2011 Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk

Hello all! I just wanted to fill you in on my newest adventure! I have signed up for the Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk again this year!! It will be held on September 17 in Raleigh, NC. (http://www.ovarianawareness.org/). We've named our team "Ovarian-portant Cause". Despite our light-hearted team name, I certainly appreciate the seriousness of the event; but I expect that we'll have the opportunity to celebrate life even during the ongoing battles against ovarian cancer as well as remember those whose battle is complete.

As you know, my mother Mary Wynne battled stage IV ovarian cancer for nearly a decade. It began with a swollen lymph node in her leg and a quick check up by a family doctor. Little did we know that it was the beginning of an ongoing 10-year fight with the cancer. Over the past 10 years, my mother had some remarkably good times in which she was considered by all medical measures "healthy". However, we were frequently reminded of the insidious nature of this disease with the whispers of signs and symptoms of a recurrence. With each recurrence, we experienced the devastating effects of this disease as well as the devastating effects of the treatments. Through countless surgeries, medical consults, diagnoses, chemotherapies, and even victories, my mother pushed on hopeful for a cure.

Thank you all for your love, support, and care you have shared with my family over the years. I'm confident in saying that we could not have battled this long without each and every kind word, deed, and prayer. We're hopeful that a cure is coming. But in the meantime, the fight to raise awareness and money for research is always looking for new voices. We invite you to join our team, being present in person or spirit. To do so, visit our team page:

http://dccc.convio.net/goto/marywynne

To join us, simply click on Join Team at the bottom of the team page.

To donate to our team, simply click "Donate to Ovarian-portant Cause" on the right side of the team page.

Please do not feel like you have to give. You each have already given so much to our family already in terms of friendship, love, care, and support. However, if you have the means and interest to do so, any contribution will be a step forward in the fight against ovarian cancer.

While we walk in memory of my mother's fight against this disease, we encourage any and all support whether emotional, financial, or even spiritual for the global fight against this disease. In my mind, this event will raise money and awareness about an insidious and dangerous disease. Contributions will benefit the future generations of children and grandchildren. Please consider giving your time, energy, or even money, not specifically for our fight, but for the future cure. I firmly believe that a cure is inevitable.

Ovarian-portant Cause 2010 (Mike, David, Vickie, Fu, & Melissa)