Members of the Hysjulien family gather for a group photo just minutes before the 13th annual R-Cubed triathlon in honor and memory of their loved ones dealing with cancer.
The No. 13 has many connotations. In some cultures, it’s unlucky, while in other cultures it’s just the opposite – lucky.
Members of the Wayne (& Donna) Hysjulien of Hibbing family aren’t superstitious. They view 13 as the latter – and they proved such by conducting their 13th annual R-Cubed Triathlon on July 13th on Burnt Shanty Lake.
Heck, they named the event “Lucky Thirteenth.”
They swam, biked and ran their hearts out – and got doused in the rain – to raise another generous $7,000 for Angel Fund.
R-Cubed is a commemoration of Roxie DeMillo — beloved wife, daughter of Donna and Wayne, mother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend who succumbed to a 10-year battle with cancer on April 11, 2007.
But cancer didn’t stop there.
Jamie Hysjulien, son of Wayne and Donna, passed away on April 21, 2019, often participated in R-Cubed. Mark DeMillo, Roxie’s widow and Hibbing musician, passed away from stomach cancer on Aug. 1, 2016.
Donna Hysjulien, the strong, caring matriarch, succumbed to cancer on Aug. 1, 2021.
The Hysjulien family supports Angel Fund to honor the four and because the funds stay local and go directly to patients. Angel Fund provides financial assistance to Northeastern Minnesota residents diagnosed with cancer who are dealing with treatment.
Angel Fund is eternally grateful to the Hysjulien family. So are those who can’t thank them in person.
“This family’s ongoing generosity reflects the incredible people they are and the funds they’ve raised have made such an incredible impact,” said Angel Fund Executive Director Kelly Grinsteinner.
“We are truly appreciative of their constant, unwavering support and the continued kindness they’ve shown to NE Minnesota cancer patients. Angel Fund and those we have the privilege of assisting truly are the ‘lucky’ ones.”
The family’s donations to Angel Fund to date total more than $92,000.
To apply for assistance, donate or learn more about Angel Fund, log on to angelfundrange.org or find us on Facebook. Donations are also accepted at hysjulien.com.