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~ Telling Pancreatic Cancer to Take a Hike!!! ~
a website dedicated to Darwin Hartnett and Carolyn Von Ehwegen
Darwin Hartnett by Jody Moats
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On July 13, 2005 my father, Darwin Hartnett, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. My father was a generous, outgoing and loving man. He was very proud of his family, friends, Irish heritage, faith, community and country. He treasured spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, and sprint car racing. When he passed away, my heart shattered. Over the past year it has started to mend and like most people who have lost a loved one, I wondered what could I do. |
| What could I do so another family did not have to go through the pain that our family went through? What could I do to make a difference in some one else’s life? What could I do to raise money so researchers can find a better treatment, a cure or even a vaccine to fight this deadly cancer. | |
After many months of wondering, I decided to do something that I do best. I walked. I walk all of the time for work, why not walk for a great cause. I did not walk for a day or for a short distance. I walked across the great state of Iowa. It was a great way to see the state, meet new people and raise awareness for the need of pancreatic cancer research. Along with my friend Todd VonEhwegen, who lost his mom Carolyn to pancreatic cancer, my family and friends, I walked for my dad, Todd’s mom, and all of those who have died from, are living with and who have survived pancreatic cancer. I walked for hope.
After 17 days, through 12 counties, over 300 miles, two blisters, one shin-splint and $8000 raised later, we made it across the state. Our legs are stretched and feet are ready to go this year. We welcome you to join us along the way!~ Jody Moats ~
Darwin with his wife Judy and three grandchildren
When and Where we are walking.
Hike Iowa for Hope will start in Sioux City, IA and will end in Dubuque, IA. The dates for the walk will be September 1 through September 17, 2007. The walk will take place on US 20. This is the list of towns and the dates of the walk:
(Tentative Schedule) |
 click small map for larger map |
Who will the money go to?
We raised $8000 last year. We hope to raise that amount and much more in 2007.
The money raised this year will be donated to two organizations that focus on the need to educate, research, understand and help reduce the incidence of pancreatic cancer.
50% of the money will go to PanCAN.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. (PanCAN) is the first national patient advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. PanCAN works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. To learn more about PanCAN, please visit their website at www.pancan.org.
50% of the money will go to the June E Nylen Cancer Center in Sioux City, IA
The June E. Nylen Cancer Center is the Center of Hope and Healing. They are committed to maintaining a nurturing atmosphere of caring and compassion that preserves the dignity and quality of life for their patients and their families. They also offer high quality outpatient care, state of the art technology and a staff of many caring professionals. To learn more about the June E. Nylen Cancer Center, please visit their website at www.nylencancercenter.com.
If you would like to make a donation to Hike Iowa for Hope, please send the donation to:
First National Bank
C/0 Hike Iowa for Hope
251 Reed Street
Akron, IA 51001
Checks should be made out to Hike Iowa for Hope.
Darwin with daughters Jody Moats and Jill Anonson in Ireland
Read a poem dedicated to Carolyn by her son Todd
Read Carolyn's eulogy written by her son Todd
Journal
