Local Family Honors Woman’s Memory with Walk Fundraiser Event Benefitting Lung Association

Walter Dare lost his wife Mary Austine Dare to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) almost two years ago, and he and his family continue to honor her memory. That’s why the Dare family will host “Mary Austine’s March” in memory of who everyone called Austine and in support of the American Lung Association.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. at 403 W. C St., Delavan, IL 61734.

“We lost Austine in January 2020 and it was a tremendous loss for me and our family,” said Dare. “She was a rock in our family and was someone who always had the answer and knew what to do in any situation. With that loss we felt so powerless in trying to fight COPD alone so we decided to try to organize a fundraiser so that more research could be done to improve treatments for COPD.”

Austine was a nurse and was diagnosed with COPD in 2008 at 59 years old. Her quality of life deteriorated the last three years of her life, and she passed away one month after her 70th birthday.

This is the second year of “Mary Austine’s March,” organized by daughter, Emily. Last year’s fundraiser raised $2,800. This year’s fundraising goal is $4,000.

“I am most looking forward to seeing her many relatives and friends who will show up to support the American Lung Association in this fundraising effort in remembrance of Austine,” said Dare. “She had so many friends and was so close to her family of four sisters and a brother.”

“Mary Austine's March” will be a one-to-two-mile walk. There is also a virtual option available. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Lung Association and support its life-saving research. 

For more information, and to support this event, please visit here.