Cancer Research

Cancer continues to be among the leading causes of death worldwide with 14 million new cases reported in 2014, and that number is expected to grow to 22 million within the next two decades. From 1990 to 2014 the overall cancer death rate fell by 25% in the United States (National Cancer Institute). It is only through research that this horrible disease can become more survivable. With so many recognized forms of cancer, almost everyone knows someone who has fought a battle with cancer or has fought the battle themselves.  

 Although we are a small non-profit organization, the Foundation is committed to making a difference by raising funds through community events to aid cancer research. Each year the board will research and choose an organization to make a donation to in memory of Mary.

The foundation actively supports educators through the teaching program at McKendree University. Funds raised throughout the year will be used to assist graduates and undergraduates of McKendree through grants and scholarships to reduce their educational costs. Graduates can apply twice a year to receive grants while undergraduates who have been accepted into the teaching program will receive their scholarship at the beginning of the school year. 

To meet district and state standards for continued education, educators must continually attend workshops, conferences, and seminars. Many choose to take courses towards advanced degrees to improve their pedagogy and stay fluent with educational changes. All these requirements come at a cost to educators that are not always covered by the districts. Teacher candidates, on the other hand, incur additional costs besides tuition and books that are associated with their undergraduate degree as they complete their licensing requirements. 

While the Foundation will award individual grants, an endowment has been established through the University for awarding the scholarships. Please consider making a donation to the endowment to help support our future educators.

On June 2, 2018, the Foundation held the inaugural Believe Memorial 5K for family and friends which soon exceeded expectations with over 60 participants showing up. The event gave everyone a chance to remember Mary and share their favorite stories from throughout the years. Everyone at the Foundation would like to thank our sponsors for the inaugural event as well as everyone who helped make the event a success. Without them we would not be where we are today. 

Please join us again this year as we host the 1st annual event on June 1, 2019.