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By Jenny Earl
Covered in blood with dark black circles around their eyes, zombies took over Iowa City Thursday.
John Hall, who founded the Red Shamrock Foundation in 2011, helped organize the 1st Annual Iowa City Charity Zombie Ball and Undead Masquerade to raise awareness for post-cancer patient needs, as well as to raise funds to support a survivorship clinic at the University of Iowa.
In March of 2009, Hall’s son Finn was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Finn struggled throughout his cancer treatment at the UI Hospitals and Clinics, which included rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation, two stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy. Since July 2010, though, Finn has been in remission.
However, Hall quickly realized that “remission” did not mean it would be the end of frequent hospital visits. Finn, like many post-cancer patients has to respond to cancer protocol and is still in need of specialized care.
Finn, and other survivors were the inspiration for the Red Shamrock Foundation.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of cancer survivors increased by about 20 percent from 2001 to 2007, the latest year for which data is available. In 2007, there were 11.7 million cancer survivors, a number that has quadrupled since the early 1970s.
Since the increase, hospitals around the United States are starting survivorship clinics to address the specific needs of post-cancer patients.
Hall said although the UI hospital cares for post-cancer patients, they have yet to create a survivorship clinic.
“I’ve spoken with a couple people and there’s ideas to create a survivorship clinic, but it’s nothing solid,” said Hall. “It’s just ideas right now.”
Willis Buckles, a student and soldier, came to the Ball with a gray face and a few bullet wounds — and an eager smile.
“I completely agree with cancer research and helping care with cancer and families that survive through it,” Buckles said.
Hall said the Zombie Ball is the first fund-raising event of many that the Shamrock Foundation hopes to have in the coming years to raise awareness for those, like his son, who have made it past a cancer diagnosis.
UI Dance Marathon partnered with the Red Shamrock Foundation for the event, grabbing a pint of blood and stage makeup, Dance Marathon members helped create zombies and contributed door prizes.
“We are such a young organization, we jumped at the chance to work with Dance Marathon, as they are a very strong and well known organization in the area,” said Hall. “I hope our partnership continues.”
Hall and his family spoke at UI Dance Marathon’s big event last year. The Hall family has been involved in Dance Marathon since their son’s diagnosis and said they’re still a part of it.
“The unique relationship these two philanthropic organizations have — with the Red Shamrock’s founder being a father of a Dance Marathon kiddo treated in the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital — is something really special and to be noted,”
said Michael Kinney, Dance Marathon executive director of PR/marketing director.
Colleen Eck, board of directors for the Red Shamrock Foundation and organizer of the event said it was spur of the moment, but it turned out to be great.
“When John said he wanted to create a foundation I said, ‘Count me in, I would love to be a part of this too,’ ” Eck said.
