I never imagined I would be 71 years old, no less still be running, and training for my 26th New York City (NYC) Marathon and raising over $107,000 for cancer researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. <\/p>\n
When cancer killed my sister at 51 and my brother at 41, I was sure it would get me. That monster disease has skipped me so far, is unpredictable, and hurts too many. <\/p>\n
Last year after the marathon, I was invited by Fred’s Team to visit MSK Pediatric patients and families. I would run a marathon every day, barefoot, if it could cure those kids. <\/p>\n
Research has made cancer a treatable disease. There’s hope for many more survivors, like my brothers; one fought a brain tumor, another lymphoma. <\/p>\n
A result of MSK research is my friend happily traveling the world, in spite of one of the most deadly cancers! There are many survivors because of cutting edge treatments that became available in time for them. <\/p>\n
I am thankful that the least I can do is run and raise funds for research for the many who are fighting cancer. They have inspired me to continue their fight, so that in their names, others won’t have to suffer as they did.<\/p>\n
Last year was amazing! So thankful to Owego and my New York area friends, family, and new Florida friends who generously donated $8,821.90 to my Fred\u2019s Team effort. <\/p>\n
Your donations for research were recognized on the Sloan-Kettering Donor Recognition Wall as a top tier fundraiser. More than money is the announcement of successful treatments for formerly deadly cancers like NSCLC. <\/p>\n
I am hoping to raise $7,100 to help many more people, especially kids, to have as many birthdays as I have had.<\/p>\n
Since enjoying running the hills and bridges in Owego\u2019s better weather, I’ll complain about returning to Florida heat and humidity, running at 4:30 a.m. to beat the hot sun! But I\u2019m also feeling excited to be training for my 26th NYC Marathon and am once again seeking donations for cancer research. <\/p>\n