Jayne and Donna Breast Cancer Research Fund
In 2009, I lost two very close people to breast cancer. I began to do some research and was startled by the statistics. I discovered that in 2009 alone there were 198,370 new breast cancer cases diagnosed, and 40,175 deaths from breast cancer, and this is in the U.S. only! The more I read, the more I wanted to get involved. The problem I discovered is that there are no men’s groups that are raising funds for what means most to us in our life, our women. It seems that it is only the women that have taken a pro active approach in the battle against breast cancer. There is the Susan G. Kolman foundation, the Walk for Life fund raiser, the Relay for life, and countless other groups raising funds for support and research, but none that are organized by men. There are plenty of men that work for or volunteer for breast cancer organizations, but none that have taken the fight personally enough to actually form an organization or promote an event to fight this monster that’s taking our sisters from us at an alarming rate. This is why I formed the Jayne and Donna Breast Cancer Research Fund. We are a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, named after two of the 40,175 ladies that lost their battle against this disease in 2009.
This year, on Aug. 14th, 2010, we are hosting the first annual “Q for the Cure” BBQ cook off at Community Park in Lisle, IL. The idea is to invite all BBQ restaurants in the state of IL. as well as amateur back yard cookers to compete for the best BBQ in IL. This is a one day event. We have many entrants already and my feeling is, the more cookers the better. Trophies and prize money will be awarded to the winners of each division. We have entertainment all day long in the form of several bands and comedians. There will be a silent auction with vacation packages already donated as well as golf outings, electronics, dinner, and hotel stays. (We’re working on the airlines for flight vouchers). This event would not be possible without your generosity. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to three organizations that do the most in helping the victims and their families cope with this killer. They are:
The Breast Cancer Society - www.breastcancersociety.org
Gildas Club Chicago - www.gildasclubchicago.org
Sisters Network, Inc. - www.sistersnetworkchicagochapter.org
Breast cancer affects one out of every eight women that live to be 80. If you have not been affected by breast cancer yet, statistics say you will sometime in the near future. At anytime this disease can creep into the lives of your wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, co-worker, friend, and yes, even you. Breast cancer does not discriminate. Both men and women have been taken from us by this disease. The “Q for the Cure” is the one effort that we men can make for our precious women and ourselves.
If anyone out there would like to find out more information about this event, or would like to contribute to this event, you can contact Steve Marney at 630-532-8352 or email me at drdry@comcast.net. Any contributions can be sent to: Jayne and Donna B.C. Fund c/o Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave. Downers Grove, IL. 60515. If you have any items to donate to the silent auction, you can contact Steve Marney for shipping or mailing instructions. All donations are tax deductible.
Why am I doing this? In addition to losing two very close women in my life this past year, I had a void that needed to be filled. I have been depressed this past two years. Nothing I did seemed to help me feel better about my life. There was something missing. Taking a vacation didn’t make me feel better, spending money didn’t make me feel better, and a girlfriend or new car were definitely out of the question. That’s just not who I am. The one thing that I finally discovered that did make a difference in my life was the gift of giving. The one piece of advice that I would give to everyone that is depressed is, give from your heart! There is no better medication for the soul and spirit than to give to others. To make a difference! Peace!
Men Against Breast Cancer
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