Thank you for visiting my personal fundraising page for this year's Dempsey Challenge!
The Dempsey Challenge has always been near & dear to my heart. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011. At that time, my children were 9 and 6. I utilized the amazing services at the Dempsey Center to help me explain to my kids and try to prepare them for what was going to be taking place. I honestly just wanted to tell them I was going away for a few days, just to avoid the difficulty of the conversation. The wonderful support staff gave me all the tools I needed to have that conversation with them. I NEVER could have done that without their support. The kids handled the news like troopers and were my biggest supporters. This year makes 14 years that I am cancer free!!!! I’m thankful every single day.
Fast forward to December 2023, my healthy-as-a-horse son, who was 21 year old, had a seizure. Testing revealed that Levi had an egg size tumor behind his left eye. This was 5 months away from his college graduation and he had just accepted a job out of state after graduation. This was supposed to be an incredibly exciting time and it completely turned his/our world upside down. The Dr’s at Brigham & Women's we able to remove the entire tumor in January 2024 and initially believed it to be benign. At his 2 week follow up appointment, we learned it was a malignant Grade 2 astrocytoma. It was a punch in the gut for all of us. Although they removed the entire tumor, it is the type that would grow back. By the grace of God, Levi met all the criteria for a medication that has kept him in his “healthy-as-a-horse” status. His whole world was turned upside down and he handled it like a champ. He stayed so positive and was determined that this diagnosis was not doing to define him.
It’s been almost 1.5yrs since his surgery and we are beyond thankful for every day. Levi graduated college magna cum laude and moved to North Carolina where he started his new job with Consigli Construction. I’d be remiss not to mention Destiney, his amazing girlfriend, who was not only a rock for Levi during everything, but she was our rock also. They bought a home and are living their best lives. GOD IS GOOD!!!!!
We were a diehard Dempsey Challenge family for 10+ years but unfortunately unable to participate the last couple years. But we’re back….stronger than ever! Please consider donating to our cause….it would mean so much. The Dempsey Center is an amazing place and I will forever be thankful for all the support that they offer without ever having to open your wallet. We truly never know what tomorrow will bring so make each day count!!!
A donation made to my page helps support thousands of cancer patients, survivors, care partners, and their loved ones. Gifts of any amount will provide no-cost support for years to come.
Thank you for your support!