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Going Gold for the Kids: MLHS Employees Give Back
September 2, 2026
One year ago, we started a new tradition at Mille Lacs Health System (MLHS): employee T-shirt fundraisers supporting causes that are important to our patients, employees and communities.
The idea is simple. Employees purchase a specially designed awareness T-shirt, and during the designated month, they can wear their shirts on Fridays, along with jeans if their role allows. More importantly, proceeds from each campaign are donated to an organization supporting that cause.
Over the past year, MLHS employees have rallied around four campaigns recognizing Ovarian Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Mental Health, and Childhood Cancer Awareness Months. Together, these campaigns have raised $4,323 for organizations supporting these important causes.
For September, our employees are “Going Gold for the Kids” in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This year's Gold Ribbon campaign had our largest participation yet, raising $1,498 for Children's Cancer Research Fund.
This campaign has a very personal connection to our MLHS family. It was inspired by Dr. Arden Virnig's annual Great Cycle Challenge, benefiting Children's Cancer Research Fund. Dr. Virnig began participating in the ride in honor of his and Dr. Patti Hook's daughter, Mary Catherine, who courageously battled neuroblastoma for 4½ years before later passing away from complications related to her treatment.
Since the Great Cycle Challenge began in 2015, Dr. Virnig has participated every year, riding more than 11,800 miles and raising over $166,000 for childhood cancer research.
This year, Dr. Virnig has set a goal of riding another 500 miles. After more than a decade of participating, his motivation remains the same: helping advance research so other children and families may face a different outcome.
“If I can help prevent this from happening to another child, I will do anything that I can,” Dr. Virnig said.
Each year in the United States, approximately 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. Advances in research and treatment have dramatically improved outcomes, with more than 85% now surviving at least five years after diagnosis. But surviving childhood cancer can also bring lifelong health challenges, including effects caused by the treatments that helped save their lives. This is part of what we're working to solve.
Throughout September, you'll see many of our employees wearing their Gold Ribbon shirts. For us, those shirts represent more than an awareness color. They represent our employees coming together, the memory of a young life that continues to inspire others, and a shared commitment to helping create better outcomes for children and families facing cancer.
To learn more about Dr. Virnig's Great Cycle Challenge or support his ride directly, visit greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/ArdenVirnig.