Communities rally to help woman battling cancer
Angelica Goff enjoys family time with her husband Casey Goff and their son Luey Lopez. She is battling Stage 4 stomach cancer, which has spread to other parts of her body. Submitted photo
The message on sweatshirts worn by family members captures the essence of it all: “In this family nobody fights alone.”
And in the case of Angelica Goff, she is finding out how her fight against cancer involves the entire family and beyond. It also includes several area communities rallying to help ease the burden of a life-threatening disease.
It started last fall when members of the Medford wrestling team showed their solidarity by wearing purple in support and the wrestling moms held benefits for Goff, whose 17-year-old son, Luey Lopez, is a wrestler.
Now the Eagle’s Club in Owatonna is throwing its support out by hosting an upcoming benefit for Goff.
And the rallying extends into Blooming Prairie where Goff has several family members, one of which has a generous boss who’s making a big contribution. Craig Kruckeberg, owner of Kruckeberg Industries where Goff’s sister-in-law, Miranda Camery works, is donating “a substantial amount of liquor” for a fundraising game at the benefit.
In between all the communities rallying around Goff, there has also been a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $10,000. Camery organized the GoFundMe and is also on the committee for the benefit.
Cancer diagnosis
Goff, 39, was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic adenocarcinoma, which is a stomach cancer, last October. Camery said Goff was experiencing lower back pain and headed to the chiropractor for what was believed to be strained muscles. Goff wasn’t getting any better with chiropractic treatment, and doctors eventually discovered she had tumors pressing on her spine.
Since then, the cancer has spread to her bones and ovaries.
“It’s so rare,” Camery said, noting Goff’s cancer is usually found in elderly people. “She is real healthy otherwise and has no other underlining health issues. She doesn’t fit the criteria (for this cancer).”
Goff’s battle has endured many obstacles with the greatest being that she has exhausted all treatment plans through the Mayo Clinic.
She has started a new form of chemotherapy at Nassef Cancer Center in St. Paul. Goff is awaiting a spot to open for a clinical trial at the University of Minnesota.
After the diagnosis came last October, Goff was forced to give up her job at Wenger Corp. in Owatonna. She has since gone on disability.
The new reality sent a shock wave to not only Angelica, but also her husband, Casey Goff, who grew up in Blooming Prairie and is self-employed in construction. Casey was forced to take off three months of work to help with his wife’s treatments and care, creating an even greater financial burden for the family.
“Angelica is a warrior,” said Camery. “Her faith, love of her family and positive outlook on life only reiterates our new motto, ‘We believe in miracles.’”
Through the ongoing trials and tribulations of battling cancer, Goff has kept a positive attitude, Camery said.
Goff has created a “bucket list” of things she hopes to accomplish. The family recently bought a camper and has been enjoying time near Waterville. Other things on her bucket list include traveling to Hawaii, Carolinas and Dominican Republic.
“I want to travel with my family and make beautiful memories,” Goff said.
Added Camery, “She knows her time is limited, and she’s grateful for every day.”
Upcoming benefit
The benefit will take place from 4-9 p.m. on July 22 at the Eagle’s Club in Owatonna. There will be a spaghetti dinner, along with live auction, silent auction, meat raffles, shirts, cupcake station and a liquor wall.
“We’ve had some fantastic donations,” said Camery.
Donations are still being accepted. Anyone interested can reach out to Camery at 507-402-9688 or Goff’s sisters, MaryJane Grant at 507-210-2242 or Cathy Simmons at 507-676-6517.
A committee of 12 family members and friends has been planning the benefit for nearly four months.
“We’re doing this just to tell her we love her and celebrate,” Camery said, noting Goff is healthy enough to enjoy the benefit. “Everyone has rallied together and made it easier for her. Casey and Angelica are dumbfounded and forever grateful for the generosity of the community, their friends and family.”
Asked what a bright spot in her fight has been, Goff responded: “The love, support and generosity of my family, friends and from the people I may not even know. This keeps my spirits up.”
She said the biggest challenge is the unknown and what the future holds for her.
Goff said she gets through the day-to-day struggles by keeping positive thoughts. “I want to be strong for my son, stepdaughter, and husband,” she said.
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Cancer Benefit
What: Benefit for Angelica Goff
Where: Eagle’s Club- Owatonna
When: Saturday, July 22- 4-9 p.m.
Other: Donations accepted by contacting
Miranda Camery at 507-402-9688