by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
The Sartell Lions Club’s long-awaited benefit for cancer survivor Kelly Orndorff of Sartell will take place from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 6 at the Blue Line Sports Bar and Grill in Sartell.
No entry tickets are required.
The benefit has been dubbed “Never Lose Sight” because even though Orndorff lost her sight after an operation from brain cancer, she never lost sight of what is most important in her life: family, friends, faith in God. In her inspirational talks at schools, churches and organizations, Orndorff shares with others how even in the darkest adversity there is always hope – thus, her message of “Never Lose Sight” is a universal one.
The event at Blue Line will include a silent auction, information booths about eyesight and blindness, games, food and a meat raffle. All funds raised will go directly to Kelly Orndorff.
People can donate at the event or online at the Sartell Lions Club website: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/sartell/index.php. Then click the “Links” tab under “Home” on the left side of the page.
Donations can also be mailed to Kelly Orndorff Fund, Sartell Lions Club, P.O. Box 7, Sartell, Minn. 56377.
At the age of 21, Orndorff had graduated from college in 2015 when it was discovered she had a massive brain tumor. During surgery to remove the tumor, her optic nerves were affected, causing her to become virtually blind. She underwent other serious and delicate surgeries, including one to repair a gaping hole in her head where part of her skull had to be removed because of a post-surgical infection. A titanium “skull” piece was used later to replace the large piece that had to be removed and discarded.
Orndorff earned a degree in public-health education and promotion from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
The daughter of Jane and Paul Orndorff, Kelly was raised in Sartell and is a 2011 graduate of Sartell High School.
Founded in 1965, the Sartell Lions Club does all kinds of fundraising for good causes, many of them related to sight and/or sight impairment. The group has 18 members currently – 12 men, six women.
The Lions Club became aware of Orndorff’s ordeals last year and worked for months to organize the benefit at the Blue Line Sports Bar and Grill.
Despite terrible physical and psychological ordeals, including blindess, Kelly Orndorff constantly inspires those around her with her radiant smile.
After surgery to remove an infected part of her skull, Kelly Orndorff had to endure a concave “hole” at the right side of her skull until a titanium piece could be attached in another surgery.
