Ann Arbor, MI — April 25, 2011 — The experience was better than anyone imagined.  A group of more than 120 students, faculty, and staff with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s dental hygiene program recently participated in the Relay for Life, a university-wide fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

The dental hygiene group paid tribute to Christine Klausner, a beloved faculty member who lost her battle to ovarian cancer last September at the age of 60.  To honor her memory, the group included their team name, “Smile for Life.”  But they took it a step further and added “Team Klausner.”

Under the leadership of Ashley Copus (DH3) and Kathryn Brown (DH4) the group spent months raising funds with raffles, a muffin sale, restaurant days and other activities including online donations. 

During the April 9 and 10 event, oral health kits, that included oral hygiene care supplies, were sold.  Information about oral cancer was also distributed.  When the two-day event ended, Team Klausner raised $7,038 and placed the group in the top seven percent of fundraisers university-wide.  The amount was 40 percent higher than the original $5,000 goal.

Klausner Family Participation

“The two-day experience was very special because it gave all of us an opportunity to connect with Chris and her family,” said Anne Gwozdek, one of the faculty members who participated.  Members of Klausner’s family joined dental hygiene students, faculty, and staff including her husband, Dr. Leo Klausner, sons Kyle and Kent, their wives, and grandchildren, Kaiden, Kaleb, and McKenzie.  Christine’s siblings, Connie and Steve, also joined.

Ana Fernandez, a fourth-year dental hygiene student, said, “It was special to be a part of this event in her memory.  Members of our class were with Mrs. Klausner as she underwent chemotherapy to fight cancer.  She taught with a smile that didn’t allow cancer to stop her and was a true inspiration to us.”

Copus, the co-captain for Team Klausner, said, “it was a privilege to be involved in helping to raise funds, honor cancer survivors, and remember those we have lost.”