Roger Davis battles cancer

The name Roger Davis is a familiar one in several circles around the Hudson area. The North Hudson father is a longtime community advocate having served as a village trustee, school volunteer, and coach of several Destination Imagination teams over the years.

Davis was diagnosed this fall with rare Stage IV carcinomatosis and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. A self-employed hydro-geologist with his own company, Environmental Focus, Davis has been unable to work while undergoing treatment.

Friend and co-volunteer Liz Malanaphy describes Davis as a "man for all seasons."

“He’s the kind of renaissance guy who will help you do anything, anytime. His care for the environment and for the people of his community is evident, as he has given of his time and energy to both over the years. He's educated students in Hudson schools about the science of water, and the importance of caring for it. He's dedicated time at The Phipps Center for the Arts, doing the same thing for summer art classes. He's managed DI teams, including some that didn't include a single kid of his own. He's worked at Pepper Fest, put lights on Christmas trees, created websites for Hudson school programs and a lot more.”

Malanaphy and others now hope the community will step up to help Davis and his family.

Friends have organized a series of benefit events, "Roger Davis: A Man for all Seasons" to help raise funds for the family to offset the medical and other costs of related to his treatment. The group will hold one event a month for the next six months to assist the Davis family.

The first event will be held Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Bethel Highlands Church. It will feature a concert by the Hudson High School orchestra and the UW-Eau Claire Orchestra.

Malanaphy said those attending will be able to accessorize for the cause, by purchasing "Wristbands for Roger and Ribbons for Reese." Reese, daughter of a member of the UW-EC orchestra, has also recently been diagnosed with cancer. Proceeds from the concert will be shared equally between the families. There will also be a bake sale, and free-will donations.

The second event, a benefit dinner and silent auction, will take place in November at Seasons Tavern, on Sixth Street North from 1-5 p.m. Tickets for the buffet style dinner are $15 and can be purchased at Seasons that day, or by contacting Liz at (715) 377-9940, or e-mailing at Lsmcko@yahoo.com This contact information can also be used if individuals would like to make a donation for the silent auction.

A children’s event is planned for Dec. 1. It is being organized by all Davis’ student friends from the school programs he has worked with and supported. The event will feature games, contests and a raffle, as well as crafts and holiday baked goods.

Malanaphy said details on events after the new year are forthcoming. Donations to this cause can also be made at Central Bank in Hudson and North Hudson. Interested donors should ask that deposits be made to the Roger Davis fund.

Tags: communities, lifestyle, people, hudson