I have met many amazing women within our community who have been raising awareness and leading fundraisers for breast cancer. Most of these women have either faced breast cancer themselves or with a loved one.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Fiona Brown a 13-year breast cancer survivor.
Within a few short minutes of speaking with her I felt uplifted, motivated and inspired to participate in the cause.
Fiona has a strong motivation to continue to support the Susan G Komen foundation. As she puts it, ‘I don’t want to see anyone go through what I went through; and, I have two daughters, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.?
During her treatment, she faced six months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation.
Five years ago her three kids and son-in-law each raised $2,000 through family and friends and completed the Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day 60 mile walk.
During the walk that year, her son met a wonderful woman whom he married.
The following year they organized a golf outing at the Liberty Golf Club since they wanted to reach beyond their family and friends for charitable support.
They have successfully raised between $6,000 and $12,000 at each outing.
‘This really is a community effort,? says Fiona, ‘We’re always grateful that we’re able to do it through the help of really good friends, thoughtful, kind people and local businesses.?
Support from many local businesses includes the Law office of Robert Kostin, Dr. Belak, Joe Fabrizio, Caribou Coffee, Waterfall Jewelers and the Print Shop on Dixie Hwy.
‘This year it’s a little more challenging to get raffle donations and sponsorships,? Fiona points out.
Fiona walked one year. ‘It’s an incredible, emotional experience. I still can’t believe I walked 60 miles.?
‘You meet people who have cancer, survived, or lost family. While walking you see supportive people on the side of road cheering.
There was a boy around 15 or 16 years old standing by himself saying ‘Thank you? as we walked by.
We also saw a mom with her daughter in a stroller holding a picture of her mother and a sign that said ‘I lost my mother. Thank you for helping me not lose my daughter.??
It’s people like Fiona and her supporters who make this a wonderful place to live and a community to be proud of.
The Team ‘Fore!? Mum Fourth Annual Golf Outing benefiting the 2008 Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day 60 Mile walk will be held on Saturday, August 16th, 2008 at The Fountains Golf Club. Cost is $440 per team or $110/pp and includes golf, lunch, buffet dinner and prizes. To participate, please call: (248) 625-0756.
Michelle Phaup, founder of Lend A Helping Hand, enjoys helping people and working for a worthwhile cause. To share a story about someone who can benefit from help within the community, email: Michelle@LendAHelpingHand.org. For information on Lend A Helping Hand: www.lendahelpinghand.org.