Close To Home Virtual Run / Walk

Close to Home Virtual Run / Walk
benefiting the Colorado Cancer Foundation
September 12 - 27, 2020

There is never a “good” time to be diagnosed with cancer, but how about during a global pandemic? A time where speaking to a medical professional in person is near impossible. A time when the state of the globe is uncertain and, now, so is your prognosis. I have known so many people who have been affected by cancer and several who have lost their lives to the battle. It never gets easier, but, I have to say, it hits a lot harder when it is close to home.

Dr. Bryan Jon Miller, my brilliant, passionate, amazing father, a 15-year kidney transplant recipient, and incredible dentist and friend, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer amid the rising global COVID-19 pandemic. It is incomprehensible that my father, a man who has done nothing but take care of his health and the health of others, would have to endure this. However, if anyone can handle this horrible diagnosis, I know he can. It was only 18 days after his kidney transplant that he returned to work full-time to provide for our family and his patients. He is a true warrior and I know that he can battle this cancer like no one else can.

It is because of my father that I continue developing a love and passion for science, research, and the urge to selflessly help others. Even with his recent diagnosis, he is still working, continues to be the most supportive husband and father, and does the things he loves and enjoys. In honor of my father, my boyfriend and I have decided to take action by running. We plan on raising awareness, raising money, and most importantly fostering hope for those impacted by cancer. We will be asking friends, family, and complete strangers to join us in honoring our loved ones. The pandemic has kept us indoors and distanced from each other socially, but now, staying close to home will also be our call to action. We are pleased to announce the “Close to Home Virtual Race” to raise money for an organization that benefits a cause that is close to home and heart, the Colorado Cancer Foundation.

The Colorado Cancer Foundation is dedicated to aiding Colorado-based cancer patients and their families, offering financial assistance to those in need, and facilitating oncology research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, providing funds and equipment to researchers and clinicians. We are thrilled to benefit this local organization that has such strong and influential ties to the residents of Colorado!

Because of COVID-19, this will be a virtual race, meaning anyone across the globe is able to participate between Saturday, September 12^th and Sunday, September 27^th, completing a distance of their choice (5k, 10k or half marathon) on their own time. Event registration and donations will be collected through Race Roster and given to the Colorado Cancer Foundation. Event registration includes a small donation to the Colorado Cancer Foundation, event entry to complete race and to be eligible for post-race raffles, event t-shirt, swag bag, and finisher's certificate. Please track your time during your virtual race. We recommend using a GPS tracking app so that your time will be accurate and you'll be able to take a screenshot of your final race route. T-shirts and swag bags, including items from our race partner, the Boulder Running Company, will be available for pick up for those local to Colorado at a Boulder Running Company store or shipped to those out-of-state (outside of Colorado and within the continental US only) who successfully complete the race and/or those who donate to our cause.

We would appreciate sharing this with all your friends, families, and loved ones to make the most out of this event.

Feel free to send us an email at closetohomefundraising@gmail.com with your personal stories and pictures you took while completing your virtual race!