Joy Heavin and Jane Black, along with their families are proof that love transcends all Caring Fund is an accomplishment I’m most proud of.”
A Family Idea
In November 2011, Jane’s family decided to throw a party to celebrate and honor three events: the end of Jane’s treatments and her remission; Jane’s birthday; and to remember Joy’s life and the contributions she made to ensure others with cancer would always have the help they needed. Jane’s family, including her husband, Bob, son Brandon and his girlfriend Hillary and daughter Brooke and her husband Dwayne, along with grandchildren Nathaniel, Kyler, and Cooper wanted the party to be a surprise for Jane, but they also wanted to do something more. “We wanted to raise money for cancer, and at the same time honor my mother and Aunt Joy,” says Brooke. “The natural choice was to raise money to donate to the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund in mom’s name.” And so, invitations were sent out to attend a surprise party to honor Jane and Joy on November 19, 2011 at the Greentree Christian Church in Rolla. The theme for the celebration was “Sisters Fighting for a Cure.” Before the party, Jane’s family sold 55 shirts and had more orders after the party was over. “The event became bigger than we even imagined,” says Brooke. “Our original goal was to raise $100, but we far exceeded that number.”
A Family Celebration
The day of the party, Jane’s son, Brandon gave a speech to the attendees, and on behalf of the family, Brooke and Hillary, presented Jane with a check for a donation to the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund. Jane also received a pink breast cancer Rawlings bat with her name inscribed on it. Another gift for Jane was a sweatshirt with the “Sisters Fighting for a Cure” theme on it; also printed on the sweatshirt was the word that meant so much to Jane and her family: “Survivor.” The celebration was a huge success, and people as far away as New Mexico, Indiana, Illinois and Oklahoma came to honor two sisters who had shared so much. By the time the celebration/ fundraiser was over, Jane and Joy’s families had raised $650 to put towards the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund. Joy Heavin and Jane Black, along with their families are proof that love transcends all. Their lives are a testimony that cancer cannot take away the most important things, and that average, everyday people can leave a legacy—one that is committed to helping others in need.
How You Can Give
Top: A happy photo from childhood of Joy and Jane. Bottom: Front row, left to right: Jane Black, Brooke Bell and Cooper Bell. Back row, left to right: Hillary Bleckman, Brandon Black, Nathaniel Black, Bob Black, Dwayne Bell and Kyler Bell
If you would like to learn how you can give to the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund, please contact Donia Camarena at 573-458-7604 for more details.
The families of Joy Heavin and Jane Black would like to thank everyone who attended the “Sisters Fighting for a Cure” event, donated to the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund and made the party such a successful and memorable occasion. If you would like to purchase a “Sisters Fighting for a Cure” shirt, please contact Donia Camarena at 573-458-7604. The shirts are $15 and all proceeds go to the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund in Jane Black’s name.
Foundation In Focus │ Spring 2012
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