In 2019 we were truly blessed to walk with our Dad and Papa in the Jimmy Fund Walk benefiting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s unique balance between cutting-edge research and compassionate patient care.
It was a very surreal experience because he was a patient there in 2006 having a life-saving stem cell transplant and then he was in the best shape of his life walking with us. His treatment he received at Dana-Farber gave him “16 Bonus Years” to meet all 5 of his grandchildren and live life to the fullest.
He first was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 1989 and was 39 years old. He kept having recurrences. What we learned at Dana-Farber is that his cancer cells were never really going away, they were laying dormant, making him look like he was in remission. Through the research they do, they knew if he had a stem cell transplant they could extend his life by killing the cancer cells through this process.
We walk and support this cancer institution so other patients can have the same experience we had that allowed us to have our Papa and Dad around for longer than we thought we ever would! We walk in his memory now, sharing is strength and carrying a little bit of Joey Z with us always!!
For our experiences, Dana-Farber has our hearts and we thank you for supporting my our Jimmy Fund Walk fundraising efforts. Together, we can defy cancer!
