Harry’s PBR Fund

Harry’s PBR Fund for Lung Cancer Research

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The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is the grateful recipient of gifts honoring Harry Turula through Harry’s PBR Fund for Lung Cancer Research.

Harry Warren Turula was born Oct. 13, 1955, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to Harry and Nancy Turula. He graduated from Vincennes University in 1976 and was a loyal member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. On May 12, 1989, he married Elyse Ann Pauloski. Harry loved working with his hands and spent 36 years as a carpenter and maintenance technician for the Indiana Department of Corrections. Together, Harry and Elyse loved life and lived it to its fullest.

Harry appreciated golf, his beloved friends and family – and cheap beer. Pabst’s Blue Ribbon (PBR) and Hamm’s were his favorites. As an avid sports fan, he cheered for the Colts, Indiana University basketball and football and the Chicago Cubs. He was also passionate about the Indy 500 and A.J. Foyt and enjoyed everything about the Month of May in Indianapolis. He loved March Madness but was equally intrigued by curling and the Tour de France. 

In 2016, Harry was diagnosed with lung cancer. He and Elyse first met with Dr. Nasser Hanna at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center on March 18 of that year. Though Harry fought bravely without complaining and had excellent medical care, he died Halloween night of 2017. 

Since then, Elyse has been an amazing steward of Harry and his mother’s wishes by creating a fund with a name that gives homage to Harry’s favorite beverage as well as Elyse’s desire to create a Pray Believe Research legacy for him. Thus, Harry’s PBR Fund for Lung Cancer Research was born. 

This fund supports lung cancer research in memory of Harry’s indelible impact on all those he loved. This fund also shows appreciation for Dr. Hanna’s skill, compassion, honesty, and perfect timing. Learn more about the incredible work taking place in lung cancer research at IU. 

Despite her terrible loss, Elyse has chosen to advance lung cancer research with the goal of preventing other families from enduring such grief. We are incredibly grateful. 

Cheers to Harry and Elyse!