This is personal.  In 2019, after months of feeling unwell followed by many MRI's, specialist visits, etc., an ultrasound of my thyroid was ultimately performed and multiple nodules were detected. An FNA was performed on one nodule that had increased significantly in size and was deemed suspicious. However, further diagnostic testing downplayed the cancer risk to < 20%. It was recommended I take a "wait and see" approach - just go back in 6-9 months. I was feeling scared, confused, and in need of guidance. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to an internationally recognized expert in the field of thyroid cancer diagnostics - an innovator in the true sense of the word. The feedback was almost immediate - this wasn't something to treat with a "wait and see" approach.  For the first time, I felt heard.  Within 10 days, I had my surgery. Within two weeks, the results were back and were definitive. It was cancer and it had been growing - fast.

Three years later, I have been given a clean bill of health and graduated to annual check-ups. I'm very lucky - not just for the outcome. I'm lucky to have been connected to someone who understood the importance of innovation and making patients aware of the latest and greatest in testing.  I'm lucky to have been redirected to accelerate the diagnosis and ultimately my treatment plan.  With cancer, speed matters. Time matters.

In February 2024, I'll be hiking to fund groundbreaking cancer research. Innovation in cancer research helps us move faster - to get better treatments into the hands of patients. And at Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, 100% of donations fund bold cancer research.

Just as every minute counts with cancer treatment, every dollar counts when funding cancer research. Thank you - truly - for your support and the consideration.