The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nonprofit keeps dream of family alive
Dreams are what life is made of — that is, until the prospect of achieving one is taken away.
“Mom, I have this noticeable lump on my breast,” said Mary
s Jones, CEO/founder of Team Maggie for a Cure (now Team Maggie’s Dream) as she recalled a call from her daughter, Maggie Davis.
At age 24, numerous doctors believed it was nothing to be concerned about.
Finally, one opted for a biopsy or removal. Davis elected to have it removed. They didn’t expect to return until the follow up appointment. A call from the surgeon the next day proved otherwise.
December 2013 for the Davis family was not filled with holiday cheer.
They were blindsided. No one was prepared to hear the word cancer.
Davis’ oncologist wanted her to see a reproductive endocrinologist immediately.
looked at each other and said let’s take a minute to talk ... we don’t even know what’s happening right now,” said Jones.
Fertility can be impacted depending on the type of cancer and treatments.
“I want people to know it’s an issue for these kids,” she said. “It’s not so much about the cancer, but what the cancer treatment does. The information is not being provided like it needs to be.”
The cost to harvest eggs, retrieve and freeze them is expensive and usually payment upfront is required: $10,000 and up. Jones said they’ve seen as high as $20,000.
“Maggie’s attitude, her everything after she froze her eggs was ‘I’m ready for this fight — I can do this,’” said her mother.
“At that point it didn’t matter if she ever had her own biological child ... but it’s the dream, the hope that we all start out in life with,”
Jones said.
It started her thinking. “What if I could not have helped her,” she asked herself. “What about these young kids that don’t have this option?”
Quitting her corporate job, Jones started the nonprofit in 2015.
Team Maggie’s Dream assists in partial funding for the cost of preserving eggs or sperm and has helped 120 (including several males). Jones said they are the only ones in the U.S. doing this and happy to say they have three Team Maggie babies.
Michelle Lonati, dental stu- dent in Augusta, said, “Being diagnosed with cancer raises more questions and fears than anyone could ever explain. Your whole world turns upside down, and everything moves quickly.
“Because of their financial help with harvesting my eggs, I was able to ensure my future of being a mom once I finished the hurdle of chemo and radiation,” she said. “I am forever grateful and thankful for Team Maggie.”
Save the date for Team Maggie’s Dream Night: Feb. 29 (6:30 to 9 p.m.) at the Bentley Atlanta Showroom, 10995 Westside Parkway, Alpharetta. A carnival themed event raising money to “Keep the Dream of Family Alive.”