Uncorking A Cure

Hello again from beautiful Union, KY!

No one likes to talk about health issues and “cancer” is perhaps the most dreaded word in the English language. So we certainly recognize that colorectal cancer is among the least desirable of conversation topics…and that is just part of the reason why everyone avoids it socially. Let’s face it, who wants to talk about this horrible disease?

Well, it appears as though more than 400 of you want to join in the conversation and that is quite frankly unbelievable! Just by joining our Facebook family, you have proclaimed that colorectal cancer is something that needs to be discussed, dealt with and eventually eradicated completely. 

For that, and so much more, we thank you.

Words alone cannot describe the amount of gratitude that Maria and I have for the overwhelming number of our family and friends who have stepped up to help make a difference! Those of you who have contributed to our cause, whether through time, talent or treasure (I am borrowing very liberally from my Catholic upbringing) are to be commended. We appreciate all of your efforts very much.

More than 200 people attended our first ever event on Saturday, March 7 at Elk Creek Vineyards and it was an amazing sight to behold. The wine and food was phenomenal and the blue wristbands were everywhere. Maria and I need to thank our friends at Elk Creek (Curtis, Debbie, Vicki, Rebekka and Kristine especially) for your hard work and genuine hospitality. The Kroger chefs were amazing (Chef Brian’s recipes were a big hit station after station) and it was terrific seeing so many of our family and friends enjoying the day under the bright, bluegrass sky in Owenton, KY.

We have only just begun and God willing with your continued support we will continue “Uncorking a Cure” together!  Thank you.

Cheers,

Wayne & Maria Jung

Well, it’s hard to believe how far this concept has come in the last year!

What started as a mere blip of an idea on the occasion of Maria’s birthday last year (March 29) has really picked up steam and now that March is almost here, it is a little bit overwhelming. This initiative would NOT be possible were it not for the most generous efforts of a good number of people and I think that it is imperative that I thank them now. First and foremost, I would like to give special thanks to our three wonderful children who have given me guidance, inspiration, thoughtful input, leg (and finger) work, but mostly unquestionable love in this and many other pursuits over the years. Their grandparents call them “the three musketeers” and that couldn’t be truer, because they are a terrific team and their mother and I could NOT be prouder!

I have to thank Dan Cayse of Cincinnati State. A co-conspirator deluxe, Dan was the first person that I bounced this idea off of and he has provided me with many course corrections along the way. He is a special friend. My team at Local 12, Lindsay, Tom, Jen and Jarrod have listened to me rant about this for almost a full year now. They helped me to tweak and refine the concept and their assistance with much of the day-in, day-out heavy lifting is very much appreciated. Special thanks to Jarrod for creating and then re-creating (and being so nice EVERY time that I asked) the Uncorking A Cure logo.  I think that it captures the feel of this organization brilliantly. Thank you to Les Vann, our station GM, who gave me the green light and pledged complete station support! And to Matt Kidwell, who allows me virtually unlimited space within which to roam…thank you.

To my great friends at Kroger, and there are many…a very big thank you! Chef Brian Whisman, Rachael Betzler, Kathy Casebolt, Sharon McDowell, Lisa Lizzio, Geoff Covert, Sukanya Madlinger and James Avant…you are a delight to work with and I appreciate your support of all that I do on your behalf. Many of my efforts would go nowhere without the support of The Kroger Company.

Special thanks to our favorite winery anywhere (which just happens to be less than 45 minutes from our house)…Elk Creek Vineyards in Owenton, KY! In a future post, I will tell you how Maria and I found the place and why it has meant so much to us and held such a special place in our hearts since virtually the day that they opened. But for my first post, I can never thank Curtis Sigretto and his marvelous team enough for everything that they have done to make this concept take wings…Rebekka Seigel and Kristine Lawler Walker especially! If you haven’t been to Elk Creek before, go NOW! Or join us on March 7th. It is a Kentucky Proud winery and an incredible achievement nestled in the rolling hills of Owen County.

I also have to give a very special “shout out” to the man behind the curtain…Brad Butler, Jr.  Brad is maybe the fastest web guy that I have ever been around…not to mention how nice it is to work with someone who possesses among other things a very positive attitude, drive, eternal availability and passion for getting it right and supporting local causes…not to mention a rate card that really matched my budget. I promised him that after he set up this blog, my daily emails would virtually cease! Keep hoping, Brad, and thank you for everything!

For their support, I would also like to thank Jasmine Greenamyer at the Colon Cancer Alliance, Bobby Howell at Heildelberg Distributors and Joan Donnelly of Donnelly Design. It was Jasmine who reminded me that colorectal cancer impacts more people annually than breast cancer and AIDS combined, Bobby who graciously and unflinchingly offered to donate to the cause for every case of wine sold and Joan who first said that hopefully someday we will all toast to a cure! Well said, Joan!

This awful disease is primarily what’s behind these efforts, but more than anything it is my respect for and love of one incredible woman. Those who have battled cancer know that once you have it…it never goes away, physically in some cases, but mentally and emotionally in all. I have watched my beautiful wife struggle with the “whys” and the “wherefors” since that awful September day five years ago when she was first diagnosed. This website is my testament to her strength and courage, and it’s just a small way for me to help bring her some meaning as to why she has to deal with the burden of living with cancer. Maria, I love you!

Now, let’s go find a cure for this disease!

~Wayne

Uncorking A Cure (UAC) promotes colorectal cancer awareness and prevention by building partnerships, encouraging screening, supporting education, providing training and developing awareness funded entirely through a series of fun and informative events particularly tied to wine and food.

Activities in support of UAC occur primarily in the tri-state area surrounding Cincinnati, Ohio. UAC works with local partners to find culturally appropriate ways to strengthen awareness through the creative use of media – radio, TV and print – event development, facilitation, training, community organizing, policy forums, sports and music.