TU students run for others' lives
Three TU students participated in the Baltimore Running Festival in honor of Claire Wagonhurst, who died of adolescent melanoma at 17.
By Jaclynn Neiman on November 1, 2017
Towson University student Tommy Oswald donned his coral Claire Marie Foundation shirt at the 16th annual Baltimore Running Festival in mid-October, but his goal wasn’t getting a personal best.
It was spreading awareness and raising money for the Claire Marie Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.
“I have never been much of a runner,” Oswald said, “But seeing all these different people coming together from my hometown, my Towson friends, and so many more to honor Claire was awesome.”
Claire Marie Wagonhurst was a 17-year-old girl starting her senior year of high school when, two days after receiving two college acceptance letters, she lost her fight against adolescent melanoma.
Oswald, a junior history major at TU, first learned of the foundation in high school after meeting friends who were close with Claire. Seeing the huge impact she left on people, he knew right away he wanted to honor her memory.
Together with his fellow students, they came up with the idea of having a dance marathon to raise money for the newly founded Claire Marie Foundation. The event raised over $20,000.
Alongside other Claire Marie ambassadors at TU—Maddie Boucher and Michael Nanan—Oswald spreads awareness of Claire’s story by holding speaking events and distributing pamphlets and bracelets on campus.
“We have spoken to a variety of TU Greek organizations,” he said. “We want to expand our talks to sports teams, clubs and anyone who is willing to listen.”
The message that Oswald wants to convey to his fellow students: get screened annually by a dermatologist.
“If you notice changes or have a concern, don't be afraid to get it checked out because it could potentially save your life,” he added.
For more information about the Claire Marie Foundation, ways to get involved or to donate, go to the website. You can also email Tommy Oswald to start a conversation about adolescent melanoma or to schedule a presentation at your group or organization on campus.