Dear Friends of Mary's Place by the Sea, 

COMMUNITY- Reflecting back to the year 2013, tears are streaming... we had reopened Mary's Place by the Sea at 15 Broadway after Super Storm Sandy, we celebrated our 2nd Annual Walk-a-thon and raised $100,000, and we sat helplessly on the side as two very special women lost their battle with cancer; my sister in-law, Betty Romano Gannon and former guest Thelma Sessions. Betty's legacy lives on in our home today as room #8 is sponsored by our family. When I pass by her room, or show it to someone on a tour, I always say a prayer to her and ask her to continue to bless our home. I believe she hears those prayers.

Thelma left her indelible mark on our mission as someone with grace and dignity. She spoke with a slow, deliberate southern draw that was poetic and instantly made you slow down and smile as you knew she was about to say something wise.

We believe 2013 was a year when we realized that we were creating a community and there was no turning back. A community that needed us as much as we needed them. We were gifted moments that helped shape our mission to what it is today...Thank you to ALL of you who have helped us grow both as an organization and as individuals. We are forever grateful!

Much LOVE and GRATITUDE,

Michele and Maria

Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and support that you demonstrated to our organization at this year’s Walk and Run! Over 1,000 of you joined us on the Pathway in Ocean Grove for our 8th Annual Walk-A-Thon and 1st Annual 5K Run. We were overwhelmed to tears by the outpouring of support from our local tribe. Together, we raised $140,000 for our guests, women with cancer. 

Because of fundraising events like this one, our guests never have to worry about their financial situation when they come to visit Mary’s Place. They are welcomed with open arms and receive holistic services to complement their medical treatment at no cost to them. Thank YOU for knowing how important this is for a woman who has been living in quiet desperation with her cancer.

Thank you for being a part of our tribe and showing us your love and support again and again. We  would not be celebrating this milestone year without you!

Love,
The Walk-A-Thon Committee and The Team at Mary's Place