My Story…
If you know me well, you know "My Story" as to why this race will forever hold great significance in my life. Thirteen years ago (2012), my mother, Marlene Kay Black, gained eternal life the night before I ran my first full Pittsburgh marathon. Training served to help me cope with her uterine cancer diagnosis and treatments. She came to watch me do my first half when she was first diagnosed in 2010. We took a picture together at the end of the race and I can vividly recall her wearing a hat to conceal the effects of her chemo treatments.
She continues to remind me I can do hard things and every person with this reality will be a constant source of inspiration. Every stride, I am reminded about everyone who receives this diagnosis to then face the future with strength and grace, just as Marlene did. I participated in this race in every year since her passing to be close to her (other than Kayden's birth year and a virtual experience the 2 years of COVID). Of course, she's always with me, but this event in particular, holds a depth of emotion and connection to her. Not only do I feel closely connected to her at this event, but to eternatiy and the Lord himself.
This year I will run 13.1 miles, one for each of the 13 years since her last day with us. My sister, Jennifer Ganser and her husband Dave, will be running their first half marathon. Unfortuntaly, Marlene's fight isn't the only one that has transpired with the same outcome. Over 5,000 people are diagonised and treated for cancers every day. I pray and strive to help end the suffering and terminality that cancer can be for those diagnosed and their loved ones.
Below is a list of our immediate family members who have been taken from this world far too soon. In their memory, and in recognition for those family and friends that have found returned health and freedom from this disease, I am unwaveringly driven to do hard things. Please consider helping me in my fundraising efforts to find a cure for all cancers, giving back years of health and lives of longevity!!
#Miles for Moms (Tony's mother passed the following year)
June Buterbaugh, age 80
Marlene Black, age 64
Patricia Buterbaugh, age 73
Mary Stockham, age 74
William Black, age 63
Justin Black, age 39
Ruth Smiley, age 61
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 |
|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Anonymous | $107.35 |
| May 05 | Tracey Smith | Undisclosed amount |
| May 05 | Steph white | $54.10 |
| May 04 | Megan Black and Meredith | Undisclosed amount |
| May 04 | T Faber | Undisclosed amount |
| May 04 | Amy, Tony and Kayden | $54.10 |
| May 04 | Melissa | $41.56 |
| May 04 | Ann Kollar | $27.48 |
| May 03 | Strauch Family | $27.48 |
| May 03 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
