Molly Bakkum, 55

Cousins-in-law Denise Byron and Molly Bakkum, together with their families, are committed to raising $100,000.00 for their Fund with a variety of fundraisers. Their Fund supports research for the early detection and prevention of ovarian and breast cancer through the Lynne Cohen Consortium.

Denise Byron talks about starting the Fund and her hopes for the future:

When Molly Bakkum, my husband’s cousin, called to let us know that she had been diagnosed with Stage IIIc ovarian cancer, I knew immediately that I wanted to take action and spread awareness about this terrible disease.

Molly’s positive attitude inspires me to engage more fully in my life. When her hair fell out from chemotherapy treatments, she wore her baldness proudly. And so did the rest of her family, who shaved their heads in support. Molly has approached her experience with optimism and courage, transforming it into a spiritual journey. Every morning she greets the day at 6:30 a.m. with a 3-mile walk. Often old acquaintances unfamiliar with Molly’s condition spot her around town, in the drugstore or supermarket. After an awkward moment, Molly puts the other person at ease, and uses the opportunity to heighten awareness about the importance of listening to your own body.

When I asked myself what I could do, I felt a stirring in my soul. In truth, it was more like a command: It’s time to find an early detection test for ovarian cancer and you can help! Fundraising for the Lynne Cohen Foundation is one way I can acknowledge Molly’s journey and help other women at the same time.

BACK TO LCF FUNDS LIST