This year, Team Tangerine will be putting on their tie-dyes once again to walk in the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk. Our goal is to raise money for cancer research and to remember Justine Claise, who passed away on June 28, 2005, at the age of 27. She bravely fought cancer for a year and a half. Justine was a loving wife to Matthew West, a funny and caring daughter to Anne and Bob Claise, a friend more than a sister to her brother Matt and sister-in-law Bronwyn. She was a beloved member of the Claise and West families, and a beloved friend to many who still miss her warm presence over every dinner and every laugh. She was a kind, genuine person, and was an active participant in cancer fundraising, before and after she was diagnosed.
Losing Justine was extremely difficult, and we miss her as much as ever – all the more reason the Walk has become an avenue to help us continue the healing process. Each year we join together to reflect on the past, to rejoice in the present, and look ahead in continuing to foster the connections Justine created amongst all of us. Ultimately, the Walk provides us with the opportunity to do just what Justine would have wanted: to come together to support and celebrate each other, and to use our energy and connections towards an honorable mission. Justine did not want to be forgotten, but she wanted to be remembered in a vibrant world that is still moving along. She wanted life to continue to grow and bloom; she wanted her loved ones to be happy; and she wanted to know goodness and beauty would still exist in the world. That is why, each year, the UMass Cancer Walk remains so meaningful to us. We can raise money for a good cause, and we can pass on her spirit in all its generosity and faith.
This will be our team’s seventh year participating in the Walk, and each year we have been honored by UMass as one of the top 25 fundraising teams. Overall, Team Tangerine has raised over $38,000.00 for cancer research. We have lost none of the commitment, joy and fulfillment that we experience as we get ready to raise money for a great cause and come together to celebrate Justine’s life.
A world without cancer is a vibrant world, a blooming world, and a world we want to believe in.
We are beyond honored that so many of you have continued to support us year after year. You have helped us to fight the good fight, you have lifted our spirits, and you have helped us create this ongoing tribute to our beloved Justine. She is the inspiration we keep to reach further, to do more, and to keep on creating ripples for a cause that we are committed to. Justine would be immensely proud of the generosity and the support you have shown us, and the contributions to cancer research in her name.
To donate, please make checks payable to the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk, and mail your checks to: Team Tangerine, C/O Leann E. Ledoux, 28 Jeppson Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606.
You can also donate via credit card on this web page (please see instructions below.)
Our team grows every year, and we welcome all who would like to walk with us. If you are interested in walking with us on September 25th or would like further information, please email Lee at leann.ledoux@gmail.com. Please check out our Facebook page for messages, photos, and updates on our team: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Team-Tangerine/147116441163?ref=ts
~ Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed, nor wind to blow ~