Debra A. Brown 5K Walk Celebrates Memory of Lower Providence Woman

Local residents joined organizer Char Hendrickson, of Lower Providence, Saturday. Hendrickson wanted to remember her partner of 35 years with , who passed away on Jan. 20, 2011, exactly one year to the date that she'd found out she had uterine cancer.

Last year, Debra Brown was memorialized by walkers on Mother's Day. Her friends and family remembered her by participating in the Susan G. Koman walk for a cure. This year, the team moved it to the month of her birthday and created their own 5K. The weather cooperated nicely for the fundraising walk.

Brown was a 35-year reisdent of Lower Providence Township. She worked at Streamlight for 21 years. 

"We wanted to do something for Deb," Hendrickson said.

Brown's sister, Vicki Brogley agreed.

"She doesn't want her to be forgotten," said Brogley. "[Hendrickson] has done a wonderful job putting this together."

Brown suffered with cancer for exactly one year. She was diagonsed with uterine cancer, which then spread to her ovaries, brain and lungs. Brogley said she used to celebrate her birthday throughout September.

"She had a birthday for a whole month," said her sister. "When you are older, you get to have more than one day."

To honor her celebration period, the walk was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15. Walkers gathered at Brown's former place of employment, Streamlight, at 30 Eagleville Road, and walked to Eagleville Park.

There, they were greeted by members of the Salvation Army, who helped to set up a picnic of hot dogs and chips.

For a $15 entrance fee, walkers could assist Hendrickson by donating directly to Demand Cures Today. Demand Cures uses 99 cents of every dollar to go directly to cancer research.

"No one else does that," said Hendrickson. 

Family, friends and former co-workers all gave to the 5K and walked in Brown's honor. For more information on making a donation in Debra A. Brown's name to Demand Cures Today, click on this link.