I recently accepted the challenge to participate in the Timmerman Traverse to support Damon Runyon cancer researchers who are brilliant, brave, and bold enough to go where others haven’t.
Having been through several unsuccessful treatments for a highly curable, and treatable cancer myself, there has to be a better way. Time is our most valuable possession and for patients, current and future, there is no time to wait.
A little about my story.
In November 2017 at 29 years old, I was diagnosed with two forms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, both a very aggressive form and an indolent form. While treatable, both types of cancer are more commonly seen at age 70+. Despite this, I began the standard course of treatment, which failed many times. Ultimately, my “by the numbers” from 2017 to 2021 looks like this:
- 250+ days in hospital
- 4 Chemo Regimens
- 2 Radiation Therapies
- 1 Stem Cell Transplant
- 1 CAR-T Therapy
- 1 Extended Immunotherapy Treatment
- Excision of Malignant and Benign Lymph Nodes
Ultimately after the excision in July 2021 and continued immunotherapy, my doctors allowed me to take a "drug holiday" for my wedding and honeymoon in October 2021.
Today, over seven years after being initially diagnosed and 4 years into my “drug holiday,” I am currently cancer-free and am now considered in remission. However, there is a concern that the cancer’s return is more of a “when” and not an “if.” Given that news and the prior years of treatment, I take nothing for granted and I am enjoying every day with my wife, Shea, our two sons Owen and Will (2y and 5 months), and all my family, friends, and colleagues who continue to provide me with unrelenting support against an unrelenting cancer.
As a survivor, risk management consultant helping biotechs bring therapies to patients, and a patient advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how research transforms lives. This climb is my way of fueling the next breakthroughs.
More about my campaign.
I don’t know how many years of remission I’ll be granted. But I do know that with your support, we can ensure more patients have more time. Thank you for climbing this mountain with me.
Please visit my website often and tell friends who would also like to donate!
THANK YOU TO MY SPONSORS:
RT Specialty - Shira Sponsor (12,500 FT): $10,000