Mary J. Corey – One of Baltimore’s Top Media Women leaves us all too soon
Today we were saddened by the news of the death of one of Baltimore’s top female media professionals – Mary J. Corey. Mary according to the Baltimore Sun’s poignant obituary was
“The Sun’s senior vice president and director of content, who was 49, essentially grew up at her hometown paper, joining it as a college intern and rising through its reporting and editing ranks. She led The Sun to regional Newspaper of the Year honors during the past two years and spearheaded new print and digital sections while building on its tradition of investigative journalism.”
Mary headed up the Sun over three years ago and managed over 200 staff, she resuscitated the Sun’s – Sun Magazine over 14 years after it had ceased publication and breathed life into a media outlet that many had written off as tired and irrelevant – but not Mary, and she worked tirelessly to prove it. Mary was a lifelong journalist and media professional, one could look at the example she set and hope to live up to that. Mary died of breast cancer all too soon and she will be missed.
Mary’s passing made us reflect on the reality that Baltimore’s media is widely influenced some might say “controlled” by women which is one of the bittersweet facts we chose to reflect on today as we mourn the death of Mary’s passing. Baltimore is many things, much of it isn’t perfect however one can’t argue that this is a region where women in media flourish.
Breast Cancer is still all too relevant
Mary’s dying of breast cancer also reminds us that as much as people like to think breast cancer is no longer a big issue – nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps that’s why now – more than ever…we have to fight breast cancer with our time, talent and treasure to prevent the loss of more amazing women like Mary.
According to the Susan G Komen web site…
Women
In 2013, it is estimated that among U.S. women there will be [35]:
- 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer (includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors).
- 64,640 new cases of in situ breast cancer (includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), of those, about 85 percent will be DCIS). DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer and LCIS is a condition that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer. Learn more about DCIS and LCIS.
- 39,620 breast cancer deaths.
The importance of self exam – yes even for busy business women
Now is as good a time as any to remind our audience of women in business, women professionals, women entrepreneurs and leaders that you need to take care of yourself. Breast cancer doesn’t descriminate and we want you to always be at your best. Self breast exams are one great way to ensure that you stay on top of any issues – early detection is key. With this in mind we want to share this humorous and informative video (you can thank us in the comments section.)
In Maryland several organisations as well as Susan G. Komen are working hard to help raise awareness and end breast cancer. If you want to make a difference we highly encourage you to consider one and donate generously of your time, talent and treasure.
The Red Devils works hard to support families affected by breast cancer. According to their web site…
The Red Devils was founded by family and friends of two inspiring young women to honor their courage, grace and humor. Jessica Cowling and Ginny Schardt refused to be defined by breast cancer. As patients at Hopewell Cancer Support, Jessica and Ginny learned that a diagnosis of breast cancer can undo the resolve of any individual. One minute you’re attending to life’s daily challenges; the next you’re fighting for your life. Medical treatments and hospital stays bombarded them with unfamiliar medical terms and treatment choices that were often overwhelming and frightening. Jessica and Ginny saw women with concerns about paying for their medical treatment and witnessed other patients’ concerns about continuing to work and care for their children. They understood the burden these worries placed on a patient’s life.
Komen Maryland is the Maryland Affiliate of the huge Susan G. Komen organisation. Each year Komen Maryland hosts two races – one in the Greater Baltimore Area and one in the southern part of the state in Ocean City. Learn more about Komen Maryland here.
The Tyanna Foundation is perhaps best known locally for it’s popular breast cancer awareness and fundraising event – BreastFest. According to their web site…
The Tyanna Foundation honors a mother’s life, love, and living legacy. Tyanna Barre O’Brien lost her battle with breast cancer in 1990 at the tender age of 48. Her legacy continues today through the work of her daughters Anne, Bridget, Megan, Sara & Kate O’Brien, the founders of BreastFest. It is our commitment to awareness and prevention that inspires and leads the work of the Tyanna Foundation.
To learn more about the Tyanna Foundation and the work they do click here. You can like them on Facebook by clicking here.