Margaret “Meg” Donovan Moonan was a mother of four from Evergreen Park, IL. She was diagnosed with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, in 2010.
“She had a mole on her thigh that was removed but not biopsied,” explained her mom, Nancy. “It grew back and was removed again. Several months later, she developed discomfort in her thigh. She was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma because the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.”
Meg had surgery and went through chemotherapy and immunotherapy at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. She fought the disease for 19 months before passing away in 2012.
“It was a very difficult journey with a lot of time spent in the hospital; losing Meg was devastating for all of us. Her life was full of love and grace – she was deeply devoted to her family and community,” said Nancy. “After she passed, we wanted to do something important to honor her memory while helping others fight this disease.”
Meg’s family organized a fundraising walk, March4Meg, on the first anniversary of her passing on March 30, 2013.
“In addition to the walk and fundraiser, we also offer free skin cancer checks with dermatologists,” said Mary Pat, one of Meg’s sisters. “Some people have found suspicious moles and been diagnosed with skin cancer because of our event. It really helps raise awareness.”
Funds raised at March4Meg are donated, in part, to melanoma education and research at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
“We chose Advocate Christ because it’s our community hospital, and Meg also received care there,” explained Mary Pat. “Over the last 12 years, we’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars to help families fighting melanoma.”
Education is an important part of March4Meg’s mission.
“People don’t necessarily think skin cancer can be serious,” said Nancy. “We want to get the message across, especially to young people who don’t use sunblock or who visit tanning beds. Melanoma is very dangerous, but if caught early, it’s highly curable.”
How you can help
You can support cancer care at Advocate Christ Medical Center by making a gift today.