In Memory

Dana Stephanie Underwood (Daczkowski) - Class Of 1984

DECEASED ALUM:  DANA STEPHANIE UNDERWOOD DACZKOWSKI

Date Of Birth: 08-06-1966
Date Deceased: 06-08-1998
Age at Death: 31
Cause of Death: Brain Cancer
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Doug Daczkowski (husband), Kati Daczkowski (daughter) and Nike Beddow (sister)

"In 1998, Dana Underwood Daczkowski founded the Race for Hope - Brain Tumor 5k in Washington, DC. Dana was battling a recurrence of her anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumor. She wanted to raise awareness about the dire need for new, effective treatments and raise funds to drive the research. She also knew she couldn't do it alone, she partnered with other caring families and asked her friends, family, co-workers...everyone to join the fight.

Sadly, Dana passed away from brain cancer just two months after the very first race. But her vision and determination is still felt today when the Race for Hope celebrated it's 16th anniversary this past May(2013). More than race 12,000 participants raised over $2.5 million for research this year alone.

Over the past 16 years, the race has raised more than $19 million. The All for Dana race team is back year after year to celebrate Dana's life and her enduring vision of gathering the brain tumor community TOGETHER to find a cure.

Dana was a runner, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend and my little sister. She also was the most determined person you'll ever meet. So...watch out brain cancer or you're a goner! If you would like to honor Dana's accomplishments, please join us for the 2014 Race for Hope on May 4, 2014. Go www.curebraintumors.org or directly to Dana's team at: http://www.braintumorcommunity.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=2021&team_id=57092"

- Submitted by Nike Underwood (Beddow), FHHS Class of '81