entire ordeal.
“My family and friends have been really supportive, a few of them know first-hand how it is to deal with cancer because they have been in the same situation,” Ensign said. Alvarez added that Ensign has "always had a big heart" and "keeps positive through this ordeal."
Several businesses from many states, some affiliated with friends and family of Ensign and Alvarez, have donated either money or items to raffle at the benefit. Individuals have also stepped on board, many putting together gift baskets of their own.
An Indianapolis boating society has donated more than $300 in items alone.
“We have so much that has been donated - everyone is going to leave with a prize,” Alvarez said.
But the best prizes will be given away following a 50/50 raffle. With tickets at $1 apiece and six for $5, first prize is a 32’ Samsung LED television, second prize $100 in cash and third a $50 gas card from Family Express.
Other items collected to raffle include a Jared Allen Chicago Bears jersey, Paul Konerko black Chicago White Sox jersey and an old-time radio with a modern twist, among numerous others.
Four bands, all of which are donating their time and skills, will be on hand for entertainment as well as a disc jockey from 2-4 p.m.
“It’s just going to be an awesome party,” Ensign said. “When I see Dawn collecting all this stuff, it just gets me balling.”
Ensign has worked in various capacities over the years, including an 8-year run at Ellen Bergers, where she focused on her favorite passion, gardening.
“I love watering and watching things grow,” said the mother of three with 13 young grandchildren. She finds events that bring cancer patients together such as a makeover outing for victims at Porter Regional Hospital as “nice ways to find people who you can relate to for going through the same thing.”
Tickets to the benefit, which promises to be fun in every aspect no matter your interest, are $10 per adult ($15 per couple) with kids being emitted free.
A cash bar will be on hand as well as a keg, with cups being sold at $1 apiece, all of which will help Ensign with her medical bills.
Anyone able is encouraged to help Ensign combat what she calls a “genetic cancer” she received from her mother’s family. A GoFundMe account has already seen some traction with a few big funders. Any amount will be a big help.
“Cathy needs help financially and we all need to do our part to spread the word for more awareness of cancer in general,” Alvarez said. “It isn’t just a one-person disease. It affects everyone that knows someone suffering.”
Anyone knew knew Ensign from her days growing up in Hobart, at River Forest High School or just out in the community should help a great cause like this and have fun at the same time.
Businesses and individuals who have donated either items or money to Cathy's cause include: True Value, Mr. Sweet/Hobart, Cut Loose Salon, Kellen's Florist, Perfect Pet Salon, Bella G's,. Professional Edge Salon, Beauty on a Budget, Diver Supply Store, JJ's Pizza Shack Hobart, Foremost Liquors, Auto Zone/Hobart, Yamaha, Video Palace, Ray's Lanes, Nancy's Cafe, Royboys 2, The Depot, Copper Penny Tanning, McDonald's, Family Video, Dairy Queen, Bumper to Bumper Car Wash, Poe and Son, American Trim and Style, Reeder's Auto Service, Blythe's Sports, Jewelry Candles, Mary Kay / Brooke Scherrbaum, Cyndi Gilbert, Bob Montez, Grace Guth, Chad Dorp, End Zone, D'Marie, Like New Home Furnishings, Big Mouth Advertising, Von's Victorian Room, Indianapolis Motor Boaters, Marco's Pizza, NTB autoservice/ William Gallagher. Hoosier Doggie/ Lori Gallagher. Divintis of Chicago. Olympic Imported foods, kimberly Robinson Mary Kay agent and many more are still coming in. Dina Cortez, bands Residence 18, DJ Bot,