In February 2022, the oncologists at Johns Hopkins discovered a mucosal melanoma tumor in our mother's brain.  As this form of cancer is extremely rare and possesses no obvious identified risk factors, including family history, most cases are quite advanced after they are diagnosed.  Our mother's disease was in this category and, therefore, was impervious to the immunotherapy treatments that have recently demonstrated success in fighting melanoma.  She lost her fight against this horrific illness a mere six (6) weeks after the tumor was identified.

This insidious cancer prematurely ended the life of a wonderful and widely beloved woman who will be sorely missed by all that ever had the privilege of knowing her.   We ask that you please donate generously to help drive research efforts to effectively combat this "orphan" disease.