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Golf
Dakoda Dowd's mother dies
By BOB HARIG
Published May 25, 2007
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From left, Dakoda Dowd, Kelly Jo Dowd and Mike Dowd stand at the LPGA Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open in 2006, after Dakoda's first LPGA appearance.
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[Times photo: Brendan Fitterer]
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[Times photo]
Dakoda Dowd, Kelly Jo Dowd and Mike Dowd at the LPGA Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open in 2006.
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Kelly Jo Dowd, who drew national attention for breast cancer awareness when her daughter, Dakoda, received a special invitation to play in an LPGA Tour event in 2006, died Thursday night. She was 42.
Dowd, who battled breast cancer for the better part of the last five years, died at her Palm Harbor condominium with her husband, Mike, Dakoda and other family members at her side.
"This has been a long time coming, " Mike Dowd said. "She considered it a gift every day that she was alive. . . She touched a lot of lives and I know she will continue to touch more in the future. She put a face on breast cancer."
It had been Kelly Jo Dowd's dream to watch Dakoda, now 14, compete in an LPGA Tour event. When officials at the Ginn Company in Orlando heard the story, they offered Dakoda a spot in their golf tournament in April 2006.
Although Dakoda, an accomplished amateur golfer, missed the cut, she received enormous attention as did her mom's story of breast cancer awareness.
A viewing is scheduled for Tuesday at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to www.makingmemories.org.
[Last modified May 25, 2007, 14:03:19]
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Comments on this article
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by Rita
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05/25/07 03:03 PM
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All of us at Countryside Country Club want Mike and Dakoda to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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by Erika
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05/25/07 02:37 PM
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May time heal your sorrow
may friends heal your pain
may peace replace heartache and only wonderful memories remain ...
warmly, from the Staff at Countryside Country Club
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by Robert
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05/25/07 01:51 PM
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I am deeply sorry for their loss. She was a terrific woman from what I have read and used her position to help further the fight against breast cancer. My prayers go out to the entire family and any others who have or are now battling breast cancer.
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by Justina
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05/25/07 12:59 PM
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Dakoda she will always be with you and a part of you. You are a wonderful young woman. Much love to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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by John
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05/25/07 12:18 PM
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You have my deepest sympathies. God bless.
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by David
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05/25/07 12:07 PM
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I knew Kelly Jo when she worked at Hooters. She Was ever so proud of Dakota, she will be forever missed and always loved.
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by Holly
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05/25/07 11:57 AM
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Yon cannot imagine what a person goes through fighting this disease! I watched my girlfriend melt down in three years...she died in 1984 at the tender age of 30! It was somthing that no one should have to experience!
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by laura
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05/25/07 11:49 AM
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dakoda, I am very sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. You may not be able to see her but she's still HERE. much love
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by LS
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05/25/07 11:44 AM
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So sorry for the Dowd's loss. Kelly Jo will always be with you.
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by Chris
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05/25/07 11:31 AM
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I am a golf professional now residing in Jacksonville. In my time spent at Innisbrook and Countryside, I watched Dakota grow up. She is a wonderful young girl, and her mother left a superstar. We all knew this day would come- my heart goes out to all
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by Kathy
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05/25/07 11:20 AM
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I would like to say how sorry I am for the loss of this woman. I have followed this story from the beginning and always held out hope for her to survive this horrible illness. Please know that you are in the hearts and prayres of a lot of people.
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