Children undergoing cancer treatment with Sanford Children’s Miracle Network will soon start receiving support from the David Schipper Endowment Fund for Cure Kids Cancer, a fund established on behalf of the Schipper family and Gehlen Catholic Schools. The fund was established with $20,000, which was raised from Gehlen’s annual “Kick Out Cancer Night” and a match from the Schipper family.
Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper, the fund’s namesake, explained why he chose to establish the fund through Sanford Children’s Miracle Network.
Although the original plan was to donate the funds to Sanford, Gehlen Catholic Schools and the Schipper family decided to go beyond just a simple donation after seeing the amount that was raised by the community.
The endowment will provide lasting support for children battling cancer, helping fund meaningful experiences and comforts during treatments, including projects like painting the masks children wear during radiation therapy. Schipper says establishing the endowment in his honor has meant the world to him.
Schipper will retire from the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department in August after a 38-year-long career.
