Hi everyone! I am excited & honored to announce that I'll be running the 129th Boston Marathon with Dana- Farber Cancer Institute.
I'm running the Boston Marathon for my Dad, who is courageously battling Glioblastoma IV Astrocytoma. This race is my way of honoring his strength, resilience, and endless positivity that he's shown throughout this challenging journey. Running this marathon is my way of standing by him, showing him that even in the hardest moments, there is always hope.
The staff at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been an incredible source of support throughout my Dad’s treatment. They continue to provide top-tier medical care but also emotional support with a side of humor that has helped us navigate this challenging journey. The nurses, doctors, radiology technologists, medical assistants, phlebotomists, and more have gone above and beyond in treating my Dad with compassion, respect, and expertise. We are so grateful for the unwavering dedication and kindness they’ve shown us during this challenging time.
For those unfamiliar with Glioblastoma (GBM), here are a few important facts:
-Glioblastoma: is one of the most aggressive cancers known, and is the most common form of primary brain cancer. It is a fast-growing, highly malignant brain cancer.
- It's difficult to treat: Treatment options are limited due the complexity of treating this cancer. It is resistant to chemo and radiation. Surgery is used quite often but it is not possible to fully resect all cancer cells due to it's invasive nature.
- There is a lack of funding, research, and recognition: there is a lack of awareness about GBM as it is rarer than other forms of cancer. There is less public knowledge about it's severity and impact on those it affects. It is underfunded in terms of research which in turn hinders finding more effective treatments.
- There isn't a cure: thus far, no clinical trials have established a consistently successful treatment in GBM.
That's a lot right? In other words: there is work to be done.
100% of every dollar raised by the DFMC team supports the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These funds are fueling some of today's most promising basic cancer research.
I cannot wait to cross that finish line for my Dad and all those who have been affected by Glioblastoma.
Thank you for your support! XOXO Tara
