Hundreds Walk In Team Mom’s Cancer Fundraiser

Warwick, RI – More than 400 walkers gathered at Warwick City Park Saturday morning to support Misty Lourenco, benefiting a fund to help her pay medical bills while she fights the bone cancer osteosarcoma.

Lourenco, a mom of four and manager at Washington Trust Bank, is also the “team mom” for Veterans Wrestling Club, Warwick PAL wrestling and Warwick PAL football, and the Chairperson of the Rhode Island Wrestling Association.

“It was fantastic to see so many people come out to support my family. It was great to have my children see how important your community is and why it is so important to give back to the community,” said Lourenco Sunday afternoon.

Lourenco was diagnosed with the disease – mostly diagnosed in children – July 8 after coming out of surgery for what she thought was nerve damage. Instead of finding damaged nerves, the surgeon found cancer in her leg. More tests revealed the cancer – osteosarcoma – had spread to her lungs, Misty said.

Matt McGrew, one of the organizers of the fundraiser  walk Saturday,  said he and other members of the community pulled together on the walk to help Lourenco’s family pay medical expenses not covered by the family’s insurance.

McGrew said they’ve also set up a gofundme.com fundraiser page for Misty’s medical expenses. It’s raised $3,755 so far, and Saturday’s turnout is sure to add to that significantly with tickets to the walk bringing in $20 for kids and $30 for adults.

Lourenco said that while the support of the community is a comfort, spreading the word about osteosarcoma was also important to her. “It is mainly a childhood cancer and to be able to bring awareness during the month of September, which is childhood cancer awareness month, was great!” Lourenco said.