My Story…
A few short days after last year's Pgh Half Marathon everything suddenly changed... my mom was abruptly being sent to the ER in Louisville with a large mass in her brain. In the days that followed she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain cancer and no great options or positive outcomes. Our family's summer was turned upside down as I along with my siblings took care of Mom through initial treatment and then home hospice care. There were struggles, and ups and downs, and love and pain, but it was the time we had and we made the best of it that we could with what we were given. Mom passed on October 6th, 2024, a month away from her 69th birthday - taken away too early by this extremely aggressive form of cancer.
After over a decade of running to support Pittsburgh area dog shelters, (and successfully raising over $11,000 with the support of awesome folks like you!) I felt the need to do something different this year.
This year I am running for the American Cancer Society in honor of Mom and to help others. We need to fund research to enable early detection when outcomes can be dramatically improved. We need to fund support for patients and their families as they deal with the rollercoaster of emotions and physical struggles that come along with diagnosis and treatment. We need to find a way to improve patient’s lives after being given a crushing diagnosis of something like GBM.
I'm aiming to raise $1000 to support the American Cancer Society and make a difference in the fight against cancer. As in years past if I reach this goal I'll run the half marathon in my kilt.
This goal and challenge means something different this year, and it will be a different kind of struggle - but I'm determined to make it count and to make a difference in Mom's honor.
If you are able to donate I greatly appreciate your support and thank you for contributing to help make a difference.
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 03 | David & Megan Baker | Undisclosed amount |
| May 02 | Steve Z | Undisclosed amount |
| May 01 | Shelby Meyers | $25.00 |
| May 01 | Mara Weber | $107.35 |
| May 01 | Heather Saxon | $54.10 |
| May 01 | Gayle Manculich | $27.48 |
| Apr 30 | Tim and Susan Arvin | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 29 | Jen, Cheryl, & Katie | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 28 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 28 | Ed, Mary Kay, Steve, Chris, and Tim Arvin | $384.25 |
