It was three days before Christmas 2006, while in the midst of busy holiday preparations for her family, that Joyce Stankiewicz decided she could no longer cope with an unrelenting headache and went to see her doctor.
Over the next two days she would hear the devastating news that she had a malignant brain tumor for which there was no cure.
On Christmas Eve, while other families were wrapping gifts and stuffing stockings, Joyce underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor. Over the next 26 months, this Old Orchard resident and Cooper School mom with kids in kindergarten, first, and second grades would participate in clinical trials hoping for more time to raise her family. Sadly, she passed away, but not before she found the grace and strength to walk in the Race for Hope Philadelphia in November 2008. She wished that no one else should face this tragic diagnosis without hope.
On Sunday, Nov. 3, the National Brain Tumor Society is sponsoring the annual Race for Hope — Philadelphia which begins at the Philadelphia Art Museum. All runners and walkers of every age are welcome to participate. NBTS exists to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by brain tumors.
This year, Phillies legend Darren Daulton will be coming to the Race for Hope in support of brain tumor research.
