This January marks my 3rd year taking on the Dopey Challenge—a test of endurance that involves running a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon on consecutive days. I never thought that I'd be able to run a full marathon, let alone 48.6 miles in one weekend. I also never thought that I'd want to do it a second time or a third!!! I'm proud to say that I'm running again this year and in support of a wonderful organization that's making a huge difference in the world.

Did you know that there is sharing of tissues when you pass from cancer with the family's permission? I've been there for the asking. It's a really tough spot to be in but if you share, it can help research!

A little bit about Dragon Master Fiundation.

How it started: 

David was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme in September 2010. He was just 16 years old. David was funny, quirky, intelligent and kind. He was well loved by all who encountered him throughout his life. He wanted to be a chef, and he was so honored to meet Gordon Ramsay and to call José Andres a friend. He always had a smile and a hug for the people he loved - and that was nearly everyone he met.

Four hospitals, a clinical trial, and countless prayers couldn't save David, and he passed away after a 20 month battle. Hoping to turn this tragedy into something positive and help solve the riddle of cancer, his mother and stepfather have founded the Dragon Master Foundation, with the goal of using big data to help researchers identify patterns and further their research.

Game Plan:

• Develop and continue expanding CAVATICA in partnership with the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN). The CAVATICA platform is a free, open access research tool that enables doctors and scientists to easily share, search, and analyze large collections of patient data. The CBTN is a network of hospitals and other research institutions who have committed to sharing their data via CAVATICA.
• Incentivize a culture of collaboration by rewarding qualified researchers who choose to share their data. We do this by funding the Research Symbiont Award on a yearly basis.
• Provide a system for tracking patients from on clinical trial/hospital to the next. This will give researchers better data on deaths and long-term survivors

Help me help Dragon Master to put an end to this horrible disease!