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.
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.
2 comments:
Ok,ladies time to start training! I'll donate another $50 dollars to Kristin after she finishes the race. I'll also give another $50 to Kathleen when she finishes the first 13 miles. Not that I don't think Kath will finish, but us old ladies need to stick together. Love you both--Kell.
One morning, like many others, I was driving on Pakachoag Hill here in Auburn,Ma. I see this young girl running at a pretty good pace, blonde pony tail swinging, I'm thinking " Look at that kid go, she's kickin butt..." As I'm driving by her I here my daughter yell " Hey, Mom look thats Kaffleen!" I look back in my mirror and sure as anything it was Kathleen.
The next morning at the bus stop I see her. I notice the new sneakers, hmmm..., new running shorts too. "Hey Kathleen, was that you running up on Pakachoag yesterday morning?" She gives me that Kathleen smile, covers her eyes with both hands and says sheepishly.." Yah, my sister and I are gonna run the Boston Marathon." She looks at me and starts laughing," What was I thinking?"
Since then Kathleen dedicatedly gets up every morning, goes for her run, comes home in time to say good bye to Tom. Then gets Gwen and Colin ready and off for school...they come around the corner two big kids usually first then Kath with little Tommy and Jordan (dog). The bus pulls up always lots of hugs and kisses from Kath and Tommy to Gwen and Collin as they hop on the bus and off they go.
Kath will get up the next morning and start her day just the same... Other than the fact that she is making me and the rest of us Mom's look bad, we all are proud of her and know that she is not only a great Wife, Mom and Daughter but Sister as well!
Good Luck Kathleen!
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