WALK FOR DIANE Saturday July 15th 2006

Diane Mokoro was born on August 30th 1988 at the Lowell General Hospital. She was a healthy and chubby baby. She was raised by a single parent and has always been a happy child and attended Lowell High School.
Diane was an active member of various student clubs and organizations. She served as treasurer of the student council, and was co-founder and vice president of the Lyceum Tutoring and Mentoring Program, chairperson of Students against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and French Chapter representative of International Language Club. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Environmental Club, the Headmaster’s Advisory Panel, the Latin Lyceum Site Council and the Science Club. During her years at Lowell High, she was involved in many volunteer activities. She was secretary for Talty & Talty Law firm and Research Assistant for UMASS Lowell. Diane is always smiling, cracking jokes, always willing to help others.

All was well and fine until August 2005 when Diane was getting ready to hit her final year in high school and just a few days to her 17th birthday sickness struck. Diane had drastically lost weight over a couple of months and some of us thought nothing of it. On this day, she complained about having severe difficulties breathing and feeling tired. She was taken to consult with her pediatrician where chest x-ray was ordered. Preliminary diagnosis showed a mass in her chest and she was rushed to Children’s Hospital Boston. On August 30th 2005, her 17th birthday, she was diagnosed with ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LYMPHOMA, a kind of CANCER. The news was shocking and devastating. Treatment was started immediately. She is administered chemo treatment on a three weekly cycle at the DANA FARBER JIMMY FUND CLINIC in Boston.

It is good news to know that Diane has successfully undergone part of the treatment for the past nine months. She continues to be outgoing, friendly and has a great spirit. We are grateful the insurance has been able to help, but as you would know, there is a big chunk of other expenses that the family has to bear and we are asking for help.
This is why Cameroonians of Lowell Association (CAMOLA) is helping CAYOL to sponsor “A Walk for Diane” planned for Saturday July 15th 2006. This day marks the 2nd anniversary for the youth day celebration of Cameroonian American Youths of Lowell (CAYOL), in which Diane has been a very active member.

This effort is being coordinated by CAMOLA with a fundraiser component through Avon to supplement Diane’s out-of-pocket expenses. Please look through the Avon flyer and buy something for you, a friend, a co-worker and the list continues. Avon will give 50% of the proceeds from sale to this cause. We have until July 3rd to place an order.
For those of you who cannot order anything from the flyer, we have made it easier for you by creating an account for Diane specifically for this purpose. Please all checks should be made payable to Diane Mokoro and mailed to:

Diane Mokoro’s Fund
C/o Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union
668 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA.01854
Account # 20551735

Please find it in your heart to help ONE OF OUR OWN. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Sincerely,
Cameroonians of Lowell Association Inc.