NAMESAKE OF LAURA’S SMILE MILE PASSES AWAY

Laura David fought a long and difficult battle with ovarian cancer

Copyright© 2009 Curt Coenen Photography

30-year-old Laura David of Slinger, WI passed away peacefully under the care of hospice Sunday July 3, 2011.  Laura was the inspiration for Laura’s Smile Mile, a 5K run/walk to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. The 5^th annual event was held June 4, 2011, at Veterans Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Laura was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 23, just three months after her wedding. She underwent numerous treatments, including several surgeries, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.  She stayed strong through her faith in God and her positive attitude. Laura battled cancer head- on with a smile that was unforgettable.

Laura has touched so many people through her caring, loving and positive spirit. Her spirit complimented her passionate work with autistic children at the Wiebusch and Nicholson Center for Autism, Inc. as well as her support of the charity named after her.

Every year, Laura gave a speech to the participants, volunteers and the numerous survivors during Laura’s Smile Mile.  Each speech focused on the love and support of family, friends and strangers who helped to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. She encouraged survivors to dream big and to stay positive.

She lifted spirits and inspired many; we will never forget her smile.

Visitation and funeral will be held at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend. Date and time will be posted on www.phillipfuneralhome.com

For information on Laura’s Smile Mile go to www.laurassmilemile.com

Two of Laura’s Smile Mile founders, Cassie Simpson and Michele Buchicchio were featured on Weekend Daybreak on TODAY’S TMJ4 on Sunday May 22nd.

If you missed them talking about LSM, you can watch it here.

http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/seenontmj4/122408669.html

When we contacted Jen Borzymowski about her team “Marchin for Marilyn” she was more then happy to speak with us on how the team came together for such a great cause!

Team “Marchin’ for Marilyn” is walking to support Jen’s mother-in-law, Marilyn, who was diagnosed with Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer in April.

“To say her diagnosis has been a shock is an understatement.” says Jen Borzymowski. Marilyn went into the hospital for a “routine” hysterectomy, during surgery, cancer was found.

Jen wanted to do something for her mother-in-law.  She hoped there was something out there to support  “the cause”.   A quick internet search brought her to Laura’s Smile Mile!

Borzymowski says people have been signing up left and right to be part of the event and show their support for Marilyn. Family, friends and even members of a local rugby team will be participating.

She says, “We’ve even gotten donations sent in from as far as Switzerland!”.

Marilyn told Jen that “come hell or high water” she IS going to be at Laura’s Smile Mile on June 4th! Jen says that Marilyn’s strength and positive attitude during this time have been truly inspirational.

Borzymowski states, ” She is ready to kick Cancer’s butt and I know with that attitude she will!”

We can’t wait to have Jen, Marliyn and Team ” Marchin for Marilyn” join us for this year’s event.

Thanks for participating!

Laura’s Smile Mile Team Participation

If interested in running as a team of
10 or more, registration would be $18/participant.

If registered by May 15th, you will receive recognition on our web site.
Please contact denielledavid@hotmail.com prior to registering.
NOTE: There will be a separate registration tent
for groups.

Largest team of 10 or more wins a prize!

Teams must be pre-registered
by May 31st.

Laura’s Smile Mile is excited to welcome back Girls on the Run (GOTR) Greater Milwaukee for the third year.

GOTR is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen. This program incorporates training for a 5K run event with lessons that address many of the issues girls face as they enter adolescence. The GOTR curriculum is designed to encourage positive, emotional, social, mental, spiritual, and physical development.

This year 67 girls are participating in a 10-week program focused on self-esteem building and healthy lifestyles while training for the ‘big race’ on June 4th at Veterans Park. The girls will be running the race with an adult (running buddy) as a significant part of the program focuses on mentoring.

GOTR Council Director Zarine Anklesaria says. “Finding a partnership with a race that was also targeted towards women’s health was very important for us. We are lucky and thankful to Laura’s Smile Mile for allowing our girls to participate in the race free of charge.”

To find out more information on Girls on the Run or to volunteer please visit GOTR website

Dancer to Donate Funds to Laura's Smile Foundation

Looking for something special to do for Mother’s Day weekend?

On Friday May 6th, Citizen Advocacy of Washington County will be holding a benefit called Dancing for a Difference from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm at the Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford, WI. The benefit will feature a cash bar, sit-down dinner, music & dancing, a competitive performance and silent auctions.

Proceeds from this very special dance and auction will benefit Citizen Advocacy of Washington County, an independent, non-profit organization that creates and supports one-on-one relationships between community volunteers and persons with developmental disabilities. Part of the proceeds for the evening, (33%), will also be contributed to other nonprofits in Washington County.

Amanda Deppert will be competing in the dancing portion and she has chosen Laura’s Smile Foundation as her non-profit recipient!

Amanda says, “Choosing Laura’s Smile Foundation was an easy decision for me.  I grew up in West Bend and Laura David was in school just a few years behind me. I still recall hearing the news of Laura’s cancer. I have always been inspired by her courage, faith, and tenacity for life.  LSF carries on that inspiration in the work they do.  I am honored to dance on behalf of Laura and the LSF.”

If you are unable to attend but would still like to support a great cause, you can raise money by voting for Amanda Deppert ($10 per vote) online on their website by visiting her name under the “Dancers” page. For more information, visit this Link

Ms. Kim Gonnering, Laura’s sister and a brilliant graphic artist, continues to do a great job in designing T-shirts for LSM 2011 participants and volunteers. To satisfy your curiosity, we are going to reveal the new look of this year’s T-shirt design. 

A logo exclusive of this year’s event will be printed on the front. The back is reserved for names/logos of sponsors who contribute at least $500. If you know of any business that are looking to sponsor this event, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Take a closer look at the inspiring and informative logo.

Thank you, Kim, for your innovative work! We can’t wait to see our supportive participants wear the t-shirts and run/walk along the beautiful lake.

This year Laura’s Smile Mile will offer Team Registration to it’s participants!

Photo from Laura's Smile Mile 2010. Taken by Amy Jahns

We are able to offer a discounted team rate of $18 per person. Teams need at least 10 or more participants.

Do you have a creative name that you’ve been just waiting to use for a running or walking team? How about “The Walking Wranglers” or ”The Running Rattlers”? Ok, maybe our suggestions need a little work, but we’re sure you can come up with something wonderful.

 If you register before May 1st, you will be able to have your team name recognized on our website Laura’s Smile Mile.

Start organizing your team and clear your calendar for Saturday June 4, 2011!

Teams can register by going to our website Laura’s Smile Mile. Click on REGISTER for online registration, or click on MAIL-IN REGISTRATION FORM. Print off that form and mail it to: Laura’s Smile Foundation, 2312 Lake Bluff Blvd. Shorewood, WI 53211.

Check Presentation

Laura’s Smile Mile was a tremendus sucess in 2010 and we are gearing up for 2011.

Our 2010 participants raised an unbelievable amount of funds that were recently presented to the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WOCA) .

On September 30, 2010 Laura’s Smile Foundation presented a $15,000 check to WOCA. Thirty-five of our dedicated volunteers were in attendance  at the ceremony.   The event was held at Mancino’s Grinder’s & Pizza in Menomonee Falls.

Laura's Smile Foundation Raised $15,000 For WOCA

LSM Volunteers At Check Presentation

LSM Volunteers Enjoying Pizza From Mancino's

After several months’ preparation, LSM finally took place at Veterans Park Milwaukee’s Lakefront on June 5th. The sunshine and breeze allowed us to come out and join this meaningful cause. . The event started at about 8 am and lasted till noon.

Amazingly, the number of pre-registration this year broke 500, exceeding last year by about 200.  Including on-site registration, there were over 700 participants running and walking to help raise ovarian cancer awareness!  LSM couldn’t make such a big leap forward without the kind public support. Check out the video of the crowd here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQErdHkk1fk

Accompanied by beautiful music, people enjoyed the fun of talking with friends, exercising by the lake and contributing to a good deed. Besides the run/walk, giggle gallop designed for kids gathered smiles on innocent little faces. Those little boys and girls might not understand the intention behind the event, but their vigor added vitality to the day and inspired us adults to fight against whatever that’s in our way to reach our goal.

The most heart-striking moment would be when Laura, whom the event is named after, gave a sincere speech with her husband Mark standing by her side. Instead of simply telling the sad story where she was diagnosed ovarian cancer as young as 23 when she was just ready to begin a happy married life, Laura approached her experience from a much more positive perspective. She is grateful that with the continuing love and support  from family and friends and all that have been taking part in LSM, herself and Mark can resume their dream of living a long long time as husband and wife. She also encouraged everyone in the audience to dream big and believe that dreams will come true. What she said really touched people’s heart. Tears came down naturally on quite a few faces.

LSM is not only an occasion to give but also to get. Top runners were rewarded cash prizes and medals. Ovarian cancer survivors were recognized and congratulated in clapping and cheering. Special thanks were extended to leading fund raisers and two main organizations – Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer alliance and Girls On The Run Greater Milwaukee – that backed up the entire activity. Even more exciting, full tables of prizes were handed out to people that showed up. Everyone came with good heart and left with smile and joy, and that reflected the true value of LSM.

OK, picture time

What a shame that due to a lack of professional equipment, the pictures and video are somehow plain. However, they serve the purpose of showing what the event was like. Hopefully, more high-quality photos will be offered by a couple of better-equipped photographers. Please look forward to seeing follow-up posts!

Last but not least, tons of thank you to all of you who came out and supported in various ways!!! Laura will keep fighting the odd with a smile on the face. Well, I’m not her official spokeperson but I know for sure that she will, lol. Marching on, Laura! Marching on, LSM and LSF!

If you missed LSF’s interview at TMJ last week, don’t worry! You may click into the link below and watch it. The interview was brief and precise. I’m sure it would help us attract more eyes to LSM.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkN1wk9Zgf8

Hope we will have sunshine and breeze by the lake tomorrow. Wish Laura’s Smile Mile all the success!!!