Whitetails Unlimited supports Grinnell teacher battling cancer

MALCOLM -- The Bear Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited is more than a hunting organization. It’s a group of men and women who have a heart to support each other and their communities.

That was evident at the chapter’s annual banquet Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Malcom American Legion Hall.

Each year the chapter holds a special auction raising funds for an area family in need. This year it was for the Bill and Sandra Gruman family of Grinnell.

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Sandra, a veteran second grade teacher at Bailey Park Elementary in Grinnell, has CNS Lymphoma, a blood-borne cancer in her brain. The cancer is in the same category as leukemia.

She is currently receiving treatment through the Mayo Clinic.

Eric Hodina, president of the Bear Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, said the chapter has done a benefit for a family in need (typically due to medical reasons) within Poweshiek County, this being the 18th year.

All funds raised through the auction and from in-kind donations, were given to the Gruman family.

“The funds will go toward our medical expenses and will make a remarkable impact for us,” said Bill.

In sharing Sandra’s story, Bill said music is a big part of her life, as she has been a song leader/cantor at church since college.

“Her classrooms routines would often include singing tunes made up on the fly for events such as tidying up science materials to lining up at the door for recess,” Bill said of Sandra.

“She has a structured and supportive management style that often will have her assigned students who have a tough time in a group setting,” added Bill. “She is seen as a role model and leader in her building.”

Sandra’s cancer journey began in late September 2024.

“We noticed some personality and behavior changes that we saw at home and in the classroom,” recalled Bill.

That led to the family to reach out to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

“We felt that is the best place in the world to be to get treatment,” said Bill.

Sandra was only four or five weeks into the school year when the cancer was discovered.

Sandra underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic, beginning last September. Each round included a five- to seven-day hospital stay.

“This was followed up with an autologous stem transplant in the spring of this year, where we went six weeks on-site at Rochester,” noted Bill.

The process had very few hiccups and Bill said Sandra was able to return home with no signs of the disease.

“Her “Day 100” appointment June 17 again showed no signs of the disease in what is called “complete remission,” said Bill.

On June 28, Sandra and family were able to attend and take part in the wedding of their oldest son, Adam, and his new wife, Elizabeth.

“We are so proud to welcome her to our family,” said Bill. “The wedding weekend was one we will never forget.”

The couple has three other children. Ryan started his second year teaching band at Chariton Public Schools. And the couple has two daughters, Monica, a student at Indian Hills Community College, and Emily, who they call their tag-along

“Her bright personality lights up every day for us,” said Bill.

In late July, Bill said new symptoms showed up, which led to an MRI that confirmed that the lymphoma had returned.

“This time around includes mobility impairments that we had not seen before,” said Bill. “Sandra is on a chemo pill that she will be on the rest of her life that is showing promise with gradual improvement.”

Bill added, saying he and his family are looking forward to getting Sandra back to her classroom soon and a return to something normal.

“We enjoyed a glimpse of that today (Aug. 23) as we watched Emily play softball in Oskaloosa,” noted Bill.

Bill said his family is amazed at the outpouring and love shown them at the Whitetails Banquet.

Towards the end of the banquet, Bill said an attendee won a gun and turned around and auctioned it off a second and then a third time, with all the proceeds going to the Gruman family.

“I’ve been to benefits before, but seeing this display of love for Sandra and our family is just unbelievable,” said Bill. “I didn’t expect anyone to do that for us. We were in tears about that.”

“I think these type of benefits set us apart,” said Jason Meyer, a committee member of the Bear Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited. “We are the only chapter in Iowa doing this. It’s just a really great feeling helping people you know or people of Poweshiek County during a rough patch in their lives. It’s a really good program helping people.”