| Inspired by son, nephew Jennifer Dunn works on |
|
By: MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Content Editor
|
Posted: Sunday, February 14, 2010 7:15 am
|
 Email  Print
|
Chase Donnell and his mother Jennifer Black Dunn
|
|
|
Inspired by her son and nephew, a local woman wants to raise as much money as possible for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Walter Hill’s Jennifer Black Dunn was nominated for the 2010 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year.
“I am so honored to be nominated,” she said about the honor. “I have actively been striving to raise the awareness in childhood cancer since being introduced to it.”
Dunn was introduced to childhood cancer when her nephew Dylan was diagnosed with Hodgkins-Nodular Scelerosis Lymphoma and son Chase Donnell was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in August 2007.
“We couldn't believe it was possible for one of our children to get cancer - much less two,” Dunn said about her son and nephew being diagnosed within weeks of each other. “Dylan's was slow growing. Chase's fast. Everything was just the opposite. But our family was always there together.”
Chase eventually lost his battle with cancer in March 2008, but he made a lasting impression on the community with his last wish: to remodel the gymnasium at Walter Hill Elementary for all his friends and fellow students.
Luckily Dylan has been in remission for the three months after two relapses and a stem cell transplant, Dunn said.
Her goal is to raise more than $50,000 so she can name a childhood cancer research grant in Chase and Dylan’s honor.
“But I work so hard to raise awareness for all the other people who do not get the chance,” she said.
“I don't want another mother smiling through the day but crying herself to sleep for missing her child,” she continued. “I want to help be a part of the day when cancer really can become just a word — and not a sentence.”
Dunn is inspired by all the children fighting cancer, not just those closest to her.
“They have been in out and of remission and in and out of the hospital since (they were) six months old. So being nominated validates that everything I have done – really hasn't been fruitless,” she said. “I am being recognized for the very last wish that Chase had.”
To become the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Dunn will participate in a 10-week friendly fundraising competition in honor of local survivor children, the Boy & Girl of the Year 2009.
“The hard work of candidates and sponsor support will help these children and thousands of others in the fight against leukemia and other blood cancers,” Dunn said.
The campaign officially kicks off March 25, which is when Dunn can start receiving donations.
“Right now what I need from people is donations from companies that can be used in silent auctions at different events that I will be hosting,” she said. All donations are tax deductible.
Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.
Future events:
March 27: Scavenger Hunt and Kick off Party featuring live music by Shawn Prince from 2-9 p.m., at Arcadian Springs, 6310 Wade Springs Rd.
March 27: Easter Pictures. Call Wendy Clark Photography for appointment at 615-969-1439.
April 2: Smyrna Skate Center
April 24: "Cooking For A Cure" Lunch & Dinner from 1-7 p.m. at the Auburntown Community Center.
May 8: Harley Davidson Ride
May 22: Car Show and Car Wash from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sew Unique Upholstery
If interested in any of these events contact Dunn’s campaign manager Evetter Vanderworp at evettevanderworp@aol.com or Dunn at jenniferdunn7@comcast.net. |
|
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!