Thanks to Ocracoke Students

 Our daughter was born in May of 1993.  In April of 2010, exactly one month prior to her 17th birthday she was diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkins Lymphoma.  After months at Duke Hospital, surgeries, chemotherapy, complications from chemotherapy that required being an inpatient, several trips to the emergency room, and numerous scans, labs, etc. she was in remission by mid August of 2010.  

What she went through as a patient and what parents go through as parents is something I would not wish on anyone.  Therefore if you could express my thanks to the students at the Ocracoke School for taking the  time to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. [Ed. note: “Pennies for Patients” article under Ocracoke School tab.]

My wife, daughter, and I have walked the last two years in the Light the Night Walk for LLS in Raleigh in October, where these photos were taken.  We have raised about $5000.00 between us the last two years.  

Over the years we have become friends with many of you who are residents there.  The support we received from our Ocracoke friends during and after her treatments was tremendous.  Just to name a few are Jason and Jennifer Daniels, Rufus and Dee Keel, and the great folks at Ocracoke Island Realty, namely Martha Garrish and Donna Drilling, who assisted the Make a Wish Foundation in granting my daughter’s wish in staying at a house we could never have otherwise afforded. Martha and Donna held a yard sale and gave the proceeds to my daughter for spending money while on the island that week.  

I would like to thank Ocracoke Rentals for the bicycle and Fess over at Blue Heron Realty for the golf cart.  Also would like to mention Michael Schramel at the Flying Melon who has shown so much kindness to Jennifer,  and also my amateur radio friend, Dale Mutro. My daughter has become friends with several of the young folks there on the island and they have been great to her.  

Again thank you to the students and to you for putting the word out on your website.

David, Adeania, and Jennifer Cowart

Fayetteville, NC