Help Kathleen raise money

I remember the moment like it was yesterday - it was a day in 2009, I was standing in the university lounge with a friend of mine when my mom called to tell me that my sister had breast cancer. She was 28 years old. I thought that there was no way, there must be some sort of mistake she is way too young - but it was true. My sister, Lauren, did indeed have breast cancer. Given her age, her access to a mammogram after finding the lump was delayed by an entire year due to denial from her insurance company, so at diagnosis it was stage II. She underwent a double mastectomy, along with chemo and radiation - she was cancer free for nine years after that.

I am so grateful, that God gave me more time with my sister - but I will always wish I had more time here with her. In 2021, Lauren passed away from terminal breast cancer at age 40. 

My sister spent her time here on Earth, loving others, learning about cancer and other disabilities, and fighting back against organizations that didn't truly support the mission of cancer research. She even obtained her PhD as a Medical Humanist focusing on portrayals of illness and disability in visual media. 

When I signed up for this marathon, I had a few vague why's for why I wanted to do it - but it never felt like enough. I wanted to do something that gave back, that first and foremost, used my running to glorify God. 

When the opportunity to run the marathon as a part of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) team came up, I knew that I had found my why. The AACR gives nearly 90% of it's funding back into it's organization's work: to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, communication, collaboration, research funding and science policy and advocating. I urge you to check out their 2024 Cancer Impact Report on their website. 

I know this is an organization Lauren would be proud to support, which means it has earned my pledge to help support it in honor of my late sister in turn bringing glory to God through my miles in the process. 

If you feel called to support my journey, I would appreciate your donation be it large or small - I know either way it will impact our world and people impacted by cancer.