Cancer and Neurosciences Center at the Lorie Haarberg Building

Lorie Haarberg is no stranger to cancer. In the early 1990s, Lorie’s mother and step-father were lost in their 50s to the terrible disease. Throughout the past 20 years, she has felt powerless as she continued to witness friends battle the same illness. A few months ago, Lorie heard about the new Cancer and Neurosciences Center at Woodland Healthcare and naturally felt passionate about helping fund the campaign. After discussing the project with her husband, Kevin, she decided to commit to the project. Her generosity led to the naming of the new building.

With Lorie’s commitment to help fight cancer in honor of her parents, she and Kevin simultaneously chose to fund two different projects. Their gift was not only beneficial to Woodland Healthcare, but also helpful for Kevin’s alma mater, South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy. “It was almost spiritualistic how these two opportunities came along at about the same time,” Haarberg said. She continued, “The step to support this campaign seemed like a natural progression after my husband, Kevin, and I helped establish a suite containing the Cancer Research Radio Isotope Lab, Cell Culture Room and an Imaging Lab at his alma mater,” stated Haarberg.

Lorie’s big heart and compassion to help those in need led her to become an Auxiliary volunteer for Woodland Healthcare more than 10 years ago. “As an Auxiliary member, I have the opportunity to help others. While in the ER, I enjoy talking to patients and helping do what I can for them to find comfort,” said Haarberg. Lorie’s angelic smile and caring words have soothed countless patients and families during difficult times.

For more than 15 years, the Haarberg’s have continuously supported our community and the Woodland Healthcare Foundation. They have attended numerous events; purchased and donated auction items; and for the second year, Lorie is part of the Foundation Annual Dinner planning committee. Their generosity is remarkable, yet to them it’s fundamental. “I have always felt that one should give back to the community where you live and make a home; either physically or financially, we can all help to make this place a little better than we found it,” said Haarberg. The generosity displayed by the Haarberg’s will benefit patients at the Cancer and Neurosciences Center, at the Lorie Haarberg Building, for many years to come.