Help Laura raise money

Hello! Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Last year, my family was changed forever when my dad, Bob, was diagnosed and eventually passed away from glioblastoma. From the initial diagnosis and every minute since, I have felt helpless. Despite working as a nurse for the last 15 years, I could not stop this runaway train as it ran over my dad's independence and eventually ended his life prematurely. 

Running helped me cope during this journey. I have run marathons over the years and what gets me through so many miles is practicing gratitude for having a body that can move with ease. Now more than ever, I feel grateful for my health and ability to run long and far. 

The Philadelphia marathon was rolling around in my head for months, but I didn't know why. Then I read that the main sponsor of the Philadelphia marathon is AACR- American Association for Cancer Research- and it all clicked. I signed up to run another 26.2. 

This felt like a push. Instead of sitting in my feelings of helplessness, I could refocus on a having a small impact. The treatment options for some cancers have improved but, in the case of glioblastoma, we were only offered time. I would like to see more and if I can support in little ways, I will be doing that as long as I can. 

Dad, although you won't be biking along side me during the long training runs, and you can't share a cold beer when I cross the finish line, please be with me and remind me that I am strong and can do hard things. I love you and we all miss you very much. 

Thank you for reading this and thank you for your donations. We need to do better, we need to provide hope. 

Laura

Event date: 11/28/23