Her brother Kevin survived cancer but was ultimately killed by side effects of its treatment, says Kate Couvillon. That’s why she welcomes research into alternatives to chemotherapy, like the work on dandelion root extract conducted in the lab of UWindsor professor Siyaram Pandey.
“I think it’s good that people reach out in support of efforts like this,” she said September 20, as the Pajama Angels made a $10,000 donation to the Kevin Couvillon Research Project.
The charity’s co-founder, Darlene Szecsei-Albano, said the funds were raised by the Yoga 4 Hope event, August 25 at LaSalle’s Vollmer Complex. She and her sister Judith Szecsei-Beale started the Pajama Angels in the hopes of making a difference for people with cancer or chronic diseases.
“We wanted to focus on integrative health initiatives,” said Szecsei-Albano. “So dandelion root extract just sang to us. The idea of bringing this treatment to the mainstream is really intriguing.”
At the September 20 cheque presentation, dean of science Marlys Koschinsky said partnerships with community organizations help to propel research.
“It takes everyone working together,” she said. “We must use all the talents we have to make a difference in the community and to the world we live in.”