Inspirational Stories
Alexandra
Volunteer
Howard Beach, NY United States
My dad was diagnosed with leukemia this past fall. Our family was left in utter shock- as my dad was the epitome of health his whole life. From our yearly ski trips, hiking and biking excursions, and running 4 marathons !!! (motivating me to run my first with him) - there was nothing he couldn’t do. He continues to be the strongest man I know - 5 months into his battle, he continues to face every day with a smile and his head held high. Despite having faced a multitude of complications, he’s been defying all odds and proving to us, once again, how strong and resilient he truly is.
After 5 rounds of chemo, we are still trying to pave our way toward remission. This road has been long and definitely not easy, but now more than ever we truly realize the importance of research and funding in the field of oncology. With the numerous complications my dad has been experiencing, we are turning towards clinical trials and research with hopes of providing us with a light at the end of the tunnel.
In light of his diagnosis, I have made the commitment to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and run the NYC marathon in 2023 for him. After running my first-ever marathon with him just last April, I want to run this race and dedicate it to not only him but every family who has gone through battling cancer.
