And you know what the best part of yesterday's run was? My teammates. My truly amazing and inspiring teammates.
Before the run. During the run. After the run. High-fiving along the way, cheering each other on in our longest runs yet, and congratulating each other on meeting mileage or fundraising goals. Welcoming teammates from out of town to their first group run. A quick "Go Dana-Farber" or "Good job you're almost there" as you pass each other in opposite directions on Heartbreak Hill. Turning back and running another half mile on 18 mile legs to make sure your teammate is okay when they are waiting for the longest crosswalk light in history (thanks Shannon and Jon...seriously, that thing felt like it took an hour!). And most importantly, sharing our stories about why and for who we run. I am so incredibly blessed and honored to be a part of this team and everything it represents, and my teammates inspire me each and every day.
Given I spent yesterday's run with a teammate whose Mother is currently battling pancreatic cancer at Dana-Farber, today's impact statement is in honor of her and demonstrates the importance of the Barr program research this challenge is funding.
Barr Program investigator Alec Kimmelman, MD, PHD discovered that hydroxychloroquine, currently used for treating malaria, is effective in
shrinking or slowing the growth of pancreatic cancers. Hydroxychloroquine is a
drug that inhibits “autophagy,” a process that enables cells to break down and
eliminate structures such as damaged cell membranes. Cancer cells use autophagy
to outwit chemotherapy treatment: by activating this process they survive the
stress of therapy. Dr. Kimmelman discovered that autophagy is turned on all at all times in pancreatic
cancer cells suggesting that pancreas tumors are highly dependent on autophagy
and therefore good candidates for autophagy-inhibiting treatments. These treatments were found to be very effective in mouse model trials and are now being tested in human clinical trials.
Thank you to those of you who have already donated and helped me towards my goal of raising $13,100 for this life saving and changing research. I am only $1325 away from that goal and I know we will reach or surpass that before I take my first step in Hopkinton in just six short weeks! Make sure to check out and spread the word about my "Marathon March Madness" opportunity drawings giving you the chance to win a Coach handbag, Red Sox tickets, and more throughout March!
T-Minus 42 days!
Some motivation posted by one of my amazing teammates
We received our DFMC Team singlets this week - it's starting to feel real!