I have had the pleasure of working at Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic in Minneapolis over the past year and a half. During this time, while working at the clinic, I used my own experience as a “young adult” cancer survivor (non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) and volunteered with the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Group (A.Y.A) in hopes of helping AYA to create a community where they can feel normal during what is a drastically different life experience for them from their peers. Over that time I have seen countless examples of strength, courage, and grit that will forever change how I view the world and patients in particular.

       This newly found perspective from the health care professional side will help to guide me in the years to come. This year I was accepted into the Physician Assistant program at the University of Iowa and the thought of leaving this amazing group of young people was harder than I thought it would be. I wanted to try and figure out a way to give something back to them after all that they have given me. I had heard from a coworker about Team Superstar, which is a group that raises money for various Children’s endeavors through activities. To both challenge myself and raise money for Team Superstar, I decided to run Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN. All of the money raised will go to the Cancer Kids Fund.

       The Cancer Kids Fund provides a wide array of support for patients and their families. Some of the money goes to the AYA group, funding the food for monthly meet ups where current patients, both inpatient and outpatient, can get together, play games and be normal teens without having to think about explaining why they are bald or what their scar is from. The Fund also supports the outings for the AYA group, like Twins games, Escape Rooms, cooking classes to name a few. While that is my main focus, the fund goes well beyond the fun stuff that helps to make cancer treatment bearable. It also funds taxi rides for patients and families who need help getting to and from their sometimes daily chemotherapy, parking vouchers for families who have to come in often, and hotel stays during that time as well.

       I want to do my small part to help ensure that this fund continues to give patients and their families the opportunity to have fun while they are forced to put many other parts of their lives on hold. This 26.2 miles will be difficult and arduous but nothing in comparison to what they are going through. In the link provided please donate whatever you feel comfortable donating or send along positive thoughts for the 3 plus hours of running to come. Thank you either way, I sincerely appreciate your support.