A helping hand: Hamel Rodeo, Lions Club rally around young cancer patient

Jul 2, 2026
2 hrs ago

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For a while, Elizabeth Watkins lived her life one hour at a time, watching her child go through treatment for pediatric cancer.

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Hamel Rodeo cancer 3.jpg — The Watkins: Aaron and Elizabeth, with their sons and daughter. The family received financial help from the Maple Grove Lions and the MN Lions Childhood Cancer Foundation, as their daughter underwent cancer treatment.
Photo courtesy the Watkins family

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Hamel Rodeo cancer 1.jpeg — Viola Watkins spent holidays in the hospital as she underwent treatment for neuroblastoma. The Maple Grove, Minn., girl’s family benefitted from funding from the Maple Grove Lions and the MN Lions Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Photo courtesy the Watkins family

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Hamel Rodeo cancer 2.jpeg.jpg — Viola Watkins in the hospital. The 8 year old is fighting neuroblastoma.
Photo courtesy the Watkins family

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