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A Dream Fulfilled: New Playground Opens for Children of Fox Chase Cancer Center's Day Care Program
Ken Kucowski and daughters Charlotte (left) and Natalie celebrated the opening of Creative Beginnings' new playground with a trip down the slide.
Mary Kucowski, former Fox Chase Cancer Center employee, had one dream for her daughters, Natalie and Charlotte - to rebuild the playground of their day care center. After losing her battle to cancer, devoted husband and father, Ken, tirelessly lead a three-year campaign to raise money to fulfill her dream.
That dream came true in a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 5, 2004.
"Its a bittersweet day. It's great to see Mary's dream finally become a reality," said Kucowski. "Yet, its sad too because Mary's not physically here to join in the celebration." As an employee of Fox Chase, Mary Kucowksi's daughters attended Creative Beginnings, a nationally recognized child development program, available for all Fox Chase employees. Natalie, now 5, still attends Creative Beginnings.
Since his wife's death in 2001, Kucowski has raised roughly $75,000 through annual beef and beer events, golf tournaments and donations. Kucowski was joined by both daughters, Natalie and Charlotte, 9, and Fox Chase representatives in early June for a small ground breaking ceremony. Kucowski was involved in all aspects of the construction, including design of the new playground.
According to Kucowski, the next move is to start a foundation to further support cancer research and treatment. Funds from this foundation will also be dedicated for maintaining the new playground.
Fox Chase Cancer Center was founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as the nation's first cancer hospital. In 1974, Fox Chase became one of the first institutions designated as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. Fox Chase conducts basic, clinical, population and translational research; programs of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer; and community outreach. For more information about Fox Chase activities, visit the Center's web site at www.fccc.edu.
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