Despite cancer, Utpadel keeps giving

In January, Todd Utpadel organized Musicians Against Cancer, a way to help raise money to help those battling cancer.

“I started this from the beginning of the year, and the money that I raised all year goes to help people going through cancer treatment,” he said.

Then just a couple of months later, Utpadel was diagnosed with colon cancer. Instead of giving up, Utpadel said he felt motivated to play more shows.

“I said I’m going to play even more now,” he said.

Thus far, $27,000 has been raised with funds coming from tips musicians receive at shows and events, along with matching funds.

All the funds raised, Utpadel said, went to the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group - Community Fund, which provides direct support to those battling cancer.

“Last year they distributed over $45,000 worth of help,” Utpadel said.

Utpadel said the fund covers things like car payments, utility bills, gas cards, and other expenses cancer patients and their families face.  

“There are a lot of expenses that insurance just doesn’t cover,” he said.

Utpadel said he first started raising funds because of friends and family who have or had cancer, and when he was first diagnosed, he made it clear that he doesn’t want any of the assistance going towards him.

“When I started this, it wasn’t about me, and so when I got cancer, I said it wasn’t gonna be about me, I still want to help people,” Utpadel said.

The final event of the year, “A Season of Giving,” takes place on Dec. 15 at the Owatonna Eagles Club.

The event begins with a social hour at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 and a show at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and wine pull, with individual tickets costing $50.

For more information contact Debbie at 507-456-0636 or by emailing densley04@gmail.com.