Marguerite Kosmas We want to take a moment to remember Marguerite Kosmas, who died on March 4, 2006 at the age of 83. Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband Peter with whom she established the Kosmas Research Fund in 1957, following the death of their 4 year-old son, George. The Kosmas Fund was renamed the Children’s Cancer Research Fund in 1977. The Kosmas raised awareness and funds for cancer research with a large fountain in the lobby of their Park Terrace Supper Club in St. Louis Park; demonstrating so many years ago the “power of one” and the cumulative impact of many small gestures. Peter and Marguerite used the fountain, with its sign stating that coins would be donated to the Kosmas Research Fund, as a talking point to help create momentum for cancer research and ultimately the founding of the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities. Peter Kosmas, Jr. remembers helping his father clean out the fountain and dry the coins prior to taking them to the bank each week. Larry Brown also remembers throwing coins into the fountain long before his daughter was diagnosed with cancer. In 1977, Peter Kosmas, along with Larry Brown, Boot Halverson, Dr. Krivit, Dr. Nesbit, Ed Stanko, and Norma Wubbena flew to Chicago to learn about the Ronald McDonald House and returned to work with the local McDonalds’ restaurants to open a Twin Cities House. Peter, Larry and Ed are the founders who signed the original Articles of Incorporation for the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities. Although Peter was instrumental in helping raise funds and establish the Ronald McDonald House, he died of cancer prior to the opening of the House. Peter’s death at the age of 54 was difficult for Marguerite, but once again she channeled her grief to the benefit of others, continuing the efforts that she and Peter had committed to years before. Marguerite demonstrated a remarkable and continuing interest in people, so that each person in her acquaintance was made to feel special. Her son and daughter-in-law remembered that she took everyone into her heart personally and had all day for those who wanted or needed to talk or needed to know that someone cared. Marguerite frequently commented to her son, “It is so important that the families have a place to go and stay while their child is in the hospital.” She knew how critical the community of the Ronald McDonald House is to the families. In the years since the Kosmas lost their son George to cancer the impact of their efforts and those of many others can be seen in the dramatic change in the cure rate for childhood cancers and the improved accommodations for families contending with a pediatric health crisis. A 10% rate of cure has given way to one approaching 80% in 2005, and parents who once slept in cars and waiting room chairs now sleep on Select Comfort beds in the 48 rooms of the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities. These changes have been realized through the dedication and vision of individuals like Peter and Marguerite Kosmas who in their grief sought hope and took action. We are grateful for their vision and that of all of our founders.