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Donors Make A Difference
Peter and Marsha Radewan Connet Family Fund
Peter Connet was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, and when that happened, he decided to turn a tragic circumstance into a positive life experience. He and his wife, Marsha, learned everything they could about the disease and its treatment. They joined a support group in northern Illinois with others facing the same battle, and he ultimately started the Racine Area Multiple Myeloma Support Network in conjunction with All Saints Healthcare, assuring that others in southeastern Wisconsin wouldn’t have to travel long distances to find the support and information they needed.
Connet also began sharing his message of positive thinking, humor as healer and his journey to his life’s end with groups in the area. He felt that by sharing his experiences he was enabling others to better understand their own challenges, no matter what they might be.
Despite large medical bills, Connet also made financial arrangements to assure his family would be cared for when he was no longer there for them. Although not a man of great wealth, he also wanted his community to benefit somehow and talked with Marsha about ways to make that happen.
Connet died October 1, 2002, from complications of his cancer and its treatment. He had lived more than 11 years after his diagnosis and had remained upbeat and positive until the very end. In early 2003, Connet’s widow contacted the Racine Community Foundation about establishing an Acorn Fund.
“I knew it was a way I could make Peter’s wish come true, seeing that our community would benefit from his kindness, without putting a financial burden on our family,” she said.
Mrs. Connet started with just $1,000 and established the Peter and Marsha Radewan Connet Family Fund. “I wanted a name that the kids would be a part of. I’m hoping they will want to add to it as years go by. No matter what, though, Peter’s wish of helping make good things happen throughout Racine County will come true when we finish funding our Acorn Fund in the next couple of years,” she said.
She added another $1,000 after the first year and can continue to increase the fund with as little as $600 per year until it reaches $5,000 to become a named fund within the Foundation.
“It’s true, you don’t have to be rich to have a fund within the Racine Community Foundation. Anyone who can afford $50 a month can have an Acorn Fund that will grow into any type of fund desired,” she said. “This fund is a wonderful way to carry on the positive, caring life that was Peter. I’m sure he’s pleased at what we’ve done.”
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Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
