Plainfield Principal Helps Raise Funds for Cancer Non-Profit

Plainfield resident, Tammie Harmon knew she had to continue to fight for families fighting with cancer.

“My son was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 18 months (who is now cured and 14 years old), made it a no brainer for me to join Becky’s Warriors” said Harmon. “Becky’s Warriors has provided me with a fulfillment in life like no other and one in which I did not anticipate.”

Sunday, June 21^st begins a virtual run to raise funds to help others with cancer through Becky’s Warriors. According to Becky’s Warriors website, the non for profit was started by a group of Marian Catholic alumni to help a former classmate, Becky Lopez as she battled stage 4 breast cancer. Becky succumbed to the disease in 2014 but the charity continues to raise funds for the Marian Catholic community affected by cancer in her honor.

“Becky’s Warriors has provided me with a fulfillment in life like no other and one in which I did not anticipate. In memory of my dear friend Amy’s sister, Becky, and supporting others who have been affected by cancer much like my own family while having fun with former Marian Catholic High School alumni for the past six years has been profound for me as a Becky’s Warriors Board Member. I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of something as great as this is” she added.

Each of the founders of Becky’s Warriors NFP have been affected by cancer. They recognized that cancer is an equal opportunity offender that affects people physically, emotionally, financially, as well as spiritually. There are many wonderful organizations that help fund cancer research and continue to work towards a cure for cancer. However, the cancer fighters and their families need help with day-to-day expenses such as childcare, living expenses due to a loss of income, or tuition for their children to continue school.

“From a very young age I was called to living a life of service to others” said Harmon, who also serves on Becky's Warriors Board.

“It started with being a candy striper volunteer at St. James Hospital while simultaneously being a Student Council officer for three years at Marian Catholic high school and a volunteer cheerleading coach to finally leading to my career in education as an elementary school teacher then principal.”

Harmon explains that Becky’s Warriors has helped many including:

o We helped to reduce the amount of outstanding medical debt for a woman who has gone through two bouts of cancer in the past several years. She has made tremendous progress in her recovery and we helped ease the financial impact of her cancer fights.

o We helped cover hospice care for someone who has had her income substantially reduced and has gone through a change in insurance; subsequently, her deductible increased dramatically.

o In a small act of kindness, we helped a family enjoy the simple pleasure of being together for a family movie night as the effects of stage IV cancer continue to take their toll.

o We helped cover the cost of tuition for two MCHS students whose immediate family member has been fighting cancer.

To continue to help Marian Catholic families touched by cancer, Becky’s Warriors is having a virtual run June 21st through June 28th. They are asking for support or a donation during this time where families are affected by cancer during this pandemic.

Register at: https://www.raceentry.com/races/run-like-a-warrior-5k-walkrun/2020/register

Another Becky’s Warriors board member Megan Sutkus explains why it’s so important to give to those who are going through cancer.

“I learned from a young age that kindness and empathy should be a daily effort” Sutkus said. “We are all part of a huge, colorful, complicated life puzzle. We can move mountains when we come together. I work with an extraordinary team who share my goals. We do everything in our power to bring even the smallest amount of joy, relief, or glimmer of peace to those in our community struggling with cancer. Becky's Warriors brings me great joy. I pray that we can continue our fight and help others in their own battles.”

Other board members include; include Missy Day, Joe Flores, Jimmy O'Brien, Amy Eaton Seymour and Tracy VanderLuitgaren.

Becky’s Warriors NFP intends to host several fundraising activities throughout the year including the annual Golf Outing, a 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk, and the family friendly Bowling Bash in the winter.

Please help them reach their goal for our Virtual Run Like a Warrior 5k and 1 Mile Walk.

You can donate here: https://www.raceentry.com/races/run-like-a-warrior-5k-walkrun/2020/fundraising/charity/charity/beckys-warriors-nfp-4621

For additional information, go to their website: www.beckyswarriors.org