Thanks to our local paper, The Hometown Weekly. for featuring me this week!
Click HERE to check out their article
Showing posts with label DFMC 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DFMC 2016. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
Monday Motivation: One Week and All The Feelings
You would think that because I ran the marathon last year I would be heading into this weekend with nerves of steel, right? Wrong. With one week to go I woke up this morning with butterflies in my tummy and ALL the feelings. There is just something about it being one week away that makes it all very, very real.
So I headed into Boston for work. And the marathon themed New Balance posters are up in Kenmore Square. The newly unveiled "Boston Strong" painting is gracing the Charlesbridge overpass spanning Commonwealth. And the scaffolding has gone up for the finish line on Boylston. Even the yogurt commercial on the radio this morning was geared towards people running the marathon!
Surprisingly, seeing all of these things did nothing to calm my nerves. Shocking, right?
Then my coworkers surprised me by matching the amount raised from today's Red Sox home opener "Jeans for Generosity" day to benefit my DFMC fundraising, and my heart and mind are exploding from love and gratitude (plus all the other aforementioned feelings). I can't even compose a logical thought right now because I am so overcome by everyone's generosity throughout this journey.
So I am taking deep breaths, working to compose my thoughts, and focusing on why and for who I will be running a week from today. And of course I am also daydreaming about the delicious BBQ I will eat tonight in support of DFMC. I'll be back with some more posts to get us geared up for the big day but in the meantime, here two of my favorite marathon motivations to get you through the rest of your Monday and kick start the week.
 |
| My prayer for the next week |
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| It's NOT a sprint. It's a Marathon. Overlooking Boylston Street and Mile 26. |
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| Yankees Fan + Red Sox themed "Jeans for Generosity" day at work = DFMC baseball cap and shirt!!! |
Monday, April 4, 2016
Monday Motivation: 2 Weeks and Counting!
Last year we trained through one of the worst winters on record, so it would not have surprised me in the least if it had snowed in early April or even on Marathon Monday itself. But this year has been a completely different story (in many ways) and in contrast to last year, we barely got any snow. Apparently Mother Nature has decided to make up for that and it has been snowing since the weekend.
Thus is the first thing you learn when training for and running a marathon: anything can and will happen. The second thing? You have very little control over it. So, when I came out to my car this morning and it was encased within 3 inches of ice with another 3 inches of snow on top of it, well, all I could do was laugh (okay fine - I may have let a few expletives slip out before I started laughing). It is what it is and, as they say, if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. And with two weeks to go, even some unexpected snow can't dampen the marathon excitement that is continuing to build each day. I had to stop myself from dancing around with glee when I went to snap this photo to show ya'll the view of snowy Boylston street and saw that New Balance had unveiled a new "Nobody Runs Like Boston" sign at the 26 mile mark.
This past Saturday I wrapped up my major training with a rainy 11 miler in NYC. While I had planned to do an 18 miler, I had to cut my run short for good reason - my parents were making record time on their drive to NYC, and the entire point of my visit was to surprise my Dad with tickets to the Rangers game for his 60th birthday. My planned route had me starting down in Union Square and running across 14th Street, then cutting down to 10th before cutting over to pick up the East River greenway. From there I planned on wrapping around the bottom of Manhattan, past the Battery, and straight on up the Hudson greenway to the very top of Manhattan which is my old neighborhood. Riding the A train downtown bright and early, I thought back to years ago when I was new to the city and trying to find my way to the multitude of studios and theatres. I would find comfort in spotting fellow performers with a day's worth of music, dance gear, and headshots shoved into a bag with one script or another in hand, and then I would follow them as they expertly weaved their way through the stations and streets towards yet another audition line. Upon arriving you would share a quick nod of solidarity that you were both there for the same reason, with the same hopes. "These are my people" I used to think. It was a bittersweet memory as I reflected on how different my life is now - and not at all different in a bad way, just so different than what my 22 year old self used to daydream about on that very same train.
As the train finally lurched to a halt at 14th street, I shook away the nostalgia and focused on the run at hand. As the doors opened and the crowd surged onto the platform, I noticed a group of 5 runners come out of the neighboring car. With their loaded fuel belts, GPS watches, and rain layers akin to my own, I couldn't hold back my smile as I thought "THESE are my people now!" I practically skipped up the steps as we exited the station and as we spilled out onto the sidewalk we were greeted by a torrential downpour. There was just enough time for quick nod of solidarity at the dismal conditions before we each went our separate way. "Maybe things haven't changed all that much after all" I thought as I set out on my run.
Despite the rain, there were many runners out and about on the greenway. I tried not to worry about pace and just let myself get out of my head and enjoy the run. I snapped a few photos along the way (mainly for Dave who was keeping Grandpa company at breakfast and sharing my GPS link so they could track me), and then just as I rounded the Battery the rain slowly tapered off and it warmed up a bit. I continued northbound and started to get excited about my favorite stretches of the Hudson greenway past the 72nd street boat basin, etc. but that is when I learned my parents were likely going to arrive much sooner than planned and once you get onto that stretch of the greenway, it's a little bit more difficult to dash back over towards the trains/cabs. I was feeling great but definitely didn't want to risk being late so I decided to adjust my route and run back towards Columbus Circle where I knew I could use restrooms, grab a recovery drink, and hop back on the train uptown. It must have been fate because my watch clicked to 11 miles even just as I came to the entrance to the shops. Despite cutting it short, I felt good about the run and had no pain or other issues - so mentally and physically, I count it as a win!
It is really hard to believe we are at the two week mark, made even harder by looking at the snow which continues to swirl outside my office window. The focus now will continue to be on staying healthy, hydrated, rested, and focused on why and for who I am running. More to come this week as we head into the final weeks!
Thus is the first thing you learn when training for and running a marathon: anything can and will happen. The second thing? You have very little control over it. So, when I came out to my car this morning and it was encased within 3 inches of ice with another 3 inches of snow on top of it, well, all I could do was laugh (okay fine - I may have let a few expletives slip out before I started laughing). It is what it is and, as they say, if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. And with two weeks to go, even some unexpected snow can't dampen the marathon excitement that is continuing to build each day. I had to stop myself from dancing around with glee when I went to snap this photo to show ya'll the view of snowy Boylston street and saw that New Balance had unveiled a new "Nobody Runs Like Boston" sign at the 26 mile mark.
This past Saturday I wrapped up my major training with a rainy 11 miler in NYC. While I had planned to do an 18 miler, I had to cut my run short for good reason - my parents were making record time on their drive to NYC, and the entire point of my visit was to surprise my Dad with tickets to the Rangers game for his 60th birthday. My planned route had me starting down in Union Square and running across 14th Street, then cutting down to 10th before cutting over to pick up the East River greenway. From there I planned on wrapping around the bottom of Manhattan, past the Battery, and straight on up the Hudson greenway to the very top of Manhattan which is my old neighborhood. Riding the A train downtown bright and early, I thought back to years ago when I was new to the city and trying to find my way to the multitude of studios and theatres. I would find comfort in spotting fellow performers with a day's worth of music, dance gear, and headshots shoved into a bag with one script or another in hand, and then I would follow them as they expertly weaved their way through the stations and streets towards yet another audition line. Upon arriving you would share a quick nod of solidarity that you were both there for the same reason, with the same hopes. "These are my people" I used to think. It was a bittersweet memory as I reflected on how different my life is now - and not at all different in a bad way, just so different than what my 22 year old self used to daydream about on that very same train.
As the train finally lurched to a halt at 14th street, I shook away the nostalgia and focused on the run at hand. As the doors opened and the crowd surged onto the platform, I noticed a group of 5 runners come out of the neighboring car. With their loaded fuel belts, GPS watches, and rain layers akin to my own, I couldn't hold back my smile as I thought "THESE are my people now!" I practically skipped up the steps as we exited the station and as we spilled out onto the sidewalk we were greeted by a torrential downpour. There was just enough time for quick nod of solidarity at the dismal conditions before we each went our separate way. "Maybe things haven't changed all that much after all" I thought as I set out on my run.
Despite the rain, there were many runners out and about on the greenway. I tried not to worry about pace and just let myself get out of my head and enjoy the run. I snapped a few photos along the way (mainly for Dave who was keeping Grandpa company at breakfast and sharing my GPS link so they could track me), and then just as I rounded the Battery the rain slowly tapered off and it warmed up a bit. I continued northbound and started to get excited about my favorite stretches of the Hudson greenway past the 72nd street boat basin, etc. but that is when I learned my parents were likely going to arrive much sooner than planned and once you get onto that stretch of the greenway, it's a little bit more difficult to dash back over towards the trains/cabs. I was feeling great but definitely didn't want to risk being late so I decided to adjust my route and run back towards Columbus Circle where I knew I could use restrooms, grab a recovery drink, and hop back on the train uptown. It must have been fate because my watch clicked to 11 miles even just as I came to the entrance to the shops. Despite cutting it short, I felt good about the run and had no pain or other issues - so mentally and physically, I count it as a win!
It is really hard to believe we are at the two week mark, made even harder by looking at the snow which continues to swirl outside my office window. The focus now will continue to be on staying healthy, hydrated, rested, and focused on why and for who I am running. More to come this week as we head into the final weeks!
Friday, March 18, 2016
Friday Motivation: One Month Countdown and Why I Run
Last night I stayed up far later than usual (thanks to an evening run and a few post-run St. Patrick's day libations with my teammates) and as I got ready for bed the clock struck midnight and the date changed on my phone. As I stared down at those glowing numbers I could not supress a surge of energy and started dancing around the room with excitement. "Are you okay?" Dave asked, while giving me a look that questioned just how many pints of Guinness I had enjoyed. "I'm more than okay - ONE MONTH FROM TODAY I'M RUNNING THE BOSTON MARATHON!!!" I cheered as I continued dancing around the room. Fully versed by this point in what it means to be married to a crazy runner prepping for a big race, Dave smiled and allowed me to continue my celebration a bit longer before reminding me that I needed to save some of that energy for the actual race and get to sleep (good point dear, good point).
So here we go, the one month countdown to the 120th Boston Marathon. Earlier this week our bib numbers were assigned (I hear 26470 is the one to watch) and this morning the traditional banners that will grace the streets of Boston leading up to the race were unveiled. All winter long there has been a quiet buzz throughout greater Boston, and beyond, as runners have trained for one of our city's most beloved traditions. In the next 31 days that buzz will grow to a palpable roar as we prepare to host the 30,000 plus runners, as well as the countless (and indispensable) volunteers and spectators who come together for our Patriots' Day celebration.
It is an exciting time for sure.
It is also bittersweet. My training season has been less than ideal and I have been repeatedly sidelined by respiratory issues, culminating in my most recent bout with what I can only dub "the plague" which cost me about a month of vital training time. While last winter's record setting weather meant we were often confined to repeatedly running the infamous Newton hills, that training made us stronger. This season, I have been battling painful calf cramps that begin late in my long runs and which only increase with hills (though I suspect this is also a hydration/sodium issue that I am now addressing). Yet life has a funny way of giving you the perspective you need at the time you need it most.
Last Saturday was the first day I had felt 100% healthy in over a month and I was laser focused on running 16 miles for the first time this season (by this point last year I had already tackled that distance several times). About 13 miles into the run, those aforementioned calf cramps ended my run early and I had to accept a ride back to our host gym from one of our DFMC rockstar volunteers (thanks again Amy Jo!!!). By the way, only in maration training will you hear runners grumling "I only did 13 miles," and to say I was frustrated is an understatement. After chugging a gatorade, stretching, and a much needed shower, I headed back into the gym to greet my patient partner Darla who had just arrived for our DFMC poster party. Looking around the room at my fellow teammates and their patient partners, I felt like a fraud and a failure. I found myself questioning whether I will be able to run this year's race and worried I would be letting Darla down if I could not. But as we started working on Darla's poster - which will be displayed along with all the other patient parnter posters to honor these incredible children and inspire DFMC runners on marathon weekend - I was vividly reminded why I am on this team. And running? Well, that is just one very small piece of what we do.
Together with her family, Darla and I set about crafting her new poster. I smiled as Darla supervised the design, choosing the exact shades of purple and pink to use for her name and informing us of precisely the right spot where each butterfly, heart, and smiley sticker should go. As I looked at the slew of photos from the past year, I realized just how much Darla had grown. How much taller, stronger, and spirited she had become. And when I gave her the custom DFMC keepsake pillow my incredible teammate Heather made for her, Darla's face broke into a smile and she gave me a hug that I thought would break her tiny arms. Suddenly I realized, I was worrying about the wrong race. Because while the marathon is an incredible experience, it is just one day. The real race - the one that really counts- ends with the namesake for my blog: the ultimate finish line. A world where no child will ever have to make a poster celebrating that they went through hell and back to beat cancer (or are still going through it). A world where the word "cancer" is no longer feared because it is followed by the word "cure." A world that will be forever changed by the research happening right this very second, made possible by all those who have supported me and so many others in this journey.
So as I mentally prepare for tomorrow's group run, I thought I would share this - my Friday motivation. She is also my Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday motivation. And that race we are running one month from today? It will be a celebration. It will be a declaration. And (no matter how long it takes me), it will be a victory.
So here we go, the one month countdown to the 120th Boston Marathon. Earlier this week our bib numbers were assigned (I hear 26470 is the one to watch) and this morning the traditional banners that will grace the streets of Boston leading up to the race were unveiled. All winter long there has been a quiet buzz throughout greater Boston, and beyond, as runners have trained for one of our city's most beloved traditions. In the next 31 days that buzz will grow to a palpable roar as we prepare to host the 30,000 plus runners, as well as the countless (and indispensable) volunteers and spectators who come together for our Patriots' Day celebration.
It is an exciting time for sure.
It is also bittersweet. My training season has been less than ideal and I have been repeatedly sidelined by respiratory issues, culminating in my most recent bout with what I can only dub "the plague" which cost me about a month of vital training time. While last winter's record setting weather meant we were often confined to repeatedly running the infamous Newton hills, that training made us stronger. This season, I have been battling painful calf cramps that begin late in my long runs and which only increase with hills (though I suspect this is also a hydration/sodium issue that I am now addressing). Yet life has a funny way of giving you the perspective you need at the time you need it most.
Last Saturday was the first day I had felt 100% healthy in over a month and I was laser focused on running 16 miles for the first time this season (by this point last year I had already tackled that distance several times). About 13 miles into the run, those aforementioned calf cramps ended my run early and I had to accept a ride back to our host gym from one of our DFMC rockstar volunteers (thanks again Amy Jo!!!). By the way, only in maration training will you hear runners grumling "I only did 13 miles," and to say I was frustrated is an understatement. After chugging a gatorade, stretching, and a much needed shower, I headed back into the gym to greet my patient partner Darla who had just arrived for our DFMC poster party. Looking around the room at my fellow teammates and their patient partners, I felt like a fraud and a failure. I found myself questioning whether I will be able to run this year's race and worried I would be letting Darla down if I could not. But as we started working on Darla's poster - which will be displayed along with all the other patient parnter posters to honor these incredible children and inspire DFMC runners on marathon weekend - I was vividly reminded why I am on this team. And running? Well, that is just one very small piece of what we do.
Together with her family, Darla and I set about crafting her new poster. I smiled as Darla supervised the design, choosing the exact shades of purple and pink to use for her name and informing us of precisely the right spot where each butterfly, heart, and smiley sticker should go. As I looked at the slew of photos from the past year, I realized just how much Darla had grown. How much taller, stronger, and spirited she had become. And when I gave her the custom DFMC keepsake pillow my incredible teammate Heather made for her, Darla's face broke into a smile and she gave me a hug that I thought would break her tiny arms. Suddenly I realized, I was worrying about the wrong race. Because while the marathon is an incredible experience, it is just one day. The real race - the one that really counts- ends with the namesake for my blog: the ultimate finish line. A world where no child will ever have to make a poster celebrating that they went through hell and back to beat cancer (or are still going through it). A world where the word "cancer" is no longer feared because it is followed by the word "cure." A world that will be forever changed by the research happening right this very second, made possible by all those who have supported me and so many others in this journey.
So as I mentally prepare for tomorrow's group run, I thought I would share this - my Friday motivation. She is also my Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday motivation. And that race we are running one month from today? It will be a celebration. It will be a declaration. And (no matter how long it takes me), it will be a victory.
Darla showing off her cheerleading moves and cheering me on!
Darla insisted we race - if I keep up this speed work,
maybe I will win the marathon!
I am only $611.74 away from my goal of raising $13,100!!!
Don't forget that every gift of $10 or more made in March gives you a chance to win a $450 Coach handbag OR $700 Red Sox tickets!!!
maybe I will win the marathon!
I am only $611.74 away from my goal of raising $13,100!!!
Don't forget that every gift of $10 or more made in March gives you a chance to win a $450 Coach handbag OR $700 Red Sox tickets!!!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Guest Post- Amanda's Story and Weinstock Labs
In my first guest post you heard from Heather as she
discussed her daughter Paige's battle with Neuroblastoma, as well as the life saving treatment she received at Dana-Farber (and if you
missed it, it's definitely worth the read). In today's guest post, I am taking
you directly into the research labs at Dana-Farber so you can learn about the
vital research that leads to these cutting edge treatments. Research being
funded by your generous gifts to DFMC which support the Barr Program research projects
at Dana-Farber.
As such, meet Amanda Christie. My husband Dave met Amanda
while they both studied at Roger Williams University. While Dave and most of
his RWU friends spent their hours in the theatre, Amanda spent most of hers in
the science labs (with a little bit of time in the theatre for good measure).
Flash forward several years later, and I now count Amanda among my good friends
as well. I knew Amanda was wicked smaht (that's New England for extremely
smart) and worked for Dana-Farber, but it wasn't until I started running for
DFMC that I learned more about the Weinstock lab where Amanda works and the
incredible work they are doing, some of which has been funded by the Barr Program. You may recognize Dr. Weinstock's name from this week's Monday Motivation post
and Dr. Weinstock is also running his third Boston marathon this year as part
of the DFMC team! Well of course I knew you needed to hear from Amanda
directly, so I asked her to craft a guest post sharing her experiences from working at Dana-Farber, and I was so moved
when I read the beautiful post Amanda created for all of you. It really speaks to the heart of not only the
tremendous work being done in these labs, but also showcases the truly
dedicated and passionate investigators Dana-Farber is lucky to have working
tirelessly to get us closer to a cure. Thank you Amanda - not only for your
words, but for the wonderful work you do each and every day!
_________________________________________________________________________________
I work in the lab of David Weinstock which is a translational leukemia/lymphoma research lab.
Translational research means that we directly focus on researching new drug targets
and therapeutics for immediate transition into clinical trials in patients (as
opposed to a basic biology lab). In the past year we have published half a
dozen papers, including one that made the cover of Cell (one of the most
respected scientific journals in the world), and have opened 3 clinical trials
based on preliminary results produced in our lab. Our group includes PhDs, MDs,
graduate students and technicians who focus on a wide variety of topics. One
team is investigating the role of a particular gene mutation in the formation
of angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma. Another is attempting to target BCL6
overexpression in peripheral T cell lymphomas. Our leukemia group focuses on
the BCR-ABL fusion oncogene in B-cell leukemia and JAK2 signaling in mutant
pediatric ALL. A few of us are fervently trying to find new therapies for
so-called “double-hit lymphoma”; this is a universally deadly subset of an otherwise
fairly curable disease, and new therapeutics are desperately needed. We even
have a few people in our lab studying the mechanisms on DNA repair and its role
in cancer. This work is difficult, expensive and frustrating, but so rewarding.
The dedication I see on a daily basis makes me smile…if you stop by our lab at
any minute of the day you will probably see someone hunched over their bench.
When my husband and I started dating it was hard to explain why I needed to go
into work twice on Christmas (not
kidding), on my birthday, and in the middle of the night…now he just accepts
this as normal!
I hope the above paragraph didn’t
bore you to death. Honestly, I could talk all day and night about my lab
because they are an amazingly intelligent, passionate and dedicated group of
people. I could go on and on about my love of Dana-Farber, because it truly is
an inspiring place to work. And I could definitely have a never-ending
conversation about cancer research, because it is a fascinating, exhilarating
and devastating world, and one I am so grateful to contribute to. None of these
things would be possible without people like Erin. People who give up their
leisure time, their comfort and sometimes their sanity (?!) to brave Boston
winters training for the marathon, who advocate for this much needed research,
and who raise funds that have directly contributed to saving so many lives. The Barr Program is such an important enabler of research here, and our lab feels
lucky to be a recipient of these hard-earned funds. Even a dollar can help change
the world, and I promise that we are working our hardest to make sure the money
raised goes to finding cures.
Also, as a public service
announcement, science is really fun. Don’t let your kids tell you “I’m just not
good at science” or “I’m not smart enough.” I hear this all the time and it
breaks my heart. You are smart
enough and science is awesome. If anyone has questions or wants
to know more, please don’t hesitate to ask or go to our lab website at http://weinstock.dfci.harvard.edu/.
And most importantly, go Erin!
Run run run!
Monday, February 1, 2016
Monday Motivation - 11 Weeks To Go!
Fact: Saying in January that you are running a marathon in April is a lot less scarier than saying it in February.
The 2016 Boston Marathon is 11 weeks from today and things are really starting to heat up - no, literally. It is currently 62 degrees in Boston, birds were chirping as I left for work this morning, and most of the snow in our yard has melted away. This is a far cry from last year's frigid temps and the mountains of snow that towered over me for months. And I am not complaining! However, if that groundhog sees his shadow tomorrow I respectfully request the right to ask for clarification as to whether that would be six more weeks of this winter's weather or last year's.
If the weather isn't motivation enough today's impact statement reminds us why will run our hearts out on April 18th (and in the 77 days leading up to it). While every type of cancer diagnosis is life changing, none are perhaps as scary as a pediatric cancer diagnosis. So today I wanted to highlight the work of Barr investigator Dr. Rani George, whose research into neuroblastoma in children is leading to new and innovative treatments to fight this aggressive cancer.
Neuroblastoma has historically been a very difficult cancer to
treat in children, and, although
chemotherapy and stem cell transplants have improved
survival, relapse is common and nearly
almost always fatal. Dr. George and her team used Barr Program funding to discover that about 10% of pediatric neuroblastoma tumors contain a mutation in the
gene ALK. Several successful drugs
already exist to treat other types of cancer that
demonstrate these same ALK mutations, so Dr.
George and her team were able to initiate clinical trials that
could result in new treatments and have the potential to improve survival for children with neuroblastoma. This research also paved way to continued research by Dr. George and her team to investigate the mechanisms of ALK activation and regulation, as well as strategies that can be employed therapeutically. You can learn more about Dr. George and the tremendous research being done by her labratory HERE.
Today you are learning about the clinical side of neuroblastoma and how your generous support helps to have an impact on this and other cancers. Tomorrow I will share a very special post that shows the other side of a Neuroblastoma diagnosis and you will not want to miss it. Until then, I leave you with one of my favorite pieces of motivation which I believe both runners and researchers can appreciate.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Monday Motivation: 12 Weeks To Go!
Happy Monday ya'll! 12 weeks from today we take to the streets for the 120th Boston Marathon and time is really flying by. If I have been a bit silent lately it is because I was kept busy by back-to-back trips to visit family and my favorite toddler running "coaches" - think lots of unintentional stair repeats and speed work (it's amazing how quick one can move when a tipping glass of milk is involved). Lots to catch up on this week including exciting fundraising opportunities and the introduction of my first guest post which is not to be missed, so be sure to check back as the season flies into full gear. But for now, here is your Monday Motivation!
After a 13.1 mile run with the team this past Saturday, I headed over to Dana-Farber for our Patient Partner welcome party. It is hard to believe it has been just about a year since I met Darla and her family, and each and every time I see Darla it is a reminder of why this team and our mission is so important. Because while much of the party was spent seeing just how many gummy bears Darla could put on her ice cream sundae (they are her fav) and hearing all about her Make-a-Wish trip to Disney over the holidays (where, according to Darla, Belle informed her she was my favorite princess- naturally), after the party we headed towards the garage which took us past the Jimmy Fund Clinic. And no matter the amount of kid friendly lights, toys, and decorations that make the clinic as fun and welcoming as possible for its patients - at the end of the day it is still a clinic. In the middle of a hospital. For kids. With cancer.
So as we strolled towards the garage I watched as Darla bounded ahead of me and then casually turned and said "this is my clinic where I go for treatments." With the same nonchalance as when she showed me where she practices for cheerleading, or where her dance recital was last year. The location is so familiar to her and forever embedded in her childhood. All at once I was struck again by the magnitude of how this disease forever changes those it touches, but also by the safe haven and hope that Dana-Farber provides for those bravely fighting it.
As we continued towards the garage, we came upon one of my favorite parts of the Dana-Farber campus - Marathon Way. In addition to highlighting each year's DFMC singlet, the team's history and milestones, and the previous year's check to the Barr Foundation (man did I love seeing that cardboard check again!), visitors have the chance to "travel" the marathon course from start to finish. And so, here is my motivation for this Monday and the next 12 that follow. And probably many more Mondays after that. I may have a long way to go until I get to that finish line, but knowing this girl is running beside me will keep me going until I get there!
After a 13.1 mile run with the team this past Saturday, I headed over to Dana-Farber for our Patient Partner welcome party. It is hard to believe it has been just about a year since I met Darla and her family, and each and every time I see Darla it is a reminder of why this team and our mission is so important. Because while much of the party was spent seeing just how many gummy bears Darla could put on her ice cream sundae (they are her fav) and hearing all about her Make-a-Wish trip to Disney over the holidays (where, according to Darla, Belle informed her she was my favorite princess- naturally), after the party we headed towards the garage which took us past the Jimmy Fund Clinic. And no matter the amount of kid friendly lights, toys, and decorations that make the clinic as fun and welcoming as possible for its patients - at the end of the day it is still a clinic. In the middle of a hospital. For kids. With cancer.
So as we strolled towards the garage I watched as Darla bounded ahead of me and then casually turned and said "this is my clinic where I go for treatments." With the same nonchalance as when she showed me where she practices for cheerleading, or where her dance recital was last year. The location is so familiar to her and forever embedded in her childhood. All at once I was struck again by the magnitude of how this disease forever changes those it touches, but also by the safe haven and hope that Dana-Farber provides for those bravely fighting it.
As we continued towards the garage, we came upon one of my favorite parts of the Dana-Farber campus - Marathon Way. In addition to highlighting each year's DFMC singlet, the team's history and milestones, and the previous year's check to the Barr Foundation (man did I love seeing that cardboard check again!), visitors have the chance to "travel" the marathon course from start to finish. And so, here is my motivation for this Monday and the next 12 that follow. And probably many more Mondays after that. I may have a long way to go until I get to that finish line, but knowing this girl is running beside me will keep me going until I get there!
It's a long way from the start to the finish, but Darla is ready to help me take on the challenge!
Pointing to a pic of Darla and her family at Fenway Park which
is featured on a timeline honoring the longstanding commitment
of the Red Sox to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber.
Darla was in treatment when that picture was taken, and
to stand next to this smiling whirlwind of energy with a head full of hair
while looking at this picture of her tiny, balding, and in her Dad's arms was
a bold reminder of the miles she has come since her diagnosis
Monday, December 28, 2015
Monday Motivation - An Open Letter to My Laziness
Dear Laziness,
So we meet again. We broke up quite a while ago and I have been just fine without you. Blissfully happy, in fact. However, lately I have noticed you trying to win me back. Your callous giggle as you push snooze on an early alarm meant to get me out the door for a run. Your brazenness as you pile another cookie on my plate. And your haughtiness while ignoring baskets of laundry ready to be put away. It seems you are everywhere I look these days and I do not like it.
When I first broke things off I knew you wouldn't take it well. You lingered around the corner always ready and trying to lure me back. But I stayed strong. And eventually, your voice became but a whisper and distant memory as I conquered my to do lists, set and surpassed goals, and enjoyed a productive life without you.
But you are persistent and, well, now here we are again.
So I am here to tell you, it stops now. We had our little holiday fling but now you have to go. No matter the rush I may feel when you first arrive, I am always left frustrated and unfulfilled while regretting all that could have been if I had only just ignored you and your pesky ways.
This is goodbye (until 16 weeks from today right around 5:00pm when I may welcome another fling- but you are NOT moving back in and I want my key back).
Not Yours,
Erin
So we meet again. We broke up quite a while ago and I have been just fine without you. Blissfully happy, in fact. However, lately I have noticed you trying to win me back. Your callous giggle as you push snooze on an early alarm meant to get me out the door for a run. Your brazenness as you pile another cookie on my plate. And your haughtiness while ignoring baskets of laundry ready to be put away. It seems you are everywhere I look these days and I do not like it.
When I first broke things off I knew you wouldn't take it well. You lingered around the corner always ready and trying to lure me back. But I stayed strong. And eventually, your voice became but a whisper and distant memory as I conquered my to do lists, set and surpassed goals, and enjoyed a productive life without you.
But you are persistent and, well, now here we are again.
So I am here to tell you, it stops now. We had our little holiday fling but now you have to go. No matter the rush I may feel when you first arrive, I am always left frustrated and unfulfilled while regretting all that could have been if I had only just ignored you and your pesky ways.
This is goodbye (until 16 weeks from today right around 5:00pm when I may welcome another fling- but you are NOT moving back in and I want my key back).
Not Yours,
Erin
Monday, November 9, 2015
Monday Motivation - Birthday Edition
Happy Monday! Kicking off my first week as a 33 year old with a heart full of love and gratitude to each person who helped make my birthday this past Friday so wonderful. Thank you for your posts, emails, notes, and phone calls - it really made the day so special.
So why is this team and our mission so important to me? This is why. Because 100% of every single dollar raised goes directly funding the Barr program's cutting edge research which is getting us closer to the day where cancer is nothing to fear. And in honor of Darla, for today's Monday Motivation I would like to feature the work of Dr. David Weinstock who has twice received Barr program funding and was himself a DFMC runner/fundraiser in 2013 and 2014.
HUGE thanks 21 very special donors who helped me raise $1418 for vital cancer research during my #33for33 birthday campaign! When I first launched the campaign I had hoped to raise at least $165 on my birthday (33 gifts x $5, the cost of an average birthday card), and I had secretly hoped we could reach $333 raised in honor of turning 33. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined you would help me raise more than four times that amount! Plenty of you also took the time to share my posts, perform a random act of kindness, help someone in need, or even signed up to volunteer for a cause near and dear to you in my honor. Spreading love and giving back was my birthday wish, and boy did ya'll help that wish to come true! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
As I enjoyed my birthday festivities throughout this past weekend, it was not lost on me how simply reaching another year in our life is a present in and of itself. That is something I was vividly reminded of while I watched my incredible DFMC patient partner Darla whizzing around the room at her sixth birthday party this past summer (it was a roller skating party and yes, she did inform me that I would finish the marathon much quicker if I wore roller skates this year). While the gift table was overflowing with bags bearing Darla's favorite Disney princesses and Frozen characters, as I watched her loving parents Sherelle and Daryl look on - as well as countless family members - we all knew the real gift was seeing this happy, healthy little girl laughing without a care in the world beside which flavor cupcake to choose.
And yet, cancer has forever changed this family. To look at Darla you wouldn't know that she had spent hours at Dana-Farber undergoing treatment. You wouldn't know that every two months since being declared "cancer free" (not cured) last year, she has still had to have her blood tested every two months to ensure that her Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) has not returned - meaning that every two months her parents have had to wait with baited breath at the mercy of a simple test that has the power to turn their world upside down (thankfully after her last tests came back clear, the interval has been extended to every four months for the next seven, yes SEVEN, years of her life and then yearly after that). You wouldn't know that Darla's innocence was forever altered by this disease, as evidenced by the conversation we had while walking together for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society recently:
Erin (while explaining why it is good Darla doesn't reach out to pet dogs she doesn't know): Well you know how if I came up behind you and yelled "boo" you might jump and throw your arms out because you were scared? That's how dogs feel sometimes when people come up and pet them unexpectedly, only since their arms are down on the ground they may turn around with their face and that is why people sometimes get bitten by dogs. They aren't always trying to be mean, sometimes they are just scared.
Darla (pausing to consider what I just said): Oh, I see. So you mean they are just scared of me the way I am scared of cancer?
Darla's response literally stopped me in my tracks. Should this little girl be scared of dogs? Sure. Spiders? Sure. The dark? Most kids are. But cancer?!? No, she should not have to be scared of that. And yet, cancer is as much a part of her vocabulary and childhood as ice cream and barbies.
So why is this team and our mission so important to me? This is why. Because 100% of every single dollar raised goes directly funding the Barr program's cutting edge research which is getting us closer to the day where cancer is nothing to fear. And in honor of Darla, for today's Monday Motivation I would like to feature the work of Dr. David Weinstock who has twice received Barr program funding and was himself a DFMC runner/fundraiser in 2013 and 2014.
Barr Program Spotlight
Barr Investigator: Dr. David Weinstock, MD
Barr Project: Improving Treatment Potency - Identifying genes in leukemias and lymphomas that cause
resistance to treatment.
Although our current therapies cure about half of all patients with leukemia and lymphoma, the
other half fail treatment because their diseases become resistant to treatment. This often happens
as a result of genetic alterations in their leukemia and lymphoma cells. Barr funding in 2008-‘09
and 2013-‘14 has allowed David Weinstock, MD, to
use powerful new technologies to identify the genes that can cause this kind of resistance. Drugs
that inactivate these genes could prevent resistance and lead to cures in many more patients.
Thank you to Dr. Weinstock and his team for the tremendous work you are doing to get us one step closer to a world without cancer! And thank you to each of you for considering a gift in support of this important research to ensure kids like Darla have many more birthdays to celebrate!
At my DFMC Patient Partner Darla's 6th Birthday Party this summer
I am far from the best runner, but I get out there and go for it because I know that we are helping to save and change lives - that is why I started and that is why I keep going!
Monday, October 19, 2015
Monday Motivation - 26 Weeks Until 26.2!
26 weeks from today I will join hundreds of Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runners and 29,999 of our newest friends as we run the 120th Boston Marathon. Yes my friends, the countdown has begun and I am back in pre-training mode prior to our official training starting in early December.
This past weekend I had the chance to run with my teammate Christian who lives nearby and is a DFMC newbie. As we made our way through a chilly seven miler we chatted about our motivations for joining and running with this team, and it was a reminder of just how vital our mission is.
Our run also reminded me of the sheer power of mind over matter. Had I gone out for a solo seven miler it is likely I would have spent part of it arguing with that voice saying I didn't really need to run the full seven. Five would be okay for today. Or four...and so on. Instead, I had the chance to get to know a new and energetic teammate as well as trade stories about (insert all the random things you wind up discussing on a long run). Before I knew it, we were coming up on the last big hill and in the home stretch - plus I had recommendations for a local roofer, childcare options (for the future, everyone calm down), and potential MBA programs. That is the definition of becoming #StrongerEveryRun. Knowing that each time you push yourself to get out there you will expand your horizons and grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
So let's get this party started shall we? Boston 2016, I am coming for you (and my running gloves because this was what greeted me bright and early this morning). T-Minus 182 days.
Click HERE to make a gift in support of Erin
This past weekend I had the chance to run with my teammate Christian who lives nearby and is a DFMC newbie. As we made our way through a chilly seven miler we chatted about our motivations for joining and running with this team, and it was a reminder of just how vital our mission is.
Our run also reminded me of the sheer power of mind over matter. Had I gone out for a solo seven miler it is likely I would have spent part of it arguing with that voice saying I didn't really need to run the full seven. Five would be okay for today. Or four...and so on. Instead, I had the chance to get to know a new and energetic teammate as well as trade stories about (insert all the random things you wind up discussing on a long run). Before I knew it, we were coming up on the last big hill and in the home stretch - plus I had recommendations for a local roofer, childcare options (for the future, everyone calm down), and potential MBA programs. That is the definition of becoming #StrongerEveryRun. Knowing that each time you push yourself to get out there you will expand your horizons and grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
So let's get this party started shall we? Boston 2016, I am coming for you (and my running gloves because this was what greeted me bright and early this morning). T-Minus 182 days.
Click HERE to make a gift in support of Erin
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
The Hay Has Been Planted - 2016 Season Preview
Our DFMC team is beyond blessed to have 1976 Boston Marathon champ Jack Fultz as our training coach. Jack's contagious enthusiasm, whether in advising a qualifying (aka super fast) runner or a new/developing runner such as myself, makes you feel as if you too could win the marathon (if you spend enough time on the arc trainer that is). Okay, maybe winning the marathon is a bit of a stretch. But Jack is one of those people who reminds you that no goal is unattainable if you plan ahead and put in the hard work required to reach it.
This season will bring back crowd favorites such as my "Sponsor a Mile" campaign while also giving you some opportunities to score DFMC swag. Keep checking back here for more specific updates but this is just a snapshot of some things in the work for this coming season:
When the marathon draws near, Jack is well known for proclaiming that "the hay is in the barn." It is time to trust in the months of hard work, training, and fundraising you have done to reach your goals.
Yet as wonderful as that first hay harvest was, I know I can do even better the second time around. Because last season I never fully let myself trust that there was hay. Or a barn. Or enough metaphors that could make me believe I would really truly cross that finish line or reach my fundraising goals. So this season I am looking forward to more fully trusting in the entire process and scope of this challenge. The seeds have been planted and are ready to be nurtured through the months to come,and I know they will yield the best hay yet. There is no need to worry, to doubt, or to obsess. Well, we are still training for a marathon so obsessing is sort of inevitable, but I will do my best to find more balance this season as I strive towards a 4:30 finish and my $13,100 fundraising goal (in honor of the half marathon distance).
Last season I was pretty proud of the hay I put in the barn. Having set an initial goal of simply finishing the marathon and hoping to do so in less than 6 hours, my official time was 4:55:12 which was 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 48 seconds faster than I had initially anticipated! And together you helped me raise $6,600 more than my initial goal of $10,000 to fund vital cancer research. Incredible!
Yet as wonderful as that first hay harvest was, I know I can do even better the second time around. Because last season I never fully let myself trust that there was hay. Or a barn. Or enough metaphors that could make me believe I would really truly cross that finish line or reach my fundraising goals. So this season I am looking forward to more fully trusting in the entire process and scope of this challenge. The seeds have been planted and are ready to be nurtured through the months to come,and I know they will yield the best hay yet. There is no need to worry, to doubt, or to obsess. Well, we are still training for a marathon so obsessing is sort of inevitable, but I will do my best to find more balance this season as I strive towards a 4:30 finish and my $13,100 fundraising goal (in honor of the half marathon distance).
Part of that balance is making sure I am taking care of and showing my gratitude to YOU - my amazing, rockstar supporters. Because honestly folks, without your love and support I certainly would have never crossed that finish line the first time let alone dreamed of going for it again!
This season will bring back crowd favorites such as my "Sponsor a Mile" campaign while also giving you some opportunities to score DFMC swag. Keep checking back here for more specific updates but this is just a snapshot of some things in the work for this coming season:
- 2016 Kick Off Drawing Ending Tonight! In honor of completing the BAA distance medley this past weekend thereby having ran all of the 2015 B.A.A. races (5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathons), I am giving anyone who makes a kick-off gift through midnight tonight the chance to win this limited edition Dana-Farber Boston Red Sox hat.
- $5 (5K) = 5 entries
- $10 (10K) = 10 entries
- $13.10 (Half) = 14 entries
- $26.20 (Full) = 27 entries
- Sponsor A Mile: All season long you have the chance to "Sponsor a Mile" along the course with a gift of $126.20 or more in honor of the marathon distance. NEW for this year, all mile sponsors will receive a special thank you gift and will also be entered to win a grand prize (to be announced soon!). Miles are already filling up so click HERE for more info!
- DFMC and Stronger Every Run Swag: Thanks to everyone who completed my survey about DFMC swag for the coming season.Your feedback has been very helpful! I am working through internal approval and vendor quotes but hope to have more info in the very near future on this. In the meantime, it's not too late to share your thoughts HERE. Are you a vendor or someone who works in promo products? Send me a note and let's chat!
- Give to DFMC, Get a Song from Me: As a special way to thank my donors, I will be incorporating some very special musical opportunities for various gift levels this season -this one is still in the works so check back for more details in the weeks to come!
- Superbowl Squares for Cancer: This was one of my most successful campaigns last year raising $2500 for DFMC (after a partial corporate match) and paying out $1500 in prizes! No deflation here, the same great prizes are once again up for grabs again this year and I will be posting details as my Pats get closer to defending their title - I mean, as we draw closer to the Super Bowl! ; )
- March Madness: Oh it's coming back. And it's going to be good. 4 weeks or prizes with prizes growing in size/value each week. Every $10 donation during each prize period gets you one entry for that week's prize(s). NEW for this year, multiple prizes/winners each week! Stay tuned for more details in early Spring. Are you a vendor or business owner who wants to contribute a prize? Send me a note and let's chat!
As I have often said, it takes more than financial gifts to get us closer to the ultimate finish line and a world without cancer. Your generosity last season went far beyond those gifts to encompass notes of support, prayers, posters, surprise visits, phone calls, and so much more. Tight on funds but have an idea for a great fundraiser? Send it my way. Maxed out on your 2015 gifting but willing to make or donate a prize to use in 2016? Let's chat about that too. Local to the Boston area or willing to travel in for marathon weekend? Sign up to be a DFMC volunteer. Even the simple act of sharing my posts with family and friends helps to generate interest and support, so I cannot thank you enough for sharing whenever possible. And it goes without saying that if anyone can control the snow this winter, we would greatly appreciate it!
Also in the works? A revamped training log so I can more easily share my weekly totals with you (last season a technical glitch required extraneous editing), guest posts from some of the people who inspire me most, teammate spotlights, and more!
Who knew growing hay could be so exciting?
Saturday, October 10, 2015
DFMC Survey
Good morning! No long run today as 13.1 awaits me in tomorrow's B.A.A. Half. Instead, taking the morning to focus on the most important part of the upcoming 2016 season - meeting my goal to fund innovative basic cancer research!
I have some exciting things in store for this season and my chief goal is to make it just as fun and rewarding for all of YOU! With that in mind, kindly take five seconds to take this super quick survey and help me narrow down some potential projects for this season:
Click HERE To Take the DFMC Supporter Survey
Recaps and exciting announcements to come so be sure to stay tuned. You can also follow me on Twitter and follow this blog via email (see the right side of my blog). Your support and encouragement never fails to amaze or inspire me - I can't thank you all enough for helping us to imagine a world without cancer! xo
I have some exciting things in store for this season and my chief goal is to make it just as fun and rewarding for all of YOU! With that in mind, kindly take five seconds to take this super quick survey and help me narrow down some potential projects for this season:
Click HERE To Take the DFMC Supporter Survey
Recaps and exciting announcements to come so be sure to stay tuned. You can also follow me on Twitter and follow this blog via email (see the right side of my blog). Your support and encouragement never fails to amaze or inspire me - I can't thank you all enough for helping us to imagine a world without cancer! xo
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