Why we walk for LRF: 'We bond for a common cause, experience a common purpose'
I was introduced to the Leukemia Research Foundation in 1997 by a colleague and close friend, Dr. Wendy Stock. I attended the annual LRF dinner that year and was overwhelmed by the dedication and determination of the different foundation chapters that had spent the previous year fundraising.
The chapters consist of survivors, families and friends, a true grass-roots organizations.
From the earliest chapters, founded in the 1940s, to the newest chapters formed that year, each chapter proudly announced their contribution ranging from $246.50 to $120,000!
I am an oncology nurse who has worked in hospitals with cancer patients, most specifically blood cancer patients, for all 35 years of my career. The mission of LRF to fund research to find treatments and to cure blood cancers is a goal that greatly benefits my patient population.
Between the chapter dinner and the mission statement, I was hooked and wanted to somehow be involved in LRF. I started by joining the ABC 7 Gibbons 5K Run & 3K Walk each year, adding patients, family, friends and colleagues to my walk.
In 2006, I decided to attempt the 5K run and, as they say, the rest was history. Since that time, I formed my team, Carol's Team of Hope, and have concentrated on fundraising as well as having fun.
My family - and especially my husband - became my strongest advocates, and we celebrated helping survivors and their families.
Little did I know that we would become one of those families and survivors.
In 2013, my husband was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, lymphoma of the brain, and we began the journey that I had traveled so often with my patients and families. That June, my family rallied and stayed with Jim so I could go to the race, where the team effort was dedicated to Jim.
For the next three years, as our journey changed, LRF was there to support and encourage us. Each subsequent year after diagnosis, Jim proudly wore his survivor shirt to the race, even after his relapse.
Although Jim died in March of 2017, his four-year journey was possible because of the research that offered him options after relapse. Without organizations like LRF, new researchers often are not included in the larger research grants, and treatments for rare cancers such as Jim's do not get adequate funding.
As an oncology nurse, Jim's wife and captain of the team, I encourage you to support the race and the Leukemia Research Foundation. It is hard to describe the feeling of seeing the survivors, families and friends kick off the race and watch all the joyful celebrations afterward.
We bond for a common cause, experience a common purpose, and unite in love and friendship. Although we are unable to come together in Grant Park this year, we will be together in spirit and in our hearts as we socially distance and virtually walk/run!