Mercedes Mora-Nowinski
Posted by Love Hope Strength on Apr 9, 2008
I initially heard about Love, Hope, and Strength through Mike Peters’ Alarm web site. I thought , what an incredible cause and accomplishment for Mike. Realizing how much Cancer affected everyone, I then decided to apply for Peru Rocks trek. Being accepted on the trek has been an unbelievable realization. Can’t wait to pack my bags!!!! Cancer touched me on a personal level back in 1987 when I lost an incredible friend and mentor to Cancer. Ellen “Mother” Harris was 38 when she passed away. She was a cornerstone in my childhood/teenage years. I grew up attending the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago where “Mother” was a counselor not only to me but to thousand of other kids. Her loss had a deep impact on the community as a whole. Ten years would go by when my friend Karen’s mother would lose her battle with breast cancer. Since then I have been working at getting the word out on the importance of self exams and early screening . Mother’s Day has taken on an even deeper meaning now that it is the day we gather to commemorate “Grandma Babs” as we walk in our local 5k.
Recently my oldest sister has been through two brains surgeries to remove benign masses that where found during a routine MRI exam to screen her sinuses. Fortunately she was spared from having to get radiation or extensive chemo-therepy and has been healthy to date. It seems that the list of people affected by Cancer is extensive and if we can do some good in reducing the tole it has taken on us as a human race we have already succeeded.
Born ,raised, and currently live in Chicago. I am a 21 year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department where I worked as a Paramedic for nearly 18 years and am currently assigned to the Photo/Video unit. I received a Bachelors in Arts from Columbia College in Chicago where I studied Photography. I have been fortunate to hone my photo skills not only at work but through the extensive traveling that my husband Daryl and I have done. Traveling to Peru will be the first time I venture South of the Equator. I am an avid downhill skier & volunteer on the Ski Patrol @ our local hill Wilmot. Being physically active has always been a part of my life. I ran the Chicago Marathon for my Birthday one year, participated in a couple 150 mile bike rides for MS foundation, did ‘Hustle up the Hancock’ where we climbed 95 stories to the top and have been on numerous 125 mile long Pilgramages in Mexico where my family originates. I come from a large family of seven and even as adults we have a strong bond with each other. We have our parents, Raul & Mercedes to thank
for the incredible values that they have instilled in us. I love them all and know that I have their support during this personal challenge. Like I said before, I can’t wait to pack my bags on this incredible journey. Let’s Rock!!
