In Loving Memory of Kathleen Kowal

As of September 7 2018

As we try to come to terms with the sad news I wanted to pass on some details to those of you who have asked about services. Instead of flowers Kathleen and her family would love any one who chooses to make a donation in her name to the Sierra Club; she loved hiking and the outdoors and would be so thankful for that.

Kathleen's family are holding a private memorial to say goodbye and celebrate happy memories of Kathleen's wonderful time on this earth. Although they do want to keep this small close friends are of course most welcome. Please contact me for details
[email redacted].

One way that they would most appreciate for you to remember Kathleen would be to write a card or a note with some special story or memory you have about her- this would be treasured by her family and would be a wonderful way for Maya to learn what an amazing woman her mom was as she grows up.

Please send any notes to Carol Kowal, 7498 Arrowood Drive, West Bloomfield, Michigan MI 48324

Thank you again for your support, it has meant the world to Kathleen's family.

Jules


We're reaching out to family, friends and especially the volleyball community to ask for your support for our dear friend Kathleen (or Kat as she is known in the volleyball world).  You may know and love her through work, from back home in Michigan, as a beloved family member or friend, or as a super beach player and Volleyball Vacations Alumni. Kathleen has been fighting breast cancer for the past 3 years and after enduring numerous rounds of chemotherapy is still battling. After ending chemo a couple of weeks ago due to the risk to her life from horrendous side-effects she has been moved home and is now on  hospice care. Her parents Ray and Carol are by her side, having temporarily moved from Michigan to a hotel near Kathleen's home in San Jose to take care of her for an indefinite period.

Aside from being a wonderful and just fabulous all-round friend and daughter- just see this link https://youtu.be/cbcJlDcJ3x4   for a reminder of some of the most joyful moments of her life - here's looking at you Turks and Caicos- Kathleen is also a devoted mother to 5-year old Maya, who she co-parents with Maya's dad. More than anything in the world, Kathleen is determined to stay with us to be there for Maya as she grows up.

She has a chance to go for treatment to the Gerson Clinic in Mexico (just over the border from San Diego). The Gerson Clinic is an alternative medical center that has saved the life of many terminally ill cancer patients who have no more conventional medical options left. To allow her to have this chance at life we are raising funds to send her there and also to help support her parents continued stay in the Bay Area. Kathleen is running out of time, so we are asking our network to step up now.

Any donation is great, they all add up. And please, please share this on Facebook and other social media sites. We know there are a lot of friends out there, whose lives Kathleen has touched with her warmth and superb sense of humor, who will want to help.


Thank you for being here for Kathleen and her family.

Jules