By Kaitlin Candelaria
Laura Crandall Brown inspired more people in 25 years than many people do in a lifetime.
When Brown passed away in 2009 of ovarian cancer, her family and friends were so inspired by her journey that they founded the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation with the mission of providing funding for early detection research of ovarian cancer while raising awareness of the disease.
Brown’s cancer was discovered in 2008, while she was in the midst of planning her wedding. What at first seemed to be a minor inconvenience – a small surgery to remove what Brown thought was a common mass on her ovary – turned out to be a very serious and ultimately fatal form of cancer. However, Laura’s friends and family say she was brave and composed throughout her entire journey and consistently expressed the desire to help others in the same situation. Thus, the foundation was born.
According to the foundation’s website, there is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer. Treatment for the disease can be very successful, with a 90 percent cure rate, but that’s only if it’s caught in time.
“Most patients are diagnosed in the later stages when the disease is more difficult to treat,” the website said. “Through this foundation, we hope to successfully carry out Laura’s legacy by raising awareness and funding research, specifically in the area of early detection.”
The foundation has raised more than $100,000 for ovarian cancer research since 2010.
This year, the foundation will host its sixth annual Head Over Teal 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Sept. 12 at The Preserve in Hoover. A 10K also has been added for those seeking a more difficult challenge. At the event, people can enjoy beer, Little Caesars pizza and music along with inflatables, face painting and crafts. Parking is available at Prince of Peace Catholic School with a shuttle beginning at 6:45 a.m.
For more information or to register, vista www.thinkoflaura.org.
