Friends, neighbors and community members will hold a benefit gathering at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Warsaw, Oct. 20, for the family of JoEllen Hogan.
She has been battling a reoccurrence of cancer since April. Her husband, Chuck Hogan, died of a massive heart attack Feb. 4, 2004, at the age of 53. The Hogans have two sons, Dan, 25; and Mikel, 15. Dan Hogan quit his job in Bloomington to return home and take care of his mother and younger brother when JoEllen got sick.
Both Chuck and JoEllen Hogan had a history of community involvement. Chuck Hogan invested in the lives of youth through his involvement as a Boy Scout leader and organizer of the first Makahiki Explorer weekend. He also was a member of the Warsaw Lions Club and Knights of Columbus Council 4511.
JoEllen Hogan worked at Warsaw Community Public Library for more than 22 years, most recently as a community outreach library associate. She served as a song leader at West Eel River Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake, and currently is a choir member at Sacred Heart, Warsaw. She was an original board member of Sacred Heart's Health Cabinet, and played key roles in setting up the health library, the Parish Nurse program and the Bereavement Group and Moms Group.
JoEllen Hogan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. After months of treatment, she went into remission. This spring, Hogan was admitted to the hospital with health problems and doctors determined that cancer cells were now present in her cerebral spinal fluid.
"As part of their community family, many people have gathered together to lend a hand," List said. "All proceeds will go to help pay for JoEllen's medical care and assist the boys as they adjust to a life without their parents."
The event will begin with a silent auction, raffle ticket sales, finger food and socializing at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., the band The Classics will play. Live entertainment will continue throughout the evening until 10:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at Warsaw Community Public Library, D.C. Haircrafter, Bob List Photography or by calling Sacred Heart at 574-267-5842. Donations also will be accepted at all of these locations.
