{image_1}Seven years ago, Minnesota Oncology infusion nurse Yana Reko was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received assistance from a nonprofit organization that helped her cope with the financial burdens of cancer treatment. Now, as a nurse at Minnesota Oncology's Edina and Minneapolis clinics, Reko is determined to help cancer patients in need of financial assistance. This year, she organized the first-ever Notes of Hope fundraiser to benefit Angel Foundation, a nonprofit that provides non-medical emergency financial assistance, education, and support to adults living with cancer and their families.

"I call it my seven-year itch," says Reko, a singer herself, who will perform along with her husband and many other local artists on Saturday, June 20th, 2015 for the Notes of Hope fundraiser at Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis for two shows at 1 p.m. and a 6 p.m.

Notes of Hope will feature jazz and Broadway standards and original compositions as well as some family friendly comedy. Light refreshments will be provided. A suggested $10 per person donation is encouraged, and 100 percent of the proceeds from these events will benefit Angel Foundation. Please make checks payable to Angel Foundation, and indicate Notes of Hope on the memo line.

Seating is first come first serve and is limited, so please RSVP to notesofhope@sheaiden.com or Yana.Reko@usoncology.com and specify which of the two shows you will be attending, as well as how many will be in your party.  Last but not least, please be mindful of the fact that parking in Minneapolis can be challenging and plan to arrive early.

There are several options for parking in the area. Below is a map of the area that depicts three parking lots, each within a few blocks of JCS. Metered parking is available throughout the area, and most of the meters now take credit cards!  The meters on the side of Aveda (across Central Ave from the event) are free Saturdays after 6 p.m. There are also several bus routes that will take you from a park and ride to the intersection of Central and SE 4th. Go to www.metrotransit.org for more information.