Community fulfills woman’s final legacy, raises $60,000

Mary Anne Kobylka had one final wish before she recently passed away of ovarian cancer - to raise $50,000 for cancer research.

By Carrie Rodriguez • July 21, 2009 12:13 am
The Kirkland High Woodlands Dolphin Swim Team recently held a swim-a-thon in honor of Kirkland resident Mary Anne Kobylka and raised more than $6
The Kirkland High Woodlands Dolphin Swim Team recently held a swim-a-thon in honor of Kirkland resident Mary Anne Kobylka and raised more than $6

Mary Anne Kobylka had one final wish before she recently passed away of ovarian cancer – to raise $50,000 for cancer research.

Thanks to generous support from the community, Kobylka’s final legacy has not only been fulfilled – but surpassed. Her team for the Swedish SummeRun run/walk event, Team Mary Anne, has raised more than $60,000.

“Mary Anne would have been absolutely overjoyed and so honored,” said Lisa Kreissler, who took over the team for Kobylka.

In addition to volunteers like Kirkland resident Liv Grohn who rallied the community to raise money after reading the recent story in the Reporter, Kobylka’s own sons David, 11 and Alex, 9, stepped up to raise funds. Their swim team, the Kirkland High Woodlands Dolphins, raised more than $6,000 through a swim-a-thon they held.

“This group of kids dedicated a Thursday afternoon of their summer to swim their hearts out for Team Mary Anne and to raise money for a great cause. It’s just wonderful,” Kreissler said.

To support Team Mary Anne, visit http://community.swedish.org/Page.aspx?pid=202&frsid=2675.