Maggie Szecsei-Toth

September 9, 1959 ~ February 3, 2002

Maggie Szecsei-Toth ‘Mags’ our sister was diagnosed with Stage 2/3 infiltrating ductal carcinoma breast cancer. She underwent radiation, a mastectomy and chemotherapy . Just when she thought her illness was behind her, she developed Acute Myelodysplasia ( a pre-leukemia) from her chemotherapy ( a 1 –2% occurrence) . She required a bone marrow transplant for survival (a 1-2% of survival) We felt that although she again fell into the odds that this time it would work in her favour. Mags received a transplant from a gracious unrelated donor. Making it to day 100 post transplant is a positive sign of success and recovery. She died on day 66 post-transplant after 6 days in the ICU surrounded by her family with her favourite music by Enya “Wild Child” playing.

The depths by which we miss her are immeasurable- The ways in which we can remember her are endless through our fundraising.

Maggie’s Wings Dragon Boat racing team were TOP fundraisers 5 years straight 2003-2007 during their participation, raising just over $99,000.00. We raised $36,000.00 as a team in our last year. We are forever grateful to Dragon Boats for the Cure which began at a time when we were grieving the loss of Mags and allowed our family and friends an outlet through which to channel tragedy into change.

We thoroughly enjoyed paddling in the water, the adrenaline rush of the start gun and the 2 minutes of shear drive! With each sinking paddle into the water, we dug for a cure and pushed cancer behind us with every stroke!

However, the real race, for us, as a team, was always on dry land where we still continue to raise monies, action & change for our local community in Windsor-Essex County!

MAGGIE’S WINGS POEM

Called to Earth 09-09-59; Called to Heaven 02-03-02; Called to Flight 07-20-03

(commemorates the first Dragon Boat Races held in Windsor, Ontario)

You lost your hair, but not your beauty

They took a breast but not your heart

They tried to cure you from the inside out

Surviving this struggle became a doubt

The angels gathered around your bed

They swooped and danced around your head

They whispered things only you could hear

Finally you smiled and had no fear

You’re every female in this space

Blessed with Courage and with Grace

Some live on earth some in another place

Never forgotten is the beauty of your face

Your wings are wide and strong and light

Your spirit oh so calm and bright

Your presence always felt, though no longer seen

In places where you’ve always been

Gently moving wings of white

You’re an angel that has taken flight

Maggie’s Wings are for every female you know

So gather your spirit, embrace a paddle, and Go!

Printable PDF Download of the poem here-> maggie’s wings poem copyright 2007 darlene j szecsei-albano

Maggie’s Wings