Thank you for reading my story and supporting my journey as I fundraise and run "across the country" with many other Team DetermiNation runners! This time, though, during these unprecedented times of social distancing, instead of running together and crossing the finish line physically, we are all running on our own but logging our miles and working together as a team to fundraise and to make our miles more meaningful from June 1-7.
If you've read our team page, or if I've asked you to donate in the past, you already have a sense of why I am running and fundraising for the American Cancer Society. As time continues to go by, cancer continues to affect too many people in my life, and these people deserve to be honored and remembered.
I am running for my beautiful friend Esther whose quiet strength and determination kicked cancer's butt! She is a new mom and her rockstar attitude and strength continue to amaze me. She has proven that love, belief, and positivity can conquer.
I am running in memory of Mark who, despite being told he had only 6 months to live, got back his bike and powered through for 6.5 more years, teaching me and everyone who knew him how to truly experience life. Sadly Mark passed away in December of 2018, but his memory and his legacy have only just begun, and he continues to remind us that "all you need is love" (and a bicycle, of course).
I am running in memory of our angel Kelly, who fought stronger and harder than anyone should have to, and who loved her beautiful son Danny Boy so deeply. Her strength and love continue to empower and inspire me and everyone who knew her.
I am running in memory of Chava, a childhood friend who faced cancer when we were merely teenagers. She taught us all how to appreciate life, and she blessed us with memories of bright smiles, beautiful singing, loud laughs and a true love of life. I am also running in memory of her father, Moreh Shem, who joined Chava 4 years ago. Moreh Shem has left behind a legacy of knowledge, education and a passion for learning that he instilled in all of his students.
I am running for Shira and Cookie, the mothers of two of my dear friends. They were true Eshet Chayils (Hebrew for "women of valor") - incredible mothers, caregivers, educators, friends, nature-lovers, and community leaders. Their huge hearts radiated love in all that they did, and the warmth of their smiles have left an everlasting mark on everyone who knew them.
I am running in memory of my grandparents, Grandma Ida and Papa Sam, who raised a beautiful family and unfortunately lost their fights to cancer before seeing all of their grandchildren grow up into adults and parents themselves.
I am running for everyone who is fighting or has fought this horrific disease, and for everyone who is or has been affected by cancer - people close to me and people I haven't yet had the blessing to meet. We are all fighting together.
I am excited to once again be running and fundraising for the American Cancer Society as a part of BUnitedforaCure and DetermiNation - this is the 5th race that we have reunited as Team BUnitedforaCure and each time I am more and more proud of these amazing women and each time I feel us all grow stronger as individuals and as a team.
Thank you for helping me help others and work towards finding a cure for cancer so fewer people have to suffer.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: cancer is taking away too much time and energy from the amazing people in my life and the lives of others, and I want to do all that I can to help end this cruel disease.
Together, we can BUnited for a Cure in the fight against cancer!
