LORRIE WILLIAMS, FLUFF INTERIOR DESIGN: "WE DESIGN HAPPINESS"
Treat yourself to fall family fun at Pearson's Pumpkin Place
Enjoy hearty shareables at WestEnd Cocktails & Appetizers
REACH US
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Weare well into a new season—whether you’re a fan of football, cooler weather, or the notorious pumpkin spice. My husband and I recently became empty nesters, which is a season I’ve both welcomed (fewer groceries, earlier bed time, cleaner house) and wrestled (fewer family dinners, late night worrying, quieter house). Navigating new seasons is always exciting and challenging, and this issue we celebrate individuals who embrace it with courage and grace.
Lorrie Williams, co-owner of Fluff Interior Design, is no stranger to adapting to new seasons. What started as a simple side business 22 years ago has now expanded into a new showroom in downtown Elkhorn and its largest interior and exterior home design projects to date, exemplifying Fluff’s philosophy that design shouldn’t just be beautiful, it should be livable, too.
If you’re looking for a traditional pumpkin patch experience this season, Pearson’s Pumpkin Place offers everything you need. After a career in landscaping, owner Alex Pearson decided to try something new, creating the venue literally from the ground up on his family’s farm. From hayrack rides to a fishing pond and its own branded popcorn, Pearson’s has something for everyone.
This issue’s youth section shines a spotlight on The SammyStrong Foundation—a local nonprofit founded by Sarah Wemhoff-Strawn and her husband Joe Strawn after their youngest son, Sammy, was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer at age nine. SammyStrong is dedicated to bringing light and strength to other kids and families who are bravely battling pediatric brain cancer. Learn how you can help with this worthy cause. WestEnd Cocktails and Appetizers is our food feature, specializing in unique shareable dishes with a relaxed, comfortable vibe. Be sure to check out the cocktail feature from Revival House, our Varsity Corner outstanding high school student athlete, and Passion Spotlight, which provides information on this year’s flu clinics sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who supports Edge Magazine. Last month marked our 12th anniversary, and we look forward to continuing to share stories from our vibrant community for seasons to come.
Kathy Rygg Executive Editor
PUBLISHER AND OWNER
Carole Sprunk (402) 587-2259 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER / ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Kasie Wilcox (402) 957-8780 // Kasie@EdgeMagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Calvin Andrews, Shelly Nosbisch, Mike Watkins, Andy Williams
DESIGNER
Kelly Murkins (402) 980-0607 // hello@kellylainedesign.com
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Omaha Headshot Company (402) 677-3096
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CONTACT US P: (402) 587-2259 Carole@EdgeMagazine.com PO Box 620 Elkhorn, NE 68022 Edge is published bi-monthly. Content copyright © 2025 Edge Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, without permission in writing from the publisher, Carole Sprunk. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, Edge assumes no responsibility therefore.
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An impeccably orchestrated, upscale lifestyle is waiting for you at Symphony Pointe in Elkhorn.
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Tracie Wickenhauser describes her family home in Indian Creek Estates as an “entertainer’s dream”—offering unique and expansive yet personal and welcoming interior and exterior experiences. With a recently redesigned backyard that boasts a beautiful heated saltwater pool, professional landscaping, and a view of Indian Creek Golf Course and the surrounding city, this home offers something for everyone.
“During the summer, our backyard is truly amazing; we can see fireworks on and around July 4 from all points, and it is spectacular,” said Wickenhauser, who, along with husband Doug, are relocating to Michigan for her career. “We love spending time outside, and because of this, we spent more than $200,000 on the backyard. It is truly an oasis.”
This brick two-story home—built in
1998—features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms and boasts a car collector’s dream garage with room for seven-plus vehicles on a private near-acre lot. “We love the garage because we love cars, and when our children visit from Arizona (two finishing college, one graduated and living there), they have room for their vehicles as well,” said Wickenhauser, who has only been in the home for a year and a half. “We’ve moved around for both my husband’s and my careers, and this is by far our favorite house. I wish we could take it with us.”
Fully remodeled several years before the Wickenhausers bought the home, it features designer finishes, solid wood floors, a custom front door, deluxe appliances, and an oversized pantry. A unique spot in the house is a brick three-season room with a large fireplace that invites
DINING AREA
the outside in while providing protection from the elements. It walks out to the professionally landscaped backyard that Wickenhauser said is a great place to host parties and gatherings of all sizes.
“When I say this is an entertainer’s dream, that’s not an exaggeration; this house is really made and designed to host events and have people over—inside and outside,” Wickenhauser said. “We have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming friends and family over for different things. Whoever buys this house will quickly enjoy the same.”
The upper level of the two-story home
has an oversized primary suite with an ample sitting area including a fireplace, “dream” walk-in closet, and dressing room. In addition, there are three bedrooms with their own private, personal bathrooms.
“I’ve never seen or enjoyed a primary closet like this house has,” Wickenhauser said. “It’s a dream come true. So much room, spaces for everything, great finishes. I would take this house north with us just for the closet. It’s that fantastic.”
On the lower walk-out level of the home, there is newer luxury vinyl plank flooring, which mimics the look and
feel of hardwood, a fully-equipped bar, spacious entertaining areas, guest suite, and a bonus room perfect as a home theater/exercise/project room. The revamped pool and surrounding deck and grounds include changing rooms and a ¾ bathroom with pool access for ease and accessibility.
The home’s exterior features a DaVinci roof designed to mimic the look of natural slate or cedar shake but is constructed from durable, lightweight composite materials. “Both inside and outside, this is a showstopper of a residence,” Wickenhauser
added. “We’ve made upgrades and improvements to truly make this a home.”
She added that the 7,135-square-foot residence blends luxury, craftsmanship, and outdoor grandeur. The main floor has been remodeled with designer finishes and solid wood flooring, and there are three fireplaces as well as a mix of engineered hardwood, and luxury ceramic tile. The renovated backyard not only features the saltwater pool but also multiple patios and decks—some enclosed, some open air—for year-round entertaining.
PRIVATE TREE-LINED PROPERTY
SPACIOUS DECK OVERLOOKING GOLF COURSE
The home is tucked into a cul-de-sac in the Indian Creek Estates subdivision, right on Indian Creek Golf Course, offering both privacy and prestige as well as high impact, golf-ball-proof windows. “We love that this home is on a golf course,” Wickenhauser said. “The expansive greens of the course just add to the overall beauty of this property. We are truly going to miss it.” For more information or to schedule a showing, contact Teresa Elliott with NextHome Signature Real Estate at 402-690-1573, teresa@elliottomaha.com.
for more than a decade, Fluff Interior Design co-owner Lorrie Williams occasionally strolled Main Street in old town Elkhorn, imagining the day her showroom and design studio would land closer to the heart of the firm’s clientele. “It always seemed like the perfect place for us because so many of our clients are in west Omaha, Elkhorn, Gretna, Bennington, and Papillion,” Williams said. “But we couldn’t ever work it out logistically to be in Elkhorn.”
That changed this month. Fluff rode the wave of downtown Elkhorn’s revitalization and opened its doors in the newly built Elkhorn Landing, just a block west of Main Street. The new space welcomes
(Left to right): Tess Chicoine
Bailey Hendricksen
Jennifer Gerace
Melissa Glenn
Trinity Gill
Lorrie Williams
Sara Aksyonov
Katlyn Jensen
Kelley Hendricksen
Story by Calvin Andrews
walk-in shoppers with a bright, spacious showroom filled with furniture, art, accessories, and gifts. Design clients can meet with their interior designer in Fluff’s dedicated office space. “The other business owners have been so welcoming, and we are thrilled to be here,” said Williams, already a member of the Olde Towne Elkhorn Merchant’s Association and the West Omaha Chamber. “We look forward to getting to know everyone and supporting what they’re already doing, and contributing to Elkhorn being a vibrant center of commerce.”
When Williams and retired co-owner Joy Johnson launched Fluff 22 years ago from their homes, they never imagined it would grow into a full-service design firm with a bustling showroom. Back then, they were two friends and moms of young kids, looking to earn extra income by helping clients refresh their homes using mostly what they already owned. “I can’t say Fluff developed according to our business plan, because we didn’t really have one when we started,” said Williams, who had previously run a design firm in Texas. “We wanted to keep our families as top priority and be able to pick up kids from school, drop everything and go to a choir concert or to a volleyball game, and try to build a business. That’s probably not how they teach it at Harvard, but it worked for us.”
It worked beautifully. Fueled by client demand, Fluff evolved into a full-service design firm that has transformed hundreds of residential and boutique commercial spaces across Omaha and as far as Texas, Virginia, Florida, Wyoming, North Carolina, and Ohio. Today, Fluff is collaborating with Choice Custom Homes, LLC, on Fluff’s largest and most ambitious interior and exterior design project to date. “We kept taking next steps into areas where we felt we could bring something new and fresh to the Omaha market that fit our skill set and our design niche,” Williams said. “As we saw opportunities we thought were a good fit and we had a passion for, we moved into those.”
One of those ventures was sparked by a frustrating client experience at a bigbox retailer. After a customer received a “custom” sofa that turned out to be used—complete with hair rollers under the cushions—the team launched Fluff Market in 2020 to offer high-quality furniture and design accessories. “We were
obviously no competition for established furniture retailers,” said Williams, noting that timing couldn’t have been worse, opening just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “But we definitely thought we could provide a better furniture buying experience and offer a product that met our client’s needs and fit our design approach.”
As Fluff grew, it carved out a distinct identity in the interior design world. The team believes home is the most important place in a person’s life—and that its design can impact the well-being of the people who live and visit there. “We design happiness,” is how Fluff puts it. “Life can be hard, and we all face things that are challenging and difficult,” Williams said. “We need a place that is safe and a refuge that we can enjoy and be proud of—not just physically comfortable, but emotionally and mentally be at peace there. We believe home should be that place.”
Fluff’s designs are not only beautiful—they’re livable. Layouts reflect how families use their spaces, factoring in the lifestyle of adults, kids, and pets. Every seat is comfortable, with a table nearby for drinks and a spot to prop up your feet. Kids are free to be kids in every room if that’s what the client wants. “Some people think of interior design almost like you’re designing a museum or a work of art,” Williams said. “We’re going for a beautiful, yet livable space that brings people joy.”
Scores of client testimonials say Fluff’s approach works. One recent project was for a woman and her two daughters whose husband and dad died unexpectedly. Her words say it all: “This project was so much more to me than just remodeling. It was about bringing joy back to the house, about creating new memories, making a warm and inviting space for family and friends. You and your team did this for my family. Thank you.”
Another came from a family whose house was destroyed by the April 2024 tornadoes. They had to be out for a full year during reconstruction and were overjoyed when they returned: “Lorrie’s team was challenged with a blank slate because all our physical possessions were gone. They didn’t simply ask for our preferences and style but worked to know our family and our hopes for the space. They were creative and efficient,
Located in the heart of Omaha’s historic Old Market, Dynamite Woodfire Grill delivers a bold dining experience fueled by live fire cooking. Each dish carries a signature smoky flavor, crafted with intention and flair. Executive Chef Eduardo Marquez brings global perspective to the plate, drawing on culinary roots from Ritz-Carlton kitchens across Chile, California, Mexico, Miami, Spain, and the Virgin Islands. The result? Elevated American cuisine with playful Midwestern twists that reflect both creativity and sophistication.
“We want your home to feel like you— not like us.”
—Lorrie Williams, Owner
all while operating within our budget. We had one shot and one check to hit the mark, and Fluff hit the bullseye!”
That personal touch is another Fluff hallmark. The team works hard to weave a family’s personality, passions, and history into each design—whether it’s kid art in fancy frames, a historical photo of the home turned into a painting, a print of an Etta James song from your wedding, a piece of art painted by Grandma, or a watercolor of a beloved pet. “It’s fun to incorporate those things that make a home feel personal and give it a sense of coziness and warmth,” Williams explained. “We want your home to feel like you—not like us.”
WestEnd 1529 S 203rd St Suite 1 402-502-1884 thewestendomaha.com
westEnd Cocktails and Appetizers offers a flavorful menu of shareables that strives to put a unique twist on familiar appetizers while relying heavily on the Elkhorn establishment’s house-made, sweet and savory seasonings and sauces.
For instance, WestEnd elevates the popular Char-Grilled Jumbo Chicken Wings by starting with meaty wings that are par-baked, deep fried, and charbuffed to give the skin an uncommonly crispy texture with tender, juicy meat inside. “No messy wings is our motto,” according to co-owner Brian “Z” Zuer-
Story by ANDY WILLIAMS
lein. A secret recipe dry rub seasoning or a signature dipping sauce such as West Wing Style that mixes house-made buffalo, honey sriracha, and barbecue sauces are savory complements.
Baked Shrimp Havarti is another crowd favorite with a WestEnd spin of cooking the dish in brown garlic butter, giving it an extra layer of nutty flavor on parmesan bread. Margarita flatbread is a popular pick with roasted tomato, fresh basil, and mozzarella with choice of pork, bacon, ground beef, chicken, or crispy Brussels sprouts on thin and crispy cauliflower crust. Nachos are a standing order with three meats to choose from, house-pickled jalapenos for a little more zip, roasted corn, lime crema, and two cheeses browned under the broiler on chili-seasoned tortilla chips.
Cheeseburger Sliders use top-quality smashed Angus patties with American cheese, house pickles, and red onion on a toasted brioche bun with Slider
Sauce. Other delectable Slider options include Hot Honey Chicken with Nashville hot honey sauce and coleslaw, and Brisket Sliders with signature-rub tender brisket with creamy slaw, house pickles, and peachy bourbon BBQ sauce. On the gourmet end of the spectrum, WestEnd serves Steak Crostini with grilled prime tenderloin filet, crème fraiche, melted Gouda, and house-made bourbon demi-glaze on grilled toast.
Most menu items are enhanced with WestEnd’s proprietary “Z-seasoning,” an umami-based (“delicious, savory taste” in Japanese) blend of nine different ingredients that plays on Zuerlein’s nickname and a savory seasoning he has perfected over the years. “It has some standard spices,” he noted, “but there’s some things you won’t find in most seasonings.” You’ll catch Z-seasoning on WestEnd’s Truffle Fries with white truffle oil, chives, and parmesan, and on hand-cut potato chips paired with Really, Re-
ally Onion Dip that Zuerlein started making at home 25 years ago. Onions are sauteed low and slow—in brown butter—until they are sweet enough that no sugar is needed for a burst of flavor.
Executive Chef Luis Waters also brings his heritage and extensive background to select menu items, such as the in-house salsa that hearkens back to a recipe from his grandmother in Chihuahua, Mexico. Vegetables such as Roma tomatoes, jalapenos, and garlic are roasted and charred to enhance flavor and then accompanied by extra seasonings of garlic, cilantro, and lime. Just like with the house-made salsa, Waters holds the line on using minimal packaged goods, preferring to scratch-make menu items such as Meatballs with house marinara that also graces the Lasagna Dip.
Zuerlein and his wife, co-owner and local real estate agent Julie Tartaglia, gain inspiration for new menu items as they travel—such as they did with
WestEnd’s unique “hanging bacon,” first encountered at the Trump Tower in Chicago. For its own version of Clothesline Bacon, WestEnd sources premium bacon from Unadilla, Nebraska-based Bartling Family Farms, glazes it with house honey sriracha, and plates it on custom-built hanging bacon stands that resemble a mini clothesline complete with clothes pins to suspend the bacon. But it doesn’t stop there. The bacon hangs over a mound of WestEnd’s house-made dill pickles, with honey sriracha sauce dripping onto the pickles.
Tartaglia encouraged Zuerlein to open a restaurant as he was wrapping up a 31-year career as a dentist, and they partnered with experienced restauranter Jim Mumgaard to develop the shareables concept.
“At our age, we aren’t really interested in going out for a huge meal, but we enjoy going to unique places for a cocktail and to share some appetizers,” Tartaglia said. WestEnd’s selections are usually
served in stages so that everything doesn’t reach the table at once, creating more of a shared experience. The vibe of the modern-décor lounge and patio settings is enhanced by a 9-foot x 11-foot video wall that plays classic music videos from the ‘70s to today, and WestEnd also offers weekly drink specials and events (the enclosed patio is a popular spot for private parties).
A carefully curated menu of cocktails elevates the experience. Creative martinis such as the Yummy Gummy Bear—garnished with a rainbow of the candies—and the Love Spell—topped with edible citrus bubbles—up the entertainment factor. A newer specialty is the Frosé (frozen Rosé) topped with rose petals and a cane sugar straw. There is something for everyone, from martini and tequila flights to a menu of mocktails.
But the star of the show are the hearty portions of shareables such as WestEnd’s Lasagna Dip, Beef-brisket Stroganoff, and house-made Mediterranean Hummus. The lasagna base is cooked in a skillet with a thin layer of ricotta with a marinara/lasagna mix, covered in mozzarella, baked, and served with toasted garlic bread. With a nod to healthy eaters, the flavorful hummus of citrus-cucumber relish, pepperoncini, roasted garlic vinaigrette, and crumbled feta can be served with cucumber chips, pita chips or a mix of both. If the table is feeling dessert, WestEnd is ready to oblige with a special fall item of pumpkin brulée or house-made ice cream such as a horchata-flavored frozen treat. “We’re very conscientious about making sure people get plenty of food,” Zuerlein said. “We always want it to feel like you got what you paid for.”
Flu season is right around the corner, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), YMCAs across the state, and Hy-Vee Pharmacy have teamed up to deliver free flu shots at clinic locations throughout October.
“We’re thrilled to host free flu shot clinics again this year,” said Dr. Thadeo Salido, senior medical director at BCBSNE. “The timing works out perfectly, giving people the opportunity to get vaccinated before flu season peaks, typically in late December to early February.”
Dr. Salido emphasized that getting a flu shot not only helps prevent illness but can also reduce the risk of serious complications if you do get sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu shots prevent tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. “Getting your flu shot is especially important because it protects vulnerable groups like kids, pregnant women, and seniors,” Dr. Salido said. “Herd immunity helps limit the spread of infection, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated and reducing the strain on hospitals from severe flu cases.”
Last year, BCBSNE’s free flu shot clinics helped vaccinate more than 400 community members statewide—a reflection of the company’s mission to champion health and well-being.
This year, BCBSNE is once again calling on community members to join the fight against the flu. To register for an appointment at a clinic near you, visit NebraskaBlue.com/FluShot. Clinics will include:
Fallbrook YMCA
Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon
Copple Family YMCA
Oct. 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Northeast YMCA
Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Buena Vista YMCA Express
Oct. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Cooper YMCA
Oct. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sarpy Community YMCA
Oct. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Armbrust Family YMCA
Oct. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Twin Rivers YMCA
Oct. 16 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Columbus Family YMCA
Oct. 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Westview YMCA
Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon
Gretna Crossing YMCA
Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon
Kearney Family YMCA
Oct. 22 from noon to 2 p.m.
Beatrice Mary Family YMCA
Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA
Oct. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Maple Street YMCA
Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon
Southwest YMCA
Oct. 28 from noon to 2 p.m.
Downtown YMCA
Oct. 30 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Red Willow Health Department
Every Thursday in October from 4 to 6 p.m.
Signups are encouraged, but walk-in appointments are welcome at all locations. Registration links will open 14 days before each clinic and close 24 hours prior to the start. At the clinics, staff will gather health insurance details and file claims for those with coverage, while individuals without insurance will have the cost of their flu shot covered by BCBSNE. The clinics are open to community members age six and up. Visit NebraskaBlue.com/FluShot to learn more.
What you need:
• 1 oz. Cazadores tequila blanco
• 1 oz. Cazadores tequila reposado
• .5 oz. Liquid Alchemist orgeat syrup
• .5 oz. Pierre Ferrand dry curacao
• 1 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 oz. Lime juice
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lime peel
• Fresh mint
THE BAR: Revival House THE BARTENDER: Dustin THE DRINK: Pinky Gonzalez
Story by MIKE WATKINS
Photos courtesy of PEARSON’S PUMPKIN PLACE
Alex Pearson peers over the rows of cornstalks, bean pods, and pumpkin plants with nostalgia and promise. The land once farmed by two generations before him now grows and nurtures his family’s newest and future venture: Pearson’s Pumpkin Place.
The Pearson family, which includes his parents, Jerry and Joel Pearson, as well as his wife and two young daughters, envisions an experience at Pearson’s Pumpkin Place that everyone can enjoy without the hassle of long lines and high prices.
“We really cater to younger families with kids from 2-12 years old, but we welcome everyone who wants to enjoy a traditional fall experience,” said Alex Pearson, who has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting with selling keychains as an 8-yearold to mowing lawns as a teenager to owning his own landscape business before starting Pearson’s Pumpkin Place in 2022.
“We’re not trying to be Vala’s—they are the gold-standard when it comes to fall entertainment. We are creating a new, more intimate experience for individuals and families. The ideal situation is that we’re around for decades to come so that today’s kids can enjoy and continue to build family traditions for years to come.”
Pearson got the idea for a pumpkin place from his mom, Jerry, who he said has always been entrepreneurial in her thinking and actions. He started with a beta test in 2021 to verify that he could grow pumpkins, and when that proved fruitful, he started building his vision for the rest of the pumpkin place.
“I knew if I couldn’t successfully grow pumpkins, I’d never be able to open a pumpkin patch,” he said. “Once I achieved success here, I was confident this dream could become a reality, and Pearson’s Pumpkin Place was born.” Having an October birthday, Pearson celebrated most of his childhood birthdays at
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Orchard, so he amplified those experiences, combined with spending time at the family farm as inspiration for this burgeoning venture. But Pearson’s is far more than just pumpkins. Its main attractions include:
• Hayrack Rides
• Jumping Pillow and Sand Mountain
• Hay Fort and Corn Box
• Stationary Paintball
• Kiddie Kart Rides and Hamster Wheels
• Tire Playground and Climbing Bales
• Weekend Magic Shows
• Golden Pumpkin Hunt
• Obstacle Course Races
• Free Face Painting
• Fishing Pond
Additionally, Pumpkin Spice Fest—an annual festival—will be held Saturday, October 18th. This all-day event features a vendor market, pumpkin
treat and drink contests, live music, magic shows, and specialty fall cocktails.
Pearson’s also knows how to feed a fall craving. From fresh apple cider slushies to turkey burnt end mac n’ cheese, and handcrafted popcorn by Pearson, called “Always Be Poppin’—and pumpkin-spiced everything, the patch offers a taste of fall that feels straight from grandma’s kitchen. Food is served at Gwen’s Goodies and Rockin’ Ruby’s (named for his daughters Gwen and Ruby), the two main food hubs on the farm.
“We don’t offer all of the trappings of bigger patches, so we want to focus on making each person’s experience special and personal while they are here with us,” Pearson said. “Two ways to deliver on that is to make sure our food is exceptional and to staff with the right people who believe in our mission. Our mission is simple, to provide experiences and memories in nature that build family traditions.” For more information, visit www.pearsonspumpkinplace.com.
“WE REALLY CATER TO YOUNGER FAMILIES WITH KIDS FROM 2-12 YEARS OLD, BUT WE WELCOME EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO ENJOY A TRADITIONAL FALL EXPERIENCE.”
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH • Photos courtesy of THE SAMMYSTRONG
The SammyStrong Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Sarah Wemhoff-Strawn and her husband Joe Strawn after their youngest son, Sammy, was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer at age nine. SammyStrong is dedicated to bringing light and strength to other kids and families who are bravely battling pediatric brain cancer. They provide financial resources to connect families with whatever they need at the moment, whether its airfare, gas, groceries, or even helping to pay rent. Their mission is rooted in love, hope, and the unwavering belief that no family should face this journey alone. They have recently started a podcast called “On Deck—Warrior Stories” to help connect families.
Edge: How does The SammyStrong Foundation raise money to help families?
Sarah: We build sponsorships and donations by holding three fundraisers throughout the year, including the annual 5K and Home Run Derby held at Werner Park. We’re trying to raise awareness because the more people know about us, the more kids and families we’re able to help.
Edge: How do families respond when the foundation offers to help them financially?
Sarah: They often don’t want to ask for help, but we’ve been on this journey, too. I explain that we understand what they are going through. We were able to get a couple plane tickets for a family, but the mom had never been on a flight before and didn’t even know what a carry-on was. We Facetimed as she picked out luggage from Target. Our emphasis is on anything that we can do to take that small stuff off those families plates so they can focus on what they’re needing to do.
Edge: You can relate to these families because you’ve been through it yourself. How did Sammy’s pediatric brain cancer diagnosis affect your family?
Sarah: You took the words out of my mouth. Anyone who’s had to deal with this kind of diagnosis knows that it affects everybody, just an inner ripple effect. We have two older kids as well. Lauren, our middle child, said it best, “It was like everything was just normal. And then one day it just wasn’t ever normal again.”
Edge: What was it like dealing with this during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in 2020?
Sarah: Joe and I weren’t able to be at the hospital at the same time because of the regulations, and Landon and Lauren couldn’t see Sam because siblings weren’t allowed to come to the hospital. Through the first surgery and then the second surgery, we were just trying to do the best that we could, not only for what we needed to do for Sam, but also for the other two because their world was also turned upside down. We’re still working through that journey.
Ethan Benson celebrating his 12th birthday while at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Edge: What was the experience like for Sammy?
Sammy: It was hard and scary. I’m just glad to have family and friends who care.
Edge: Were there any special gestures or events that helped with Sammy’s recovery?
Sarah: Sammy lives and breathes baseball, and the Cubs are his team. Baseball was a big part of his “why” he wanted to recover. He received a text and a video from [Major League Baseball player] Anthony Rizzo. He also received a 2016 World Series ring from a classmate’s family.
Sammy: I remember after my second surgery, we were staying at the FedEx family house and I pitched a basketball to my dad.
Sarah: It was only three days after his surgery. He and Joe went down the play area and I watched him pitch the soft basketball. It was terrifying, but I loved the moment too.
Edge: How is your life different from a typical eighth grader now?
Sammy: It isn’t really. I go to baseball practice and play golf.
Sarah: There are different things we still continue to work through, but we’ll take all the normal that we can get.
Edge: Sammy, do you have any words of advice for another child facing brain cancer?
Sammy: Trust God and find people who want to help you.
To listen to the podcast or learn more, visit www. gosammystrong.com.
Donation to the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
Millard North High School junior Landon Carper is focused. Whether it’s playing soccer, improving his grades, or coming back from an injury, he’s intentional about it. “As a freshman at Millard North, I just kept working hard and focusing on contributing to the team,” he said. “It paid off. I had a hat trick (three goals in one game), and I started as a freshman in our district playoff game.”
He is most proud of his growth in the game. “I played recreational [soccer] until I was about 11 years old but then I began to be more competitive. When I was 12-13 years old, I played National Premier League (NPL), ages 14-15 I played Elite Clubs National League-Regional League (ECNL-RL), and now I will be playing Major League Soccer Next League (MLS-Next). I was also fortunate enough to be able to play varsity soccer for my school as a freshman and continue to play varsity soccer.”
According to Jovan Sudar, Millard North varsity soccer coach, “Landon is
one of the most hard working players I have ever coached. He’s an amazing teammate and always does what’s best for the team.” Carper feels like his high school team is a second family. “Playing varsity for Millard North for two years has been fun. I love playing for them, and I love all my teammates and coaches. Playing at home is always fun, because you get to play in front of your school and represent it. As a high school team, it truly feels like home.”
He has also played club soccer for Sporting Nebraska for 10 years and is currently playing his second season for Sting Nebraska MLS. “During club soccer, we travel to Florida, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota as well as abroad. I’ve had great experiences traveling to Mexico to play in the Gothia Cup and last fall traveling to Italy to participate in a camp with Delfino Pescara professional soccer team, which is part of the Italy League Serie C and has now been promoted to Serie B.”
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH
Last season, Carper was out for two months with a groin injury, which was especially challenging for someone who is so intentional and focused on training. “During that time all I wanted to do was train, but I couldn’t,” he shared. It was really hard. I tried pushing through it, but I made it even worse. So I chose to just rest and recover. It felt like the longest two months of my life.”
Admittedly, Carper hates losing, but it also inspires him. “Whenever I lose, I get motivated to improve, and I’m always pushing to train. Whenever I lose to a team that’s really good, I want to better myself to beat them next time. I also get the drive to become better in hopes of playing college and in the MLS one day.”
When he’s not playing soccer, he stays busy. “I train with a few different trainers, working on foot work, ball touches, speed, agility, and strength. I also began training younger soccer players this summer because I like helping young players improve their game. Outside of soccer, I enjoy gaming with friends online, hanging out playing cards, watching movies and series with my parents, and traveling with my family.”
