Meet the Teams Supporting Our Annual Walk-A-Thon & 5K Run: Linda & Charlie’s Lovelies
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Linda Brinkmann: Mother, Grandmother, Guest of Mary’s Place
Linda Brinkmann became a guest of Mary’s Place by the Sea back when our mission was operating out of two bedrooms, rented at a bed and breakfast in Ocean Grove. In 2010, Linda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was told she had two years to live. Linda’s children, Becky Phelan and Matt Brinkmann, recall how Mary’s Place by the Sea made an impact in Linda’s journey.
“She ended up living for five years after her diagnosis and I give a lot of that credit to Mary’s Place, for the support she received from them,” Becky shared. “She was very open to medical treatment & clinical trials, but she was really into healing the mental aspect of cancer through reiki, massage, meditation and other holistic services. She also formed friendships with women who were all going through cancer and made a lot of connections at Mary’s Place.”
Team R: Operation Remission
Not only was Linda Brinkmann one of the first guests we served, she was also a part of the very first Mary’s Place by the Sea Walk-A-Thon thirteen years ago. Linda named her team “Team R”, which stood for “Operation Remission”.
“Remission was my mom’s motto and her goal. She was very determined… Mary’s Place was always a part of that support” said Becky
Linda’s Love for the Shore & Mary’s Place Legacy
Linda loved the beach. After visiting Mary’s Place, she fell in love with Ocean Grove and eventually made one of her dreams come true in buying a condo here.
Linda enjoyed two summers in her condo by the sea. In that time, she also made the decision that she wanted to continue to support Mary’s Place and generously committed to sponsoring a bedroom at the new Mary’s Place by the Sea location that was in the process of being built.
This painting of Linda at her favorite place, hanging inside our home is a great reminder of the healing that is possible by the sea and the powerful sense of peace it can provide to women like Linda.
Team: Linda’s Lovelies
The year after Linda passed, Becky, her brother Matt and their family joined our community at the Walk-A-Thon once again, this time under a different team name.
“There was a large group of us that wanted to walk, so we got together and we changed the name to ‘Linda’s Lovelies’. We had family and dear friends come out and walked in her memory. We made t-shirts that said Linda’s Lovelies with butterflies. It had the painting of her on the beach on the back of the shirt too. My son wore a onesie and my dog had a shirt on too,” Becky smiled as she reminisced..
Continuing the Connection
Today, Becky continues to register for every Mary’s Place by the Sea Walk.
“As the years have gone on, we’ve continued to walk or support the event. In 2017, my step-dad unfortunately passed away unexpectedly, so that’s when we renamed the team to ‘Linda & Charlie’s Lovelies’.”
“Over the years, I know our team numbers has fluctuated. We still register every year and still try to connect with the community. We even do little walks around our neighborhood if we can’t make the event.”
“Mary’s Place was just so special to my mom and the organization has certainly grown in so many ways.” Becky said,
When Becky was asked to describe the Mary’s Place by the Sea Walk-A-thon in one word, there was no hesitation:
“Family.” She said, “Definitely. That’s the word. The connection to my mom.”
The Team at Mary’s Place by the Sea wants to say a special thank you to Becky Phelan and her family for sharing their personal connection to our Walk-A-Thon, as well as our mission. We have so much gratitude for their love and support, but most importantly for allowing our Team to be reminded of our dear friend Linda Brinkmann.