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Help Heidi raise money

For participating in 2025 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend

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My Story…

Hair today! Gone in 2 1/2 weeks!


I remember when I went for my first chemo treatment, the nurses were extremely nice and supportive.  They informed and prepared me that when I returned in two weeks' time for my next treatment, that I would be bald and will have lost all the hair on my body.   


I spent the next two weeks preparing for this. I got my hair cut in a cute little bob. I felt it would be easier to lose shorter hair than longer hair. Heather offered to pay to have my hair colored a funky color. I declined as that would be such a waste of money. Gaggy(grandmother) took me wig shopping. Gaggy, who lost all her hair when she was in her forties, was an expert wig shopper. She took me to her wig lady and helped me buy my wigs. I got two wigs.  One cheap and one expensive.  I let the kids play with my wigs over the next two weeks. They would try them on, and I made them pretend to be news reporters and give news and weather reports. 


Well two weeks later...I had not lost a single hair.  I went in for my next chemo and everyone was surprised that I had a full head of hair.  Maybe just maybe I would be one of the lucky ones and not lose my hair.  Well, that was not the case and that week I could feel a shift in my scalp a sensitivity and pain and by the next chemo treatment I was in fact bald. 


 I handled it better than I thought I would and there were moments that I can look back and laugh about.  Heather my twin sister was told by multiple people that they loved her wig.  The kids told everyone I had hair cancer.  TJ saw me for the first time bald and said, "Heidi your head is white." My hair started growing back and I used to say, "Stop the Insanity" as I kind of looked like a very overweight Susan Powters.  


Hair is very important to most people.  I have a beautiful and supportive friend Kate Alsaihati who has agreed to cut off all her hair if my fundraising page raises $2,000.00 and my wonderful and supportive husband Mike has offered to shave his head if I raise $1,000.00.  I will be happy if I reach the goal for one shaved head.  
Please donate if you can to my Run for a reason page.  


Thank you, Heidi 


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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
Jan 26 Anonymous $54.10
Jan 20 Jackie Morlacci Glenn Strength doesn't come from what you can do. Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn't do. Keep inspiring others! $27.48
Jan 12 John Kiser $54.10
Dec 10 Nancy Meighan You can do hard things. Can’t wait to follow you on your Marathon journey. Run Heidi run🏃‍♀️ $27.48
Dec 09 Mandy Luchs My kickass cancer role model! 🥊 ♥️ $27.48
Dec 09 Rebecca Conner $107.35
Dec 09 Jamie Kostelansky Love you $54.10
Dec 09 Leasa Peck Go Heidi! You can do it, just don't make me do it! Love you! $27.48
Dec 09 Kathy Snyder Heidi - you are an inspiration! I support you 100%. Undisclosed amount