For more than 20 years, Nina’s Coffee Café has been a warm and welcoming spot in St. Paul, Minnesota. Known for its cozy atmosphere and support of local music and art, it’s been a place where friends meet, strangers connect, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. But recently, the heart of the café — owner June Berkowitz — has been facing a battle far beyond the café doors.
In April, June was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite the difficult news, friends say she has faced her illness with remarkable courage and kindness.
“She’s been handling it all with a smile and a lot of grace,” said close friend Mya Honeywell.
June’s kindness and generosity have touched many people over the years, and now the community is giving back. Several of her friends have come together to organize a fundraiser to help cover the costs of her treatment. The response has been overwhelming — in just a few days, nearly $20,000 has been raised.
“We’ve had donations from people in St. Paul, people from out of town, and even people we’ve never met,” said friend Anne Pollock.
June is known for her love of local music, art, and her gift for making everyone feel welcome. Julie Duckstad, a longtime customer, describes her as “a bright light” who always greets people with a smile and a positive attitude.
The money raised will go toward specialized treatments, medications, and travel expenses so June can receive the best possible care.
“She can get the quality of care that she needs without worrying about the financial side of it,” said friend Susan Page.
For her friends, helping June through this difficult time is about more than just raising money — it’s about giving back to someone who has always been there for others. Over the years, June has supported countless local artists, musicians, and neighbors. She has been a steady presence in the community, whether through hosting art events at the café, encouraging local talent, or simply listening to a customer who needed a friendly ear.
Now, those same people are stepping up for her. The fundraiser is not just about meeting medical costs — it’s also a way of showing June how deeply she is loved and appreciated.
“June would do the same thing for any single person that meant anything to her,” said Page. “She has always been that person who lifts others up.”
While the diagnosis has been a shock to those who know her, friends say June remains hopeful and focused on her health. Her biggest motivation, they say, is her family — especially her role as a grandmother. The community hopes the support will allow her to focus on her recovery without the stress of mounting expenses.
The story of June and Nina’s Coffee Café is a reminder of how powerful community can be when someone is in need. It’s also a testament to the impact one person can have over decades of kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others.
For now, the café continues to operate, but much of June’s energy is directed toward her treatment. Friends and supporters are rallying around her, offering help in big and small ways — from organizing benefit events to sharing her story on social media.
Their goal is simple: to give June the time, resources, and emotional strength she needs to keep fighting — and, hopefully, to return to the café she loves so much, welcoming customers with the same warm smile that has brightened so many lives.
As the fundraiser grows, one thing is clear: June Berkowitz is not facing this challenge alone. Her community — near and far — is standing firmly by her side.
