Though members from Cook for the Cure have been meeting for only a month, the group has raised more than $1,100. The money collected will be donated to help with Kurtz’s mounting medical expenses.
Diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma 10 years ago at the age of 20, Kurtz was told by her doctors that 80 percent of mesothelioma patients pass away soon after diagnosis. Kurtz preferred to look at this information in a more positive light and focused on becoming part of the 20 percent who survived longer.
Core members of Cook for the Cure include Gay Wickham, Cheri Travis and Kelly Young, three Texas women who get together to prepare food such as chicken tetrazzini, tortilla soup, Thai shrimp curry and gazpacho. In exchange for a casserole or entrée, the group asks for a donation to help with Kurtz’s medical bills.
The women have also joined with others in Kurtz’s hometown of Cuero, Texas. The women helped sponsor a 33-mile bike ride and barbeque on May 16, 2009. A $30 entry fee for bike riders was collected to contribute to Kurtz’s mesothelioma treatments.
Kurtz is a decorator and is actively involved in community charities. She recently managed Project Cinderella, a prom held for underprivileged children. The event provided attendees with a prom dress or tuxedo, make up for girls and dinner for two.
“Her zeal for life is infectious,” said Wickham of Kurtz. The organization hopes to help alleviate the burden of mounting medical expenses incurred after extended hospital visits due to Kurtz’s mesothelioma.
mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease annually in the United States.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.
source: www.asbestos.com
