Depending on the weather and soil conditions, thousands of sunflower seeds will be planted either this month (Brain Cancer Awareness Month) or in June in the two Prayers From Maria Fields of Hope in Northeast Ohio. When the flowers bloom, they will turn their faces to the sun, and, some believe, reflect the joy of the little girl who inspired the glorious bright yellow gardens.
Maria McNamara was 7 years old in 2007 when her 14-month fight with brain cancer came to an end. Maria was diagnosed with a glioma brain tumor, an aggressive growth belonging to a family type that accounts for the second-highest cause of cancer deaths among young people. Her cancer was the type that leaves devastated parents with the knowledge that their children face a 99.5% chance of not living more than two years.
“If we could move that needle from 99 to 90 and save one, two, five children, as a parent you couldn’t be happier,” says Edward McNamara, who, with his wife, Megan, co-founded the Prayers From Maria foundation in 2007.
Changing that percentage takes research and money. The McNamaras founded their nonprofit to benefit
global research into the “cause, prevention, treatment and cure” for pediatric glioma brain tumors. More than $12 million has been raised in total. The McNamaras say Prayers From Maria was not created as a memorial to their daughter, but as a recognition of their daughter’s concern for other children with a serious illness and a parent’s desire to end brain cancer’s hold.
Edward McNamara, president and CEO of Armada Risk Partners, a Cleveland-based insurance brokerage firm, was incredulous when he first learned funding for childhood brain cancer was minimal. Over the years, he and his wife have personally worked and partnered with others to raise the awareness of this horrendous challenge youngsters can face.
For many people, the most visible and well-known introduction to Prayers From Maria is one of the Fields of Hope. Forty-two acres of land have been purchased for a permanent location for a Field of Hope in Avon, on the east side of Jaycox Road, across from Middleton Road. Aside from planting a possible cover crop at the new field this spring if planting conditions are suitable, this year’s Avon Field of Hope will remain at its temporary spot, alongside Recreation Blvd., near Crushers Stadium.
A second Field of Hope is located along Cedar Point Causeway. More than 240,000 sunflowers on eight acres have been planted at that location. Several varieties of sunflowers are planted in both locations, including Mammoth Grey Stripe, a flower that can grow to 12 feet high and have a bloom that is a foot across.
There is no fee to visit the fields in bloom, from sun up to sundown, although donations are accepted. A Memorial Wall remembers and celebrates the lives of children no longer with us.
“I assure you that there will be a third, a fourth, a fifth, and, I hope, a 100th Field of Hope. But I also hope that someday there won’t be any,” says Edward McNamara, expressing his wish that in the future, pediatric brain cancers will be eradicated.
Visitors to the sunflower fields also may dedicate a sunflower in honor, memory or support of someone dear to their heart for a minimum donation. Family activities are planned throughout the blooming season. Being in a non-intimidating environment can be particularly comforting and healing to children who have lost a sibling. Also, with notification, visitors may hold dignified, small events at the fields.
“I love that people want to come to the fields to celebrate life moments, like engagements, anniversaries, graduations. These are life moments that the children we recognize here didn’t have. I think it all works synergistically in a lot of ways,” says Megan McNamara, who, like her husband, does not take a penny from the nonprofit.
The McNamaras understand that some people feel it is important to donate to cancer research. Others prefer to increase awareness of childhood cancer and perhaps provide some comfort to families by supporting the planting and care of the Fields of Hope. The Prayers From Maria Foundation appreciates both gestures.
Many in Northeast Ohio have embraced the nonprofit. This year’s Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving was held March 29. Six Northeast Ohio restaurants donated 100% of the day’s sales — not just profits — to the Prayers from Maria Foundation.
Here's a look at some other ways to get involved:
2023 Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon, May 20-21
When the McNamaras learned that a number of people were already running in the marathon independently to aid Prayers From Maria, they decided to encourage their supporters. An official team of runners, Sunflowers for Striders, was formed a number of years ago.
Northeast Ohio parents Jason and Cathy Massey lost their young son, Logan, to cancer. They have devoted an admirable amount of time and effort to help the Prayers From Maria running team.
“Logan’s dad is really passionate and has this event in his heart,” says Megan. “We are blessed to have him involved.” To become a team member, contact team coordinator Grace Bevington through prayersfrommaria.org.
The Sunflower Summer Wine Festival, July 8
Thousands of people enjoy this event that takes place annually along Depot Street in the Old River area of Rocky River. Entertainment includes live music, including the kickoff performance by Ed Purcell Music. Edward Purcell, a solo acoustic cover artist, is a partner with Armada Risk Partners. Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip will close out the event.
“We know people come to this event to enjoy themselves and we want them to,” says Megan. “But we also have signage, handouts and a slideshow on stage that tells them why we are there. They get to know that their money is going to something important.”
The Sunflower Soiree, Aug. 11
Many of Northeast Ohio’s movers and shakers, including about 50 CEOs of top companies in the region, attend this high-end fundraiser to show their support for Prayers From Maria. Medical researchers and physicians, including those from University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health, as well as other organizations, are part of the very special night, according to Megan. Last year’s soiree was held at the Historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. This year’s location has not been finalized.
Key individuals fighting childhood brain cancer from across the country, including those who have benefited from Prayers From Maria funding, share information about the progress being made in childhood cancer research. The McNamaras are also touched and amazed by those researchers who say their current work would not be possible without initial funding by Prayers From Maria years ago.
“I have been told by some CEOs that this is one event they want to come to, and they say, ‘’Not only do I sponsor it, but I bring my friends.’ We are proud and grateful for that,” says Edward.
