beLIVe's Fundraising Page

Every story has a hero’s journey. One where the protagonist will go through the trials of life as they face adversity disguised as “adventure.” People will read these stories, hoping that the ending is wrapped up with the hero riding off into the sunset, entirely transformed from when they began. Once that happens, no one remembers the intricacies of the journey, the hardships and the successes from the chapters before. But the journey is what defines the story, molds a character, and holds the most beauty.

So, to the cancer heroes, we celebrate the journey. The entire story. We recognize the deepest pits of despair to extend a hand to comfort. We celebrate the peeks of euphoria with the same enthusiasm. We bear witness to the fear and the pain, even if we don’t fully understand. We admire those who conquer each day despite a disease they cannot control where one cannot stop to say “I’m tired” or “I’ve tried.” We see the strength of pushing forward and the relentless sacrifices in the pursuit of better health, and we will work to remind you all of such.

We walk to congratulate how far you have come. We walk in solidarity, as if hand-in-hand, to remind you that despite what life throws at you, testing, treatments, symptoms, heart-wrenching personal and familial sacrifices that the journey stands as a way the heroes move forward. All heroes end up on their knees. All heroes will look at themselves and see a change. All heroes keep moving forward. Through all the hardest times, heroes need friends, family, and loved ones who encourage them and see what they go through.

BeLIVing came about when Olivia was fighting brain cancer as a nine-year-old. It serves as a reminder that cancer impacts every area of life, but to keep believing in the journey that lies ahead. That it’s okay to look back at life and hope for the future, but to believe in the power of a hero’s journey.

Not all heroes will ride off into the sunset. Life doesn’t work like that. Yet, when life brings unwarranted and senseless pain, or fear and concern, beLIVing can become a rallying cry. BeLIVing can be the reminder to live when all of life seems to be surviving until the next day. We hope that there are more moments of holding your daughter’s hand and seeing the look of love in her eyes. Moments of quiet where you feel at peace. Moments of immense joy that your heart bursts with sheer happiness. Moments where you can be a kid once again, laughing as if there is no concern in the world. We hope there are more moments where, despite everything, you chose to live the fullest you can.

LIV for yourself. Be the hero you always are. When there is a stumble or a great triumph, it’s all a part of the journey. You can’t decide how the journey ends, but we hope you can decide what the future means. We walk to show we love you through it all.