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Help me honor my aunt Linda!

Dear Friends,

My aunt, Linda Corwin, was a vivacious, talented, loving, beautiful 55 yr old. She loved everything about her life, being a grandma, her friends and family, her job as a vocal instructor. She was seemingly healthy aside from an ache on her side when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer in November 08. She succumbed to the disease just four months later. She didn't want to die and fought so hard to live but Pancreatic Cancer brutally stole her life from her. Its a vicious cancer. Only 4% of those diagnosed live a year after the diagnosis (most die within 6 months). Only 1% last longer than 5 years. Those odds are unacceptable and we must demand better treatments and screening. That's where you come in:

I will be running in the 11th Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5K/10K on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the VA in West LA. I will not just be running for myself but for the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Research (Federal Tax ID #954640311).

Running my first 5K/10K is not my only goal. I intend to raise at least $500 to help support the doctors and scientists at the Hirshberg Pancreatic Cancer Center in their mission to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. Currently, pancreatic cancer is the fourth-ranked cause of cancer related death in the US amongst both men and women. Despite this, the federal government invests less money in pancreatic cancer than in any other leading cancer.

Running in this race and raising $500 is very important to me. I hope you will consider making a donation to sponsor me as I help support the Hirshberg Foundation's research efforts. The way I see it, if 10 friends donate $50 my fundraising is complete. Also, 20 donating $25 will also help me reach my goal. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be mailed to you.

Thank you for your support!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support The Hirshberg Foundation For Pancreatic Cancer Research.


Sincerely,

Lauren Perkins

Happy Easter!!!

She will be greatly missed!

Covina performer takes final bow

COVINA - Linda Corwin, a musical performer known for her infectious smile, selflessness and singing talent, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday. She was 55.

The West Covina native and longtime Covina-area artist spent most of her life performing, teaching and singing on stages in the San Gabriel Valley and around Southern California.

"We called her our little songbird," said Retha Champion, owner of the Covina Center for the Performing Arts. "She was always singing, even when things were bad."

Friends said that Corwin, a Chino Hills resident, considered the Covina Playhouse, which later became the Center for the Performing Arts, her second home.

At the playhouse and performing arts center, she appeared on stage numerous times, including her most recent performance as Mazeppa in "Gypsy."

Corwin, who was described as friends as having an outgoing and magnetic personality, passed on her passion and enthusiasm for theater to those who came to watch her on stage, as well as to those eager to learn.

It was at the center that she also had the Linda Corwin Vocal Studio, which she opened nearly 15 years ago and has since helped mentor hundreds of students, some of who have performed on Broadway.

She also helped cultivate talents that many students never realized they had before stepping foot into her studio.

Among them was the son of Covina Mayor Walt Allen.

"She convinced my son to participate in a number of musicals," Allen said. "I was shocked. Before Linda, my son had no rhythm, no voice. But she took my son and provided him with skills that he would have never had."

Corwin was also quick to volunteer her talents for local fundraisers and community events, such as the Covina Concert Band and the Covina Christmas Parade.

"She was the type of person that just wanted to give and give and give," Champion said.

Please say a prayer for my Aunt Linda!

For those of you who don't know, she is battling pancreatic cancer and we would appreciate your prayers and healing thoughts!