Mary Anne Mazanec Ovarian Cancer Foundation Hosts Inaugural Heal For Teal Dog Walk in Cinnaminson Oct. 4

Tom Mazanec has pursued multiple avenues to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer.

He established the Mary Anne Mazanec Ovarian Cancer Foundation in honor of his wife, who died of the disease in 2008. One year later, the foundation was established.

“I got together with our kids and her siblings and we wanted to help women like she did,” Tom Mazanec said. “She always helped people with disabilities.”

She was honored with the Exceptional Service Award at the New Jersey State Public Service Awards Ceremony, according to the foundation’s website.

They recognized how special she was with the following quote at the ceremony:

“Mary Anne Mazanec’s selfless devotion to the field of Assistive Technology and her students is passionate. During her 30-year career in education, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment toward serving people with disabilities, first as a teacher and currently as an assistive technology specialist with the Office of Education. As Mary Anne is very well versed in assistive technology devices and is a highly competent evaluator, she most often is able to determine a solution that will best meet a student’s needs and skills. She easily bridges the gaps between technological support, child study team services, program support units, teachers, students and parents. It is her resolve and ultimate dedication that makes Mary Anne Mazanec stand out among the rest.”

The Foundation helps people with Ovarian Cancer and has grown over the last five years.

In 2013, the Foundation took over 100 requests for help, which was more than double the number of requests the foundation took the previous two years combined, Mazanec said.

The foundation currently serves New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York. It takes requests via a Financial Assistance Form on the foundation’s website or by contacting Patricia Mazanec, Outreach Care Coordinator at mamocf.outreach@gmail.com.

“Cancer centers in the Philadelphia region are letting people know about us, and we have a link on the American Cancer Society website,” said Mazanec, who lives in Cinnaminson with his current wife, Patricia.

The foundation has hosted bike rides, barbecues, fairs, walk-a-thons, and a Coach Bingo event, in which Coach brand purses are auctioned off.

On Oct. 4, the foundation hosts the first Heel for Teal Dog Walk at Cinnaminson Memorial Park on Lenola Road. The walk takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

It will feature contests, entertainment, a pet photographer, raffles, refreshments and tee shirts for participants.

Ticket price is $25 per dog with free admission for family members.

Mazanec said he envisions a successful event being one that raises between $500 and $1,000.

To pre-register for the event, visit eventbrite.com.

For more on the foundation, and to pre-register for the event visit mamocf.org.

For more on the event, visit the Facebook page.