Debra A. Brown Walk: In Memory of a Loved One

Debra Brown was diagnosed with Uterine cancer on Jan. 7, 2010.

According to her partner of 35 years, Charlotte Hendrickson of Audubon, Brown’s cancer spread to her ovaries, then her lungs and finally to her brain.

She then passed away exactly a year later to when she was first diagnosed.

“I don’t want anybody to ever forget her,” Hendrickson said.

According to Hendrickson, she and brown had lived in Lower Providence during the entirety of their relationship. Also in Lower Providence, Brown had worked for the Streamlight Company, a flashlight manufacturing company, for over 20 years.

“Her co-workers tell me that they still have a picture of her at every work station,” Henrickson said. “She was an amazing woman.”

Hendrickson described Brown as compassionate, saying that she would often tutor part-time co-workers during their work breaks, helping them toward proficiency in reading and English-speaking to become full-time employees.

“If someone she knew needed something, she would be there,” Hendrickson said.

Wanting to honor Brown’s memory, Hendrickson joined a cancer fundraising walk around Mother’s Day in 2011. However, Hendrickson said she felt that she personally could do more.

Five months later, the inaugural Debra A. Brown Walk took place on Sept. 17 – it was held on Brown’s birthday.

According to Hendrickson, approximately 75 people participated, who were able to raise nearly $3,000.

Proceeds from the walk this year (slated for Sept. 15) will again go to Demand Cures Today, an organization dedicated to helping fund cancer research. Hendrickson, said she chose this nonprofit organization because of its commitment to providing $0.99 of every dollar received goes to fund cancer research.

“What we wanted was for the money to go to research for the cure,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson added that she hopes that the Debra A. Brown walk is successful, each and every year it is held.

“I feel if I can just help one person go through what Deb went through, with this little bit of money maybe we can help them get through it and come out better on the other end,” Hendrickson said. “I think she would be pleased with it.”

---

Want to Participate in the Second-Annual Debra Brown Walk?

When – Sept. 15

Where – Walk starts at the Streamlight Inc., located at 30 Eagleville Road in Eagleville and will proceed into Eagleville Park.

Registration start – 9 a.m.

Walk Start – 10 a.m.

Registration cost is $15. Checks can be made payable to Demand Cures Today and mailed to 1411 Pawlings Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460.

For more information, contact Charlottee Hendrickson at 610-666-6115 and visit http://www.demandcurestoday.org/