Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

I would like to tell you about Kathy Bowers battle with cancer.  Initially diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2005,  Kathy underwent chemotherapy August through December 2005, staying active and without altering her daily life.  After an evaluation in December 2005, she and her doctors decided that a mastectomy would have to be performed as soon as possible.  Prior to surgery, Kathy’s surgeon removed a suspicious lymph node from her neck that indicated Melanoma.  Upon removal of her breast, the tumor that had been previously diagnosed as breast cancer was now identified as Melanoma. 

Kathy was never angry and took everything in stride.  After further tests, she received a call that the cancer had metastasized and was now in her brain.  She did not waiver, working and walking her dog everyday.  Kathy underwent full brain radiation in the early morning so that she could be to work at a reasonable time.  Following radiation, she started treatment for Melanoma at the University of Michigan Hospital where the brain tumors were treated aggressively.      

Following a couple of serious seizures, she began to loose the ability to use her right side.  Doctors told her that it was time to consider hospice.  Not ready for defeat, Kathy’s doctor told her that if she could walk back into his clinic, he would start treating her again.  Kathy opted to try rehabilitation, and she worked hard to regain her strength and mobility.  Unfortunately, the Melanoma had spread throughout her body and she lost her battle the evening of August 23, 2006 surrounded by family, friends, and her dog, Mandy at home.    

A giving, loving and talented woman, Kathy was much greater than her battle with cancer.  Last year, a group of us decided the best way to honor her courage and thoughtfulness was to organize the 1st Annual KDB Melanoma Walk in October.  Our fundraising efforts raised over $27,000 for the Melanoma Research Foundation.  That money was then used to fund a research grant for Mikhail Nikiforov, PhD of the University of Michigan to help find a cure for Melanoma.  

Please take a moment to help support these efforts.  To raise awareness and money for continued Melanoma research, our 2nd Annual KDB Melanoma Walk will be held on October 13, 2007 at Kensington Metropark.  If you are in the area, please join me in the walk!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Thank you,

-Patti