'Pink Party' celebrates breast cancer survivor - Le Mars Daily Sentinel

Maureen Pottebaum, a resident companion at Park Place Estates in Le Mars, shows residents a tastefully decorated cake celebrating her 10 years as a breast cancer survivor.

Ten years ago, Maureen Pottebaum of rural Remsen got a diagnosis no one wants to hear -- breast cancer.

Last Thursday, Pottebaum celebrated 10 years as a breast cancer survivor with the residents and co-workers at Park Place Estates with a "Celebrate Pink" party.

Pottebaum, a certified nursing assistant and medication assistant, is a resident companion at the assisted living center in Le Mars. She helps residents with their medication and other health-related needs.

Pottebaum said she was talking with a resident, telling her that it was going to be 10 years that she was cancer-free.

"I remember saying 'we should have a party, and I'm gonna bring a cake,'" Pottebaum said.

That was all it took to get a party going.

"The residents got all excited about it. At their next resident council meeting, they planned this 'pink party,'" Pottebaum said.

And pink it was.

The dining room was decked out with pink tablecloths, pink flowers, plates and napkins.

All residents attending wore pink tops or scarves.

Also attending were Pottebaum's daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.

Pottebaum's husband, Wayne, stopped by to check out the party.

"He said he never saw so much pink in all his life," Pottebaum said.

Judith Roddy, Park Place Estates director, said it was definitely a reason to celebrate.

"Maureen wanted a party for the residents," Roddy said.

The residents, in turn, wanted to celebrate Pottebaum and her 10-year anniversary of being cancer free, she said.

"Maureen brought the treats, including the pink cake," Roddy said with a smile.

A co-worker presented Pottebaum with a bouquet of large pink balloons, one for each year of survival, which filled a corner of the room. Others gave cards and gifts in Pottebaum's honor.

"Maureen always looks for the extras to give. Her sense of humor is endless and so are her pranks," said Roddy.

Pottebaum regularly dresses for holidays, such as being a witch at Halloween.

Roddy explained Pottebaum will stay after work hours and play games such as Scrabble and cards with the residents.

"I just try to do extra things for them," Pottebaum explained. "Bingo is their favorite thing. So I stay after work and play bingo. I like to play games and cards."

Pottebaum is also passing on her love for caring to her granddaughter.

"She likes to come over here, too. On Sundays when we play bingo, she likes to pass the cards out and play," Pottebaum said.

Pottebaum said she received the diagnosis of breast cancer.

"I was diagnosed in February and had surgery in March (2002)," Potte

Source: http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1824931.html

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