My Story…
20 years ago today!!!
20 years ago today, I got that call. Please come into the office to review your biopsy.
I thought this doesn’t sound good. I am probably dying. Then I went about my day getting Jimmy up and ready for kindergarten and taking care of Morgan before I headed off to see my doctor. Rest of the day was a blur. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, stage 2, cancer, chemo, radiation. It sounded scary and horrible, but there was good news too…90% curable, bump in the road, you can do this. I called a friend and she said “you are going to lose your hair.” I didn’t care about my hair, I wanted to see my children graduate high school. I wanted them to know me and remember me. Jimmy was 5 and Morgan was 1.
I started my cancer treatment right before New Years. Four months of chemo, six weeks of radiation. Yes there were bumps in the road, yes I lost all my hair, yes thankfully for me it was curable, and yes my prayers were answered and I got to see both of my children graduate from high school.
My family has been hit hard with lymphoma. My father passed away in 2015 from Mantle Cell Lymphoma, several other family members have also battled or are still battling this ugly lymphoma/leukemia. I also have many friends who have fought and won, and friends who fought and lost their battle with lymphoma/leukemia.
Last year I had a desire to start running. My friend Liz, (run coach), told me about raising money for the American Cancer Society!!! I can run and help out a cause that is near and dear to my heart? PERFECT!!. My twin sister and I ran and raised over $1100.00 for the American Cancer Society. We ran ½ a marathon and actually held hands crossing the finish line together.
This year I am planning on running THE FULL MARATHON. That is 26 Miles!!!! I am nervous. I know it will be a challenge, I know there will be bumps in the road, I hope I can do it. I know I can do it!!! Please donate if you can to this cause.
I will be posting updates of my training and fundraising. I plan a few surprises along to the way to hopefully help me get to my goals.
Michael Shupe has agreed to shave his head bald if I raise $1,000.00. He has not agreed to shave his beard. I will keep working on that goal.
Description
Why I Am Participating in the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend to Support the American Cancer Society
For the first time in history, the American Cancer Society's mission is at risk - including their ability to fund cancer research. The American Cancer Society needs to be here to help patients face cancer with comprehensive support, but they need our help to be able to do so. Every dollar will truly make a difference right now.
Taking part in this event gives me the chance to make a difference and honor those touched by cancer by raising funds for groundbreaking research and services for people dealing with cancer. I'm also participating to inspire hope for those facing the disease and raising money for the American Cancer Society's event to help save lives from cancer. I hope you'll consider signing up too.
Funds raised support cancer patient programs and groundbreaking research that can help save lives. This event also celebrates over 15.5 million cancer survivors nationwide. 15.5 MILLION. That's huge. That's why I'd love your support. Will you join me? And if you can't would you be so kind as to make a donation?
DetermiNation is the American Cancer Society’s event endurance program, spanning a variety of sports including cycling, running, hiking, yoga, and more. The collective efforts of the dedicated athletes who use their fortitude to help raise funds to take down cancer are nothing short of amazing.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 10 | Nancy Meighan | $27.48 |
| Dec 09 | Mandy Luchs | $27.48 |
| Dec 09 | Rebecca Conner | $107.35 |
| Dec 09 | Jamie Kostelansky | $54.10 |
| Dec 09 | Leasa Peck | $27.48 |
| Dec 09 | Kathy Snyder | Undisclosed amount |
