In April, I'll be running the Boston Marathon in memory of my mother-in-law Elizabeth Durie. Liz was truly a special person. She was an artist, a knitter, a teacher, a mother, grandmother, wife, world traveller, photographer, and overall lover of life. Unfortunately, she was also one of the many afflicted with cancer- in the spring of 2022 she was diagnosed with acute leukemia (AML). She fought valiantly and she had excellent care at a regional cancer center as well as a local one. Unfortunately she lost her battle in August 2023, just a week after her 76th birthday. The care she received was only made possible by the advances in cancer research like that at the DCFI.
A full 100 percent of funds raised will benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at DFCI. This program funds the brightest, most creative scientists making basic research discoveries that are transforming cancer treatment. Investigators have made numerous major breakthroughs resulting in improved survival rates and quality of life for thousands of patients everywhere. One of these breakthroughs led to the discovery that the drug Gefitinib, used initially only for a type of chronic leukemia, could be effective for acute leukemias and led directly to a promising new clinical trial at Dana-Farber. Unfortunately this discovery didn't come in time to help Liz, but it could help many others with AML similar to hers.
Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. I will be running for Liz, but also my friends Kasia, Sara and Dawn, my dad, my poppop, my aunt, my cousin. For anyone who donates $75 or more, I'll also dedicate a specific mile in the marathon to someone of your choosing.
My goal is to raise $16,000 to support Dana-Farber's life-saving research as they work to stamp out cancer. I know it is a huge challenge, and I will need all the support I can get. Please consider making a donation or even just sharing my page on social media, every little bit can make a huge impact.
Thank you for your support! Together, we're headed toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.
