After losing her friend Mary Anne Kobylka to ovarian cancer, Stacey Dickinson continues raising funds for research as captain of Team Mary Anne at SummeRun and through her business, Play the Day®.
Hope is at the heart of Stacey Dickinson’s tireless efforts to raise funds for ovarian cancer research, which began more than two decades ago.
This OCRA Hero first became involved in fundraising when a dear friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. That friend was Mary Anne Kobylka, whom Stacey met in 1990 through her job at Microsoft University (MSU). Mary Anne interviewed for a role on Stacey’s team, and the two quickly formed a close bond. “She had such a magnetic and joyful personality; it was easy to become friends,” Stacey noted.
From Friendship to Ovarian Cancer Research Fundraising
Years later, the two would find themselves on a team of a different sort: one dedicated to fundraising for ovarian cancer research. When Mary Anne was diagnosed in 2004, she decided to participate in a triathlon to raise money for research into the disease. “I decided to do the triathlon with her,” Stacey recalled. “After all, she was going through chemo; I was healthy. It didn’t seem right to respond, ‘I’ll donate.’”
In 2006, two years after Stacey first joined her friend for the triathlon, Mary Anne took on a new fundraising challenge. Stacey was right there beside her, participating as a member of Team Mary Anne in Seattle’s SummeRun 5K. This walk/run event was started by Dr. Saul Rivkin, founder of the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research, and his five daughters in honor of Marsha Rivkin, his late wife and the girls’ mother.
One of Stacey’s favorite memories from those years of fundraising with her beloved friend is Mary Anne being named SummeRun’s Survivor of the Year in 2008. More than $47,000 in donations were attributed to Team Mary Anne that year, the most they had ever raised as SummeRun participants up until that point. “There was such an outpouring of love and support for her,” Stacey said.
Mary Anne Kobylka’s Lasting Legacy of Hope
Even as she navigated her diagnosis, Mary Anne continued to give back and maintain her characteristic positivity, which left an indelible mark on those around her, including Stacey. “Her impact on me was her incredible attitude through adversity,” Stacey shared. “She focused on hope. Raising money for ovarian cancer research gave her that hope.”
After Mary Anne passed away in 2009, Stacey was determined to carry on her friend’s legacy, not only participating in SummeRun but eventually stepping up as captain of Team Mary Anne. “I feel honored to have taken over the role as team captain … to continue Mary Anne’s legacy of raising money for research and giving patients and survivors hope.”
Stacey is once again captain of Team Mary Anne for this year’s SummeRun, which will be held on Sunday, July 12, at Seattle’s Seward Park. The Rivkin Center is now part of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, and OCRA is proud to continue this iconic event, which has become one of the largest fundraising events in support of ovarian cancer research in the country.
Support Stacey’s fundraiser and learn more about SummeRun.
Stacey’s advice to others who want to raise funds for our shared cause is to be persistent. “Be the squeaky wheel when asking for donations,” she said, explaining that people become busy, so it often takes more than one ask. She also uses her fundraising emails as an educational tool, sharing information about ovarian cancer to raise awareness.
How Play the Day® Supports Ovarian Cancer Research
In addition to reaching out to her circle for donations, Stacey raises funds through her business Play the Day®. She donates 10% of all net sales to OCRA to help fund ovarian cancer research.
The name behind the brand is inspired by a motto Stacey’s late mother, Sydney Dickinson, coined during a time of adversity and also embraced in spontaneous moments of joy. Stacey hopes the motto can inspire cancer patients, survivors and caregivers to persevere through challenges, pause to appreciate meaningful moments, and welcome unexpected opportunities.
That spirit is reflected in her company’s eco-friendly items, which are categorized as either Celebration or Encouragement products. The Celebration collection includes coffee mugs, recycled paper cocktail napkins, and glasses designed for toasting milestones. The Encouragement collection features an inspirational quote book, journals, art pads, calendars, and notecards showcasing Stacey’s nature photography.
Purchase products and learn more about Play the Day®.
Proceeds from Play the Day® are donated in memory of Stacey’s maternal grandmother, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1966, and also in tribute to Mary Anne. “This is in honor of Mary Anne’s hope through innovative research, her legacy of fundraising, and the incredible care she received from Dr. Rivkin when she was his patient,” Stacey noted.
As Stacey continues to raise funds for research and rally around our community, she holds her friend’s legacy close to her heart. “With advances in research, medicine and treatment, there is hope.”
