This January 2024, I mark 25 years in remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma and have decided to personally give back to those battling cancer by running the Boston Marathon with Dana-Farber to raise funds for crucial cancer research. I intend to run 26.2 miles through my home city with family and friends supporting along the way. Your support, encouragement, and faith in me, as well as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will help motivate and sustain me through my demanding training runs and ultimately through the marathon next spring.
My life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma during my sophomore year at Brown University. Until then, my whole world had revolved around academics, a semester abroad, and social life. Then suddenly, 3 days after having a swollen neck, cancer consumed my world with 6 months of chemotherapy, 1 month of radiation, and eventually remission and a renewed life. My long haul and fortunate outcome showed me that I was indeed a lucky person. I have since learned that my triumph prepared me to face many of life's future challenges with a new perspective and appreciation.
I have pledged to raise over $14,000 by May 15, 2024 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and I am writing to ask for your financial support in achieving my goal. As an employee at Dana-Farber, I truly know what an amazing place the hospital is; it has been committed to providing adult and children with the best cancer treatments since 1947. The physicians and scientists have pioneered therapeutic regimens that have sparked remarkable progress in treating patients with cancer. Thanks to the generous donations of people like yourself, cancer survival rates have risen and will continue to rise.
Although I am a cancer survivor, I will be running my marathon in honor of other cancer patients. Memories of the brave cancer patients I met while undergoing my own treatments and family and friends who have or are going through treatment will inspire me during my marathon. My legs will feel numb as if they can run no further, but I will never forget the feeling of cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, and the challenges of survival. My physical contribution and your financial contributions will help many people so that eventually no one will have to endure personal memories of cancer, chemotherapy or radiation.
No amount is too small but be as generous as you want! 100% of every dollar I raise supports the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at DFCI. If you don't know what amount to donate, you can think in terms of donating $2 for every mile that I complete. Every dollar you give and every footstep I take will be one step closer to finding a cure for cancer.
I look forward to seeing your faces along the sidelines of my marathon and to let you hear my cheers of thanks for YOUR support and belief in me and Dana-Farber. Thank you!
"We all have miles to go before we sleep."
Most Sincerely,
Elena Togashi
