It was one of those situations where I just felt called to do something, but at the time I didn’t actually know why. I registered in September 2012 to be a member of Team Seattle 2013, and by December I knew exactly why 4K was something I just wholeheartedly had to be a part of.
In December of 2012 my grandfather, Jim Considine, who we all called “Pop” was diagnosed with his third cancer battle. It was only two days before Christmas when my dad sat me down and told me. Pop hadn’t been feeling well for a while, but having always known him to be a survivor, none of us even for a second thought it was cancer. He beat it twice, wasn’t that enough, couldn’t it just leave him alone?
I decided in that moment that my 4K for Cancer journey was going to be dedicated completely to him. Pop and I had always gone on bike rides together in south Jersey and he played a part in me learning how to ride a bike- so it seemed only fitting for this trip to be for him.
In March 2013 I drove home from Baltimore to spend Easter with my family. On March 28th, my dad asked me if I would go with him to visit Pop. In just the short few months, Pop’s health had completely gone down hill - hospice was involved and they were telling us it was just a matter of days. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see him like that - my last visit with him had been so good, and I kind of selfishly wanted that to be my last memory of him, but as I saw my dad getting ready to leave I felt something tug at my heartstrings telling me not to let him go alone. I quickly got ready and hopped in the car.
When we got to my Aunt Kristene's my dad immediately when to Pop’s bedside. I followed, telling myself over and over again not to cry. He was awake and so we started talking to him, sharing memories and stories with him. He could no longer speak but we pretended as if he was joining in the conversation. I told him all about 4K and how my trip was for him.
“Speaking of Bikes do you remember that time we went for a ride together out in…” My dad began his story, reminiscing about a time the two of them were out in some state riding up and down the rolling hills, and over mountains. That whole day, Pop was lagging behind and so my dad kept doubling back to check up on him, and provide motivation. It wasn’t until the sixth time doubling back that they both realized that Pop had been riding the whole day on not one but two flats.
“It could’ve killed you Dad” my dad laughed recalling the two flats while Pop laid still in the bed. We both looked at each other and realized that in that second he had taken his last breath.
The last two things I ever said to Pop were “I love you” and “My trip is for you”. I rode every day for him, and tried to live each day as he did - he never once complained about having to undergo treatment, he never once complained about how hard a climb was, and he never once complained about flats. I was the queen of flats on my team that summer - I held the record for getting the most, and I can’t help but think that it was all Pop, that he was messing with me and testing me to see if I had the same strength he did on his ride.So why are you doing a marathon Nicole, biking seems more your thing?
Well you're right…. Biking is totally MORE my thing. I am currently the program coordinator for the 4K for Cancer and this summer I got to spend a couple days on the road with our 2014 Running team. I have never been much for running - I did track and cross country but mainly just to stay in shape for swim season, it was never really my thing. But I made a promise to a very special group of runners that if I survived running with them the first three days of their trip that I would sign up for the Baltimore Marathon. It was three very long days, and we each did over 28 miles of running but I did it, I survived and I’m not one to go back on my word. This race is for the 2014 Running team (and all the people they dedicated their trip to), for Pop and for Jamie Roberts.
Wish me luck!
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, as they fight cancer and embrace survivorship.
With your support, The Ulman Cancer Fund is able to provide multiple support services and resources for the young adult cancer community, including:
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Cancer to 5K - A free, progressive, 12-week run/walk program designed to reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.
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Helping Others Fight - A volunteer program that provides basic services – such as transportation to and from treatment, yard work, home repairs, delivery of chemo care bags – to local cancer patients and their families so they can focus their energy on their battle with cancer and their well-being.
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Patient Navigation - A free program - onsite at cancer centers and remote - that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one personal support and resources to young adults and their families to help them manage the cancer experience and long-term cancer survival.
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Scholarships - A financial assistance program to help young adults continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.
Thank you for making these programs and our mission possible.
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| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Dean Hallberg | 10/17/2014 | $50.00 | Keep changing lives! | Camille De Riso | 10/16/2014 | $15.00 | God Bless you and know you'll succeed in all you do. | Bruce Hogarth | 10/14/2014 | $150.00 | Go get 'em Nicole :-) | Kevin Lugo | 10/14/2014 | $25.00 | You go girl! | Jim Bresnahan | 09/11/2014 | $160.00 |
| Total | $400.00 | ||