Fighting Cancer: If not me, then who? If not you, then who?

It is not secret that this year training has been challenging for me. I have really been struggling with getting in all the miles because like so many of my teammates, family members and friends-our days are filled with so much and our to-do lists are growing faster than we can cross tasks off the list.  We work too many hours. We fill our calendars with more than should be squeezed into a 24 hour period. We do the best to make it all work and expect that it should. In fact, many of us live as if there are more than 24 hours in a day and when we struggle, we wonder why? I am happy to say that while not perfect, this week was better. I logged almost 30 miles this week. Getting back to our team runs after the holidays was the reminder that I needed. We run to raise funds to fight cancer.  As challenging as it is, it is one of the most important things I do. 

Team Matty- One of my greatest reminders

Fundraising Update:

This week has been a strong fundraising week. I am $1150 more than I was a week ago and have now raised $4425.  This means I am now $10,575 away from my goal of $15,000. I am so very appreciative of all the support I have received. I will also share that I received an incredibly generous $1000 donation from one of my dearest anonymous friends. This is my largest donation this year and I am incredibly grateful at this unbelievable level of commitment and support. I am in awe! Each and every dollar brings us a step closer to our collective goal. So whether you can donate $5 or $1000 it all makes a difference. So thank you for your continue support at whatever level you can! It is so appreciated and will be put to such great use. 

If not me, who?

Fighting Cancer is why we run. It is that simple. I think many people would be surprised how many of us would not be running this far and in this cold, if it were not for this unifying sense of purpose-fighting cancer. It is true, I, like many of my teammates do not love to run for hours in the cold temperatures of New England. We do it because it allows us to make a difference. The fight against cancer is not an easy one. It is a long road and demands a sustained commitment. We log miles each week to fuel the fight with our feet and our fundraising. After the 18 weeks of training and fundraising, it is a collective five million dollar difference. So we run even though it is hard and we ask for donations even though we know money may be tight. This is not someone's battle to fight. It is all our fight. 

My inspiring teammates who logged 16 miles with one purpose-fighting cancer

 When I get up early on a Saturday morning after a long work week to go run 16 or more miles in the freezing cold, I do find myself asking, “Why do I do this?” It does not take long and I am very quickly reminded of the many people for whom my teammates and I run. I see pictures of my friend Matt’s nephew Josh or Matty Dubuc. I am reminded of the Dubuc Family (team Matty) who will be also facing the cold to make sure we have water, gatorade and gummy bears. I am reminded of all my family, friends and co-workers who have been impacted by cancer and who have lost love ones and for the many who continue to fight the good fight. I am reminded of the five people whose names were on the back of my shirt when  I ran last year and who were also alive and who have since lost their battle with cancer. I am reminded of my teammates who are cancer survivors and who join me to run in the cold because they can and because they are not finished fighting cancer even though they are now cancer free. I am reminded of how devastating a disease cancer is and the many lives it touches of those whom I do not even know.

 In the midst of what feels like despair, I am also reminded that possibility exists when cutting edge research at Dana Farber is funded. It is here where possibility becomes probable in the distant future. Then my rhetorical question of “Why?” is answered with another question, “if not me, then who?” It is here I am reminded that we all have responsibility to make the world a better place. Change begins with me and with each and every one of us. If we accept the responsibility for making the change we must act. Training for the marathon and making this a priority for 18 weeks per year is hard. It is incredibly hard.  I will not sugar coat it. It is a huge demand on time and is physically demanding. However, it has allowed me to raise over $30,000 in two short years. If I did not make this commitment to run and have the support of so many family members, friends, and co-workers that would be $30K less to fight cancer research. This is why I continue to get out and log the miles (and also donate) and I hope you will continue to support my efforts because it is our collective effort that is making the enormous difference. My running is made meaningful only when combined with your support.

 I also continue to be inspired by my teammates and want to share a quick example of the challenges that training brings. One of my teammates was not able to run with us this past weekend. It was her daughter’s birthday and she wanted to spend the day with her. So what did she do? She got up at 3:30am and ran 16 miles on her treadmill so she could get her miles in without interrupting her time with her daughter. If that is not dedication and commitment to fighting cancer, I am not sure what is. My teammates and I have accepted the commitment and responsibility to fight the good fight.  We often ask, “If not us, then who?” I guess, when thinking about fundraising and the many donations we need, I can also ask, “If not you, then who?” What is your answer? I hope you will continue to support our efforts in any way you can and help Dana Farber reach the ultimate goal- a world without cancer. Here is the link to my fundraising page http://www.runDFMC.org/2014/kerryd. Help keep the momentum going.

With Gratitude,

Kerry D