Imagine.....
A world where my mom isn't sick
A world where she could still give me a kiss, a hug
A world where I could tell her it is going to be okay
A world where we could be traveling together again
A world where my mom is not confused or anxious
A world where she is not hurting
This is a world without cancer
Last October our lives changed in a way none of us could have foreseen.
Here is our story,
- October 30th, 2006 our mom was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a stage IV cancerous brain tumor. We were told with radical treatment the median survival is 12 months.
- She underwent a craniotomy (brain surgery) to remove a large amount of the tumor.
- After 4 weeks of rehab she was able to go home but only with constant supervision
- Then a 6 week round of radiation and the first round of chemotherapy. At the same time mom was attending a day program for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- We got through another round of chemo in spring.
- In mid-May we had a new scan that showed new growth. At that time we were told that no medical treatments would work and that we would be lucky to have a month.
- Mom was placed on hospice.
- Seven months after being told that mom only had a month to live she passed away. We all miss our mom terribly.
Those are the details but read between those lines and you will see our struggle, our heartbreaking journey with cancer. We know our families story is not unique and that is why finding treatments to cure this disease is such an important goal.
How does this all connect to running a marathon? We, as a family, want to take steps to prevent this from happening to other families. Through raising money from your donations for cancer research (which we are enabled to do so through Dana Farber Cancer Institute) we are taking steps in the right direction.
- Unlike general hospitals, Dana-Farber specializes exclusively in cancer research and care
- For five straight years, Dana-Farber has been ranked as the best cancer hospital in New England and fourth best in the nation in U.S.News and World Report's America's Best Hospitals" survey.
- Harvard Medical School affiliate
- The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge aims to raise $4.5 million for the Barr Program to better understand, treat, and, ultimately, cure cancer. The DFMC directs 100% of funds raised to the Barr Program, which enables scientists at the leading edge of discovery to achieve better cure rates and to enhance patients’ quality of life.
Kathleen is married to Tom and has 3 kids: Gwenyth (7), Colin (5), and Tommy (2). She lives in the Boston area. This is her first marathon.
Why am I running? "Kristin is making me."
Kristin is an ICU nurse. She moved home to Illinois to take care of her mom. She is the primary caregiver.
Why am I running? "My mom is a strong hard-working loving person who has given me the world. I can't thank her enough. This is the least I could do. "
