2020 was an unprecedented and difficult year for many, and for Mary, it’s the year she learned her battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer was coming to an end.

Mary Sharp was a dedicated GIS professional supporting disaster recovery operations throughout the U.S. and a fighter who underwent extensive cancer treatment from 2018 to 2020 at MD Anderson in Texas. But, first and foremost, Mary was a mother to a gifted daughter, Simone, 16, who wants to pursue a career in dance. Mary, at age 53, died peacefully on January 24, 2021, surrounded by her family. 

Mary's final wish was to ensure that her only daughter, Simone go to college.  Mary loved watching Simone perform and she would light up with pride and tears every single time.  Mary found it surreal to see her baby girl on the stage.  She said that if her kid could make any other person in the audience feel the way that she did watching her, then what a beautiful gift it is to give complete strangers that much joy.

We survived 2020 because of our compassion and ability to support each other, in the darkest of times. Mary's family and friends are asking for your support to help them in theirs. All monies raised will go directly towards Simone's 529 educational fund. The funds will be used for Simone to pursue her dreams of attending a top performing arts school in New York City (one year of tuition is $50K). We are humbled and grateful for the generosity of family, friends, colleagues, and strangers. With your support, Mary's spirit will dance on through Simone and in time, will provide countless audiences with the same joy that Mary felt. 

If you would prefer to donate directly to Simone's 529 account, you can do so by accessing her 529 account  and entering the Ugift code H5E-24Y. 

Thank you!