The Periwinkle Foundation http://www.periwinklefoundation.org/
Self Description: "The Periwinkle Foundation develops and provides programs that positively change the lives of children, young adults and families who are challenged by cancer and other life threatening illnesses and are cared for at Texas Children's Hospital."
Stats: More than 4000 kids participated in programs sponsored by The Periwinkle Foundation in 2008. Annual Report
Personal Notes: Mark discovered this organization through several of our friends who volunteer for Periwinkle and speak very highly of it. Among other programs, the organization runs camps for children with cancer. The camps give these seriously ill children a chance to have fun and be kids. Mark was in his thirties when diagnosed with cancer and many people would exclaim how he was "too young" to be that sick. It struck both Mark and me that , yes, he was young, but he at least had a chance to complete some of life's milestones: attend grade, middle and high school, finish college, have a first love, learn to drive, see some of the world... Some of the kids that attend Periwinkle have not even lived a decade. Mark very much wanted to help some of these kids have fun life experiences, despite their illnesses. Periwinkle is an ideal way to help make this happen.
Mark Marshall Lynch was a good-hearted, compassionate and vibrant man. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved, had a fantastic, quirky sense of humor and was quietly generous to many. Colon cancer cruelly took him from this life in his thirties, leaving his parents, two brothers, his wife (me) and countless friends and family behind. This blog has been created in the hope of honoring him in two ways. The first way is by offering readers the chance to sign those they love up to receive a VIR -- Very Important Reminder. These reminders, sent through email or regular mail, will serve as friendly prompts to schedule either a colon cancer screening or mammogram (or both). After his diagnosis, Mark frequently tried to raise his friends' and family's awareness and diligence regarding cancer prevention. Hopefully some of the VIRs sent via this site will inspire others to stay vigilant when it comes to their health. To send a VIR, please visit the left nav bar.
Additionally I've listed several charities. These are causes Mark supported and others that his brothers and I believe he would back, based on his ideals. When you feel the philanthropic urge, please consider these organizations. If you would like to suggest other worthy causes, please post them.
Mark made a mark on many people through his kindness and generosity. He gave of his time and attention as well as monetarily. I found his devotion to family and friends very inspiring.
I hope this site inspires you to give a little or share a cause close to your heart. Above all, I hope it reminds you to value your health, treasure each day you are given and live them all to the fullest. Mark would want it that way.
Gone, but never forgotten. You are missed, Mar-K.
Additionally I've listed several charities. These are causes Mark supported and others that his brothers and I believe he would back, based on his ideals. When you feel the philanthropic urge, please consider these organizations. If you would like to suggest other worthy causes, please post them.
Mark made a mark on many people through his kindness and generosity. He gave of his time and attention as well as monetarily. I found his devotion to family and friends very inspiring.
I hope this site inspires you to give a little or share a cause close to your heart. Above all, I hope it reminds you to value your health, treasure each day you are given and live them all to the fullest. Mark would want it that way.
Gone, but never forgotten. You are missed, Mar-K.
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