"If at first you don't succeed, TRY, TRY AGAIN!!!!"
On October 12th, 2014, I will be in Chicago to finally attempt running the Chicago marathon. I'm all trained and ready to rock. This wasn't the case last October, when I first planned to run because a broken foot in September altered my plan. None of this really matters when compared to the real reason I'm doing this...although I want to honor my commitment to everyone who donated to ALSF last year to sponsor me!!
This October my daughter Kate will reach the seven-year post treatment mark as a survivor of stage IV neuroblastoma. She was diagnosed with this awful disease at the tender age of 11 months and endured eight rounds of chemo, countless needle pokes, bone marrow biopsies, hospital stays and several surgeries. We count ourselves as richly blessed! She's now an amazing eight year old who keeps us on our toes!
I have far too many friends who have lost children to cancer. It's a price I cannot imagine paying and tears well up in my eyes even as I type this sentence. Kids don't do anything to their bodies to cause cancer (as we adults sometimes do) and should be running, playing and growing - not suffering and far too often dying. WE NEED MORE NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS - and this is the bad part....it's not financially attractive for drug companies to pursue solutions. So, new treatments depend on the level of funding from the government (minimal) and people who care.
I'm running this marathon to celebrate 7 years cancer free for Kate and draw attention to the need for funding. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised MILLIONS to fund new research - one cup at a time and one run at time. Will you consider sponsoring me and assisting us with funding new research? Thank you!!!
-Karen
