Amazing things happening in DE!

September in DE started with Gov. Jack Markell signing a proclamation making September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the state of DE. But the bigger news is that he also signed a bill that creates a checkoff on Delaware's state income tax return so that anyone with a refund due them can elect to give some or all of that refund to our newly formed Delaware Ovarian Cancer Research & Awareness Foundation.

That same week Gov. Markell's wife Karla hosted a Super Luncheon at the Governor's House where invited guests learned more about ovarian cancer research.

Last week at a monthly Writers' Guild gathering, I read selected posts from my blog about living with ovarian cancer.

This Friday night, my husband's and son's bistro will be hosting "Music for a Cause" which is all about raising money for The Starrlight Fund. Starrlight is a fund we started a year ago to assist ovarian cancer survivors in DE with urgent financial problems created by their cancer or their inability to work etc. We've raised a solid fund and now we're able to make our first distribution to special needs funds at 4 area hospitals. Nurses at those hospitals will quickly identify OvCa survivors who need a helping hand and get the money to them. The money is earmarked for women with OvCa who need help with insurance co-payments, prescription bills, rent, utility bills etc. The fund is perpetual and permanent, managed for us by the Delaware Community Foundation which means there will be money over the years to continue this cause. Music for a Cause will raise more money for Starrlight. We're expecting about 100 paying guests--we're up to 75 reservations so far. The local newspapers and two radio stations have interviewed us about Music for a Cause and The Starrlight Fund and Delaware Today magazine's editor devoted his whole column to it. Another event in town is selling raffle tickets to an incredible doll house and all proceeds will go to Starrlight Fund. And get this... a couple whose wedding reception is being held at our family restaurant have asked all their guests to donate to Starrlight instead of giving them gifts. Some really amazing things have been happening in our little tiny state that have put ovarian cancer on everyone's radar screen. So don't give up!!! You can and will get the word out about OvCa. If anyone thinks they might like to start a Starrlight Fund or something similar and would like more info please feel free to contact us. We've had wonderful help and support from others and we'd like to pass it on.

By lifeisgrand
Posted September 21, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Report post

Amazing that one of the smallest states can get on top of something like this and get things going. You're certainly doing your part! Way to go.

By NotDyingToday
Posted September 22, 2009 at 10:31 am
Report post

Thanks for your support and kind words. I sometimes think that because Delaware is small we can get things moving fast.

Being involved in these projects has been very rewarding for me AND eye-opening. Prior to the passage of the legislation that created the tax check- off on our tax returns, I was invited to speak before the Delaware House of Representatives about OvCa and how important this legislation is to both awareness and raising dollars for research. The legislator sponsoring the bill became very emotional because his sister-in-law died of OvCa. A former legislator and his family were in the hall to see the bill passed because their daughter-in-law, who had worked as a lobbyist in Legislative Hall, died last year of OvCa. When the Speaker of the House introduced me on the floor he told everyone that his own mother had died of OvCa. After my speech, several people including legislators, approached me to share their personal brushes with OvCa. And this Friday, a newly elected DE legislator--elected through a special election two weeks ago--is coming to Music for a Cause at our bistro and bringing her sister-in-law who is currently in treatment for OvCa. So when someone tells you OvCa is not that prevalent please tell them just how wrong they are.

By adedun
Posted September 23, 2009 at 5:30 am
Report post

Hi NotDyingToday, you have done a fantastic job. Sounds like the kind of thing i would like to do. I am from Nigeria and these days it would appear every other person is dying from some form of cancer or the other,may be it the new awareness that makes me think so! I stated a small fund for children with special needs on my 50th birthday[almost 6years now]. At 52 i was diagosed with stage III ovca. I am a survivor and wonder what could have been if God had not been merciful and my family could afford to pay for my treatment. Even those who can afford it are dying of lack of information. There is awareness about breast and cervical cancer. Give me more information about Starrlight Fund. Who knows i might be able to turn a wisper into a shout! I pray you remain healthy.

By NotDyingToday
Posted September 23, 2009 at 10:58 am
Report post

If you mean can NJ people come to Music for a Cause, YES!!! Anyone can come. The more the merrier! The cost is $45 per ticket and that includes a fabulous all night buffet which includes crispy scallops, serrano-wrapped shrimp, beef tenderloin and much more, plus 2 drink tickets and live music all night long. 50% of proceeds go directly to Starrlight Fund. Other survivors will be there. It is this Friday, September 25 and starts at 5 p.m., ends around 10 p.m. I don't know your circumstances but there are several neat inns and hotels right in the downtown area of Lewes which is where our restaurant is located. Good luck with your treatment.

By Carmeta
Posted September 24, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Report post

I'll be there in spirit Friday night! Margaret Mead could use you as an example of her observation about how to effect change! Our numbers may be small, but we can be as visible as the cancers that hit more individuals.

By NotDyingToday
Posted September 24, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Report post

I wish all of you could be with us in person on Friday night. You WILL be with me, in my heart. I have been very touched by your words of encouragement and praise and would like to share them with the nearly 100 people who have now signed up to be at Music for a Cause. I want them to know that they are not only helping women who live in their own communities, but giving hope to women around the world. This is powerful!!!! WE ARE SHOUTING.

By lifeisgrand
Posted September 25, 2009 at 8:21 am
Report post

You go girlfriend! I hope you make a ton of money tonight. I saw the local news article on an RSS thread at Libby's Hope website. The article was very well done. I hope it brings out a lot of people.

Amazing so many people in the legislature have been touched by Ovarian Cancer. I have to say, unless you or someone you love gets "it", it is really hard to "get it". Once you know the heartache of this disease it is hard to ignore it. I am glad to see you making an impact for the people who are unable to receive the best care.

Welcome to Inspire!

Explore topics in this discussion:

11 replies

Add to the discussion

OCNA on Twitter

Group leaders

You