John Hall, together with his family, will present a Hope Bell, Monday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Sister Janet Schumacher will participate in the ceremony by blessing the new bell. A friend of the Halls' who is completing chemotherapy October 19 will be the first patient to ring the new bell.

            The 8" antiqued bronze patina brass bell honors Hall's wife, Helen, who passed away in July. Helen received treatment at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center and at Mayo Clinic.

            "After one of her series of treatments at the Mayo Clinic, Helen was given the opportunity to ring a bell signifying the end of her treatment.  It gave her great joy and hope," said Hall, owner of Sioux City's Fashion Floors Carpet One, "Our family wanted to honor her with this bell, and give hope to other cancer patients here at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center."

            The purpose of the bell is for the patient to celebrate and "ring out" on the day of their final treatment. A plaque accompanies the bell and reads, "Ring this bell, three times well, its toll to clearly say.  My treatment's done, this course is run, and I am on my way. In Memory of Helen Hall." 

            "Anyone completing radiation or chemotherapy will have the opportunity to ring the bell," said Pat Hubbard, Director of Fund Development. "We are so grateful for the support of the Hall family."

            For more information, please contact Pat Hubbard at the Cancer Center, 712-252-9352.