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Help Esther raise money

For participating in 2024 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend

My Story…

I am reaching out to seek support for my run for Rush to Crush Cancer. I am training for and running the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 5th, 2024. By running, I'm supporting the Rush to Crush Cancer Foundation, focusing on innovative cancer research and compassionate patient care. No matter how difficult the race will be for me, it is nothing compared to the challenge facing cancer patients.

In July 2023, I started working in the Medical Oncology department at Dana-Farber. Within my first few months, I have gained a deeper appreciation for patient care. My office is located directly underneath the Jimmy Fund clinic, where pediatric cancers are treated. It is eye-opening to see the vulnerability of children every morning. I spend my workdays focusing on breast cancer patients, who consent their cancer treatment process to research - undertaking a task that may benefit themselves but definitively benefit future patients. I am inspired by my patients' selflessness. 

Conquering cancer is important to me as it has affected my immediate family members, namely my father. Through exceptional inpatient staffing and continued scientific research, I am grateful to say that my father is now in remission from Stage IV bladder cancer. I am running for my father, my grandmother Jane, my late aunt Esther, my late grandmother Herta, my late grandfather Bud, and all those affected by cancer.

My goal is to raise $1,000. I hope you will support my challenge by making a gift to my run and, in doing so, help Rush to Crush Cancer Foundation reach the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.

It’s easy to have an impact on this important and universal cause. You can:

Make a gift online by giving directly through my fundraising page

Share my fundraising link with your family/friends/colleagues

Send a Venmo payment to @essie3030 (confirmation last 4 digits are "9-1-8-1")

Thank you in advance for your generosity. With great appreciation and many inspired miles to go!

Essie Pasternak

Donate to help Esther raise money for 2024 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend’s fundraising campaign.


Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Apr 07 Izzy Chiperfield Undisclosed amount
Apr 07 Anonymous Run forrest run!! Undisclosed amount
Mar 11 Zoe You're going to do great! $22.15
Mar 11 Rich and Ellie Go for it Essie. Good luck $25.00
Feb 22 Amy Thomas Good Luck Essie!! So excited for you! $27.48
Feb 22 Nora Belodeau Marathon-essie!!!! Undisclosed amount