Why I Run
At three years old I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Over the next several years, I spent much of my time in Stony Brook hospital under the care of their incredible doctors and nurses. By the grace of God I was cured and have been cancer-free for 22 years.
One of the lessons I learned from my cancer experience is that we can all do more than we think. When hospital stays are long, when surgeries are on the horizon, when we are worn out from the physical and mental strain that comes with cancer treatment- there's always more to give.
I run to honor my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ- my Healer and Provider. That He may be glorified with every step I take.
I run to honor the work of Dr. Prakash, Dr. Parker, Nurse Rosemarie, Nurse Jeanie, Nurse Debbie and every single medical professional who played a part in getting me back to health.
I run to honor the sacrifices that my Mom, Dad, brother, sister and grandparents made during my treatment so my health could be the main focus.
I run to honor the lives of those who were not able to make it to the other side of cancer treatment.
Though I will be the one running in NYC, this race is about every single person who played a part in getting me back to full health and to the starting line of one of the most iconic marathons in the world.
Why Team CSC
In the several years that followed my cancer treatment, I experienced severe anxiety and panic attacks on a nightly basis. I did not have a community like CSC to assist me and had to process a lot of the trauma I experienced without the proper resources. CSC provides free social and emotional support for people impacted by cancer and their loved ones. My prayer through this fundraising effort is that everyone going through cancer, not just patients but their loved ones as well, receives the love and support that they need through the amazing resources that CSC provides.
