I will ride 70 km in Japan to raise funds for head and neck and thyroid cancer research and patient support.
Those of you who know me, know that I am a runner. I completed 7 full marathons – mostly to raise funds for the leukemia and lymphoma society (LLS) since my eldest son Max lost his best friend James to leukemia when they were both only ten years old. Since my ankle no longer tolerates long distance running after 3 reconstructions, I am retired from marathoning…Now I run shorter distances, and I try to break it up and bike once in a while. While we are in Japan in early August, Michael and I will complete the 70 kilometer Shimanami Kaido – said to be Japan’s most beautiful bike ride.
Just today, I read a description of the ride that said – “if you are afraid of heights – do not even attempt this ride”. Unfortunately, I am afraid of heights. Yet, here is the purpose of this campaign. On a daily basis – I am faced with the “ugly monster” that is cancer (thank you Tony for the most appropriate description that will stay with me always). Most of us know someone who has endured the battle against the ugly monster – or even worse, have battled it themselves. In spite of the fear, horrendous treatments, side effects, disfigurement, changed relationships – inability to eat, speak, kiss or smile – I see incredible strength in each patient and the caring compassion of family members and loved ones as everyone involved battles the ugly monster. It is for these individuals that I will fight my own fear and cycle for 70 km. When I am tired or feel I cannot make it up a hill – I will be inspired by each and every patient (and the struggles they have endured throughout treatment). I have been blessed to get to know so many truly incredible heroes over the past decade.
Please support my efforts to raise funds for research to better understand head and neck and thyroid cancers – provide educational materials to those worldwide – and give support to the patients and their family members as they face a new normal – and defeat the ugly monster. With 328 people newly diagnosed every day, our work is pressing.
Please help me to reach my goal of raising $100 for every kilometer of the ride – 70 in total. Every donation counts! The THANC Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity and appropriate tax documentation will be provided to everyone who donates. Thank you for your support!
Donors
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David and Vicky Rubino
$100 -
Nancy McCarthy
$100 -
Arlene Katz Spitzer
$250 -
John Conklin
$500 -
Harley Haberman
$100 -
John Garraty
$100 -
Enid Manning
$100 -
cookie slimowitz
$981 -
Henry Klein
$175 -
Ilya Likhterov
$100