I am a patient at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer in 2020 and had surgery performed by Dr. Michael Jaklitsch at Brigham and Women's Hospital in February 2021 to remove all the visible cancer in my left chest cavity. Standard chemotherapy was given to me in 2021 after my surgery. I had short period without detectable cancer. In March of 2022 my scan detected new spots in my chest cavity that were shown to be a recurrence of the cancer. The next phase of my treatment involved infusions of immunotherapy drugs Opdivo and Yervoy for 9 months which slowed tumor growth but did not stop it. After consultation with my oncologist at that time, Dr. J. Paul Marcoux, we decided to stop immunotherapy and consider other options. Dr. Marcoux said they were enrolling patients in a Stage one clinical drug trial that targeted a genetic mutation that has been seen in approximately 20% of mesothelioma patients. My biopsy tissue was tested and it was determined that I have the specific mutation that the new drug was developed to treat. I began the drug trial on 12/30/22 and continue to be treated with the medication. I am in what is referred to as partial remission. There is still no cure but this new drug has been a blessing for me. Thanks to the money from fund raising efforts, new and innovative treatments continue to be developed giving myself and others hope for a longer life and a cure for cancer. That is why I walk.
I am participating in the 2024 Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai, taking steps toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.
When you make a donation to my Walk, you’re directly supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s unique balance between cutting-edge research and compassionate patient care. Your support allows Dana-Farber leaders to enhance programs and initiatives that serve pediatric and adult patients and their families.
Thank you for supporting my Jimmy Fund Walk fundraising efforts. Together, we can defy cancer!
