Our sister Jeanne survived Ovarian cancer at 40. Five years later she was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus and again survived. May 2002, six years later she was diagnosed with Melanoma located in the vaginal area, discovered during a routine GYN exam.

June 2002 Jeanne underwent surgery for 17 hours. She developed a staph infection a week following surgery, in addition developed a C-Diff infection. Jeanne who was admitted in June remained hospitalized and would now be spending Christmas in hospital.

January 15, 2003, eight months after her initial diagnosis, the Melanoma had spread to her Lungs, she was terminal. She was transferred to Hospice and passed away two months later, March 20, 2003. In spite of all her pain and suffering, we will always remember her contagious laugh, her heart of gold and her beautiful smile.

We love you Jeanne,

Your sisters Nancy Dowdell & Helen Pietro

In Loving Memory Of Laura Jean Dunn

01 / 26 / 63 - 05 / 03 / 02

Laura J. Dunn (maiden name, Southoff) of Hampton Bays, Long Island died in her home on Friday, May 3, 2002 after a battle with Melanoma Skin Cancer. She was 39. Prior to the reoccurrence of her illness, Mrs. Dunn was a medical biller for Dr. Mark Creighton of Hampton Bays. She was also the treasurer of the Hampton Bays PTA.

She is survived by her husband John D. Dunn Jr. and their son, Stephen.

Laura was a beautiful woman and a wonderful mother. We all miss her.

In Loving Memory of
John Barry Fitzgerald Jr.

11/30/1964- 10/12/2004

John knew what was important in his life. He wasn’t impressed by money or status. John left the world of finance to pursue a “road less traveled.” For the last four years of his life John counseled the youth of Covenant House in Manhattan. He took great pride in his work but never focused on the good he was doing but instead the good in those he served.

John was a “stubborn irishman” which should be taken in only the best sense of the phrase. At the time of his diagnosis with stage four melanoma he was given six months to live. John died six months and one day later. Those six months were months of at times discouraging treatment but also a time of strengthening family bonds and living! John never gave up his battle until his final days. He spoke of life and plans, surfing and travel. He renewed bonds with old friends and attended his final Giants football game.

John returned to his family home when he became ill. He spent hours each day with his niece and nephews treasuring the newness of each day through their eyes. He loved and he laughed and let no one know his pain. John was very brave.

We all miss John so very much especially his father, sister, brother and stepmother. John is at peace that can never be found in this life. He has returned to the arms of his mother.

Melanoma has robbed so many families. John never liked to be the center of attention but let John’s life and death help us to understand our mission to end this deadly disease. We must educate, use caution and do whatever we can to work toward a cure.