Shape the Future

I wanted to share the following with you all that my friend Anna wrote in support of my cause. I have known Anna and her twin sister Amy since our childhood days on the playground- we have all been on many adventures in this crazy life and I am so blessed to have the support of them to this day!

"SHAPE THE FUTURE: “IDEALISTS, FOOLISH ENOUGH TO THROW CAUTION TO THE WINDS, HAVE ADVANCED MANKIND AND HAVE ENRICHED THE WORLD”   -Emma Goldman

I think running marathons is crazy. It takes a certain taint of foolishness to go out onto the pavement, day after day, and run those little legs to jelly just to end up right at your front door again. But it’s that type of crazy that makes all the difference in the world. I have known Sarah for a long time, and I am blessed by her gentleness, edged by a drive within her that pushes her along towards the better; whether it be decisions, or jobs, or her faith, or her running goals. She, like me, has been deeply affected by cancer and we can share in that struggle like so many. When I was 3, my siblings and I lost our 30 year old mother to colon cancer back when it was an obscure and predominantly fatal type. That is how cancer came crashing into our reality and has never quite wanted to leave. My family also recently lost a beloved sister and aunt again far too young and full of a life to live to have to submit it to something that seems so unnecessary.

This is why what Sarah is doing is so important, and what we can do as supporters is even more vital to this cause. Because cancer is a reality for all of us, and even though Sarah is the crazy one who will go out and pound pavement, we are the ones that can take moments and support her along the way to idealism. Even one story made ideal, when cancer is prevented or treated, is worth some foolishness.

As Albert Schweitzer says, “even if it’s a little thing, do something for those in need of help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.” So go get ‘em Sarah and keep being crazy!"

Thank you, Anna, for your support and writing this.  

Last weekend, we raised $235 in honor of my sorority sister Kristin, and I hope that this week we can raise the same amount! Thanks again to all of you who have donated, every dollar makes a difference! Let's get to $1,000 by the end of the week :)

Have a great week!

-S

Supporting a Sister

One of my beautiful Tri Delta sisters wrote the following to share with you all after reading this blog...

"As a cancer survivor, what Sarah is doing is truly inspiring. Cancer Research is vitally important in our fight against cancer. When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I was shocked. Speaking with others, I learned that 30 years ago there was no standard treatment- everything was experimental, trying to find the right combination of chemo drugs, and radiation. Research through the years has changed that and is why my doctors were so optimistic in my treatment and subsequent remission. However that is not to say that our duty has ended. No one can foresee being diagnosed with cancer, nor how one will react to somewhat standard treatment. Just the smallest of advances in research can make large impacts on every day lives. Sarah's training for the marathon while raising money for cancer research is something truly inspiring. Let's face it, research, and especially medical research is expensive, however even the smallest donation can make a large impact and get us that much closer to a cure for all cancers. Join me in saying Thank you and Good Luck Sarah!!"

I want to thank you, Kristin, for being such an inspiration to all of us! In honor of Kristin, I am going to match $1 for every person who makes a donation before midnight on Monday the 14th. As she stated, even the smallest donation can make a large impact! Let's try to get at least 30 donations in the next 2 days!

Training continues to go well and every run I am extra motivated by people such as Kristin who have exemplified great strength in their battles with cancer. Every weekend on my long run I become more impressed with the beautiful scenery Boston has to offer so close to the city! A quote from Anita Ortiz says it very well "Every day, I stop halfway through my run for five minutes, look around, and enjoy the surroundings. I'm reminded of why I do this and why I love it so much." Running has given me the freedom to see some beautiful places hidden in nature.





I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend with NFL playoffs going on...personally, I am more excited about the return of the NHL this week!

Take care!

-S

An Inside Look At Clinical Trials

First and foremost, I would like to thank all of you who have donated to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute! I am blessed to have such a wonderful group of people supporting me on this journey. You have all made a difference in getting us one step closer to the cure!

A wonderful friend of mine from Nashville is involved with cancer research for her career. She has written the following tidbit to share with you all...

"Cancer research is a phrase thrown around during most philanthropic events, but rarely anyone thinks about the people involved in the research. Our aspect of the research is oncology clinical trials; I work as a data analyst for oncology clinical trials at a major university medical center, which is also one of 21 National Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. In my position I analyze lab values from the blood work of patients on clinical trials. These clinical trials are the future of treatment in a wide range of cancer types, however participants enroll on these trials because they have had little success with traditional treatments. Their participation not only tries to rid them of their cancer, but also makes strides in future treatments. 

While I absolutely love my choice of careers, oncology clinical trials can be very challenging mentally; as an analyst I am assigned specific trials and I follow the patients from the point in which they enroll on a trial to their death. On a daily basis I am immersed in my patients treatment, yet I never meet them; I know their medical and personal history inside and out, but they have no idea that I'm involved in their care. If they pass away, I read all the condolences in their charts and say a silent prayer for their family, some days this happens more than once. 

Cancer research with interaction with patients requires a very particular person, but I know each and every one of my colleagues is committed to do our part in finding cures for all cancer types. Even a small donation to Sarah's cause will help make progress towards this goal."

I am so honored to run on behalf of those patients and families who have struggled throughout their treatment. With the help of all of you, we can make a significant impact in funding different cancer research studies to help turn more of these stories into positive ones.

On a training note, today marked my second double-digit run in which I logged 16 miles. It was a beautiful day here and I was able to go explore some parts of the city I haven't seen before. The extra motivation having all of this support behind me has been tremendous!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

-S