Inspirational Stories

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) holds a special place in my heart. I lost my mother to therapy associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in July 2021. AML is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It can be very aggressive and progress rapidly without treatment. There are still certain forms of AML that do not have effective treatments, like the one my mother had. LLS was a resource I knew about from my work in solid tumor cancer research. It helped provide me with patient and caregiver resources that I needed at an extremely difficult time in my life.

It is my honor to not only run the New York City Marathon in memory of my mother but also to raise funds for a cause that is extremely important to me and one that helps so many people. My mother meant the world to me. She helped me get through dark times in my life and believed in me when no one else did, not even myself. She pushed me to fulfill the potential she knew I had. I am dedicating all my runs to her today and forever. Para Hilda.