Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and throughout the world. Every hour of every day someone dies from Melanoma. Promoting awareness can save lives as Melanoma is curable if detected early with over a 90% survival rate. Meg’s family and friends will continue to fight in Meg’s honor with the hope of broadening Melanoma awareness and finding a cure.
Margaret Donovan Moonan
March4Meg's namesake was Evergreen Park resident, Meg (Donovan) Moonan.
Meg grew up on the southside of Chicago with her four siblings and attended St. Thomas More School and Maria High school. In 1994 she married the love of her life, Ken Moonan and together they were happily raising their four children (Luke 14, Ellen 11, Will 9, and Marty 4) in the wonderful community of Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park. In August 2010, Meg’s life, and the lives of all who loved her, would change forever when she was diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
During her 19-month battle, Meg endured 2 surgeries, numerous experimental chemotherapy treatments and 16 hospital stays. Meg fiercely battled this horrific disease with a quiet resolve that was an inspiration to us all, diligently researching the latest trials and treatments available. Meg’s focus was always on her family and the never-ceasing prayer that she would live to see a cure. Tragically, on March 30, 2012, Meg lost her battle.
The creation of March4Meg in 2012 is a tribute to Meg (Donovan) Moonan whose kindness and strength touched many people.
The mission of March4Meg is to fight melanoma by increasing awareness, offering educational programs and raising funds for the melanoma program at Advocate Christ Medical Center through the Meg Moonan Endowment. In addition, financial resources will be utilized for other melanoma related causes, including but not limited to sun safety education and other melanoma prevention programs, as well as financial support to melanoma patients and their families.
On the last Saturday of March each year, the March4Meg 5k is held in Evergreen Park, IL to raise funds to Step Up to Stop Melanoma
March4Meg is a 501(c)3 Charity
March4Meg Not For Profit
Nancy Donovan
Maureen Kovac
Maureen is a special education teacher who earned a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities from Chicago State University in 1996.
As a board member and as secretary for March4Meg, Maureen oversees correspondence with sponsors and donors during fundraising activities and records minutes at the various meetings held year round.
Mary Pat McGeehan
Patrice Stephens
Patrice is an Advanced Practice Nurse for the Cancer Institute at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
As a new board member for March4Meg, Patrice will assist in increasing awareness of Melanoma in the community and serve as a liaison between March4Meg and the Medical Center.
Jim Barry
Paul Ruane
Paul is a Director at a large Chicago based commercial insurer.
He has been in the insurance industry for 20+ years leading both domestic and international claim groups.
In May of 2015, Paul accepted the Board of Directors position with March4Meg.
Terri Bahwell
Matt Barry
Terri is a senior project manager for EMC.
Terri has been involved with March4Meg from the beginning. In 2013, Terri was the secretary for March4Meg. In September of 2014, Terri accepted the role of Vice President.
In addition to her role as Vice President, Terri is also the director of operations for the March4Meg 5K run/walk.
Matt is a graduate of St. Ambrose University where he played baseball for the Fighting Bees. He sells Data Management Software in Itasca, Illinois.
As a board member for March4Meg, Matt manages March4Meg.com and assists with Race day operations.
Lauren Griffin
Lauren is pursuing a master's degree in higher education and advises prospective graduate students at Loyola University Chicago.
Lauren has participated in the March4Meg 5K run/walk since 2013. As a new March4Meg board member, Lauren will assist with social media content and engagement.
March4Meg's Board of Directors and Officers
Nancy is a retired faculty member in nursing from St. Xavier University.
As a board member, she has a strong role in increasing awareness of melanoma through various educational programs in the community. Nancy also oversees fundraising to support melanoma research at the Cancer Institute at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
Mary Pat is a Special Education Teacher at Chicago High School For Agricultural Sciences.
As board member for March4Meg, Mary Pat is the sponsorship director and oversees advertisements and donations with our sponsors.
Jim has been a Treasury Bond Options Trader at the CBOT for the last 27 years. Prior to that he was an Accountant for 9 years.
Jim first joined the March4Meg as a board member and was responsible for developing the yearly budget.
In September, Jim accepted the position of President. As President, he has general supervision of the affairs of the corporation.
