by Ellin Walsh
Reporter
Silver Lake -- While the cure she hoped for eluded her during her lifetime, Kassie Biglow's son may see that dream realized, prays his grandfather, Joe McMullin Sr. of Silver Lake.
Kassie -- Mary Katherine McMullin Biglow -- died from complications of Lupus one week short of her 31st birthday in 2004. Her son, Mikey, was 10 months old at the time. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidney, according to the Lupus Foundation of America Inc.
On Oct. 11, Kassie's family and friends will gather for the fourth annual Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus, celebrating Kassie's life and legacy. Registration and a pre-walk gathering will be conducted at the boathouse on Silver Lake Boulevard from 8 to 9 a.m., with the walk stepping off at 9. The 2.2 mile-trek will lead onto Oakridge Drive and Harriet Street before turning onto state Route 59 (Kent Road). Kassie was born and raised in the village and, according to her mother, the lake was always one of her favorite spots.
One of this year's participants will be Olympic Coach Maj. Jay Antonelli of the United States Marine Corps. He was the head coach of the Greco-Roman Wrestling Team. Antonelli is a close friend and former Naval Academy roommate of Kassie's brother, Joe Jr. Motorcycle units from the Summit County Sheriff's Office will provide security. There also will be a tractor and hay wagon to take youngsters around the lake.
Kassie worked tirelessly as a member of the Lupus Foundation of America raising awareness of the disease and pursuing funds for research. The foundation has established a permanent research grant in Kassie's name.
"I am sure she is proud that we have done something positive on the date of her death each year instead of spending it being so sad," Kassie's sister, Maureen Michalak, says, adding, "She was a real advocate for the local Lupus chapter and wanted people to be informed of what living with Lupus was all about. My mother, father and brother all discuss how she wanted people to know more about Lupus, never expecting her to end up as the picture and silent voice for the disease."
Fundraising fuels hope
for cure
Kassie was diagnosed with Lupus at 13. Despite the risks associated with pregnancy, she chose to realize one of her dearest dreams -- motherhood -- after marrying Mike Biglow in 2002.
"Meeting at the boathouse and walking around the lake seemed like the most appropriate place [to host the event]," Michalak says. "It is where everyone who lives in Silver Lake runs, walks, ride bikes, and push strollers. All of these things Kassie had done."
To pre-register for the event, contact Joe McMullin Sr., 2873 Landon Drive, Silver Lake 44224, or e-mail him at jmcmullin@neo.rr.com. To make a donation, checks should be made out to the Lupus Foundation of America.
While great strides and more information is gleaned about the disease each year, there is still no cure for Lupus, Joe McMullin says. But since the establishment of the research grant in Kassie's name, there have been positive steps taken by researchers at Philadelphia Children's Hospital, Yale University, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute, McMullin reports.
"I am ... optimistic about a possible cure during little Mikey's lifetime," McMullin says.
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