by Pat Hayes
The 17th annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament was held on Saturday, September 10, at the Sandbar in Hoosick Falls.[private] This event once again raised over $10,000 for the Karen & Molly McGovern Fund which helps support local and area individuals and/or families as they battle cancer or other long term or catastrophic illnesses or events in their lives.
Karen graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1986 and attended Champlain Junior College in Burlington, VT. She held a variety of jobs over the next few years and then she returned to school. She attending Hudson Valley Community College in 1994 and graduated from SUNY Albany in 1998. Karen was in her second year of Law school at Union University, Albany when she was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that took her life in May 2000. Albany Law School honored her with the Isabell Redman Award in recognition of the courage, perseverance and graciousness she displayed during her illness.
Her many friends knew her as opinionated and a person who enjoyed a good debate. They loved her for her wit and her sarcasm, but especially for her love of life. They often mention the strength, spirit and determination she demonstrated throughout her illness. She expected much of herself and expected those she knew to give equally as much of themselves, to their families and to their communities.
In 2013 Karen’s sister Molly passed away at age 40 and many donations were added to the fund. The loss prompted the changing of the name to the Karen and Molly McGovern Fund.
Each year at the Volleyball Tournament the Fund honors a person who has waged a battle like Karen’s. The honoree this year was Bea Peterson. Bea was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer and has undergone her treatments with grace, dignity, and an exceptional spirit, all the qualities Karen used in her courageous battle with cancer.
In Bea’s acceptance speech she reminded us of how generous and caring the Hoosick Falls and Town of Hoosick community is and how grateful she is to be a part of this community. These Hoosick Falls attributes, she said, far surpass any bad press or negativity surrounding our water issues. She reminded everyone present to please remember who we are and what this community means to all of us.
The fund also recognized Nickleback Redemption Center, owned and operated by Bruce and Penny Rawlings for all they do for the community at large, helping The Karen and Molly McGovern Fund, Cans for Cancer, and all of the worthwhile and charitable endeavors this Village and Town provides.
It was a fun-filled wonderful day for the tournament with 11 teams participating. The victor in the A Division was the IHOP Team. Winners of the B Division were the Happy Campers, all relatives of the late Isabel McGuire who was honored in the past and who was also a good friend of Karen and the Karen and Molly McGovern Fund.
Many thanks to all the committee members, especially Karen and Molly’s parents, Bill and Barb McGovern for all of their support over the years. Thank you to our gracious hosts at the Sandbar, Mike and Trish Bloomer and their staff, Brown’s Brewing, and the many businesses and individuals who provided prizes for our ever popular “Chinese Auction” and a big Thank You to all in our community and beyond who support us on an ongoing basis.
If you have any questions or would like to provide a name of someone you think the fund could help please e-mail Pat Hayes at patriciakhayes@yahoo.com All names are kept confidential.[/private]