The picture you see above is the last taken of the two of us before our lives would forever change.
Our journey began more than 3 years ago, half way around the world. A highly anticipated trip to see my sister and explore a new part of the world turned into our worst nightmare in the blink of an eye. With one cough, our lives would never be the same.
Ed's diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells with no cure to date, came 13 days after he fractured his sacrum on a cruise ship, from a cough that rendered him unable to walk, or even sit up. The diagnosis came after a 10-day stay in a hospital in Oman and a 7000-mile, 24-hour air ambulance trip back to the US. Even before we got back to the US we knew it was cancer, but what kind on cancer, and what road lay ahead, was still uncertain.
Flash forward more than 3 years, and he has come a long way! Surgery, extensive physical therapy, an autologous stem cell transplant, chemotherapy and bone-strengthening infusions have gotten him out of the hospital bed and back on his feet doing many of the things he loves. The road to today hasn't been easy, but he has met every challenge with a fighter's tenacity. He is my hero.
I don't know where we would be without the care, treatment advancements, and ongoing research of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. But I do know one thing: I made a promise 3 years ago that if I couldn't find a cure myself, I would commit to raising funds every year to support those hard at work at making my dream a reality: a cure. Please, help me reach that goal!
I am participating in the 2020 Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk: Your Way presented by Hyundai, taking steps toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer!
When you make a gift to my walk, you’re directly supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s unique 50-50 balance between cutting-edge science and highly compassionate cancer 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 participation in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Together, we can conquer cancer!
