District 11 Top Volunteer Profile
USW Jefferson Award Winner: Lana Hiltbrunner
Local Union: 9460
Location: Ely, MN
Service Work: May 19, 2018 was the 10th annual Jeremy Rush Hiltbrunner Cystic Fibrosis Walleye Fishing Tournament to be held in Ely, Minnesota. Jeremy was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was only six months old and lived until he was 17 years old. Jeremy's motto was to "live for today, not for tomorrow.” He loved fishing, the Yankees, and riding his motorcycle. To honor his memory, his father, Michael, and step-mother, Lana, have hosted an annual walleye tournament. All monies collected go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Minnesota. Lana and her husband strive every day to bring awareness and education about Cystic Fibrosis with the ultimate goal of someday finding a cure. Through their activism, they have brought awareness to the public by sharing their story through social media, the newspaper, and TV interviews.
Hours: 1,000+ hours
Community Impact: Lana and Michael’s tireless efforts over the course of a decade have raised more than $89,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, allowing the organization to fund important research and provide asisstance to the people and families affected by Cysitic Fibrosis, all the while raising awareness of the disease.
Outstanding Quality: Lana is currently a unit president for Local Union 9460-03. She is has been a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Essentia Health Ely Clinic since 2008, and she’s active within her local, serving on the negotiating committee and Women of Steel committee.
Prize money donated to: Cystic Fibrosis of Minnestotta