In January 2011 our world was turned upside down when my husband was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. That summer while Dave was in hospice we cheered from afar as my brother completed his first Ironman. At the time my thoughts were “that is really cool but I could never do something like that”.

Fast forward a few years and somehow that thought changed.  I was doing ok after Dave died but felt more like I was just existing and not really living life as it should be lived.  Dave fought so hard and lived each day as best he could, in spite of being so sick.  I needed to do more than exist – that was not a way to live and it certainly wasn’t the way to honor someone who wanted so much to live longer than he did.  I needed a challenge and a focus.  Somehow competing in Ironman Lake Placid became that focus.

So why Team Fight?

A little over 2 years ago some running friends introduced me to the Cancer to 5k program.  Dave and I ran together and this would have been something he would have enjoyed.  It seemed like a perfect fit and it was.  Cancer to 5k introduced me to the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.  The funny thing is that Ulman does so much of what Dave and I talked about that is needed to support those with cancer.  Since then I have prepared meals for families, volunteered at Ulman Cancer Fund Races and a few other things along the way.  The Ulman Fund also supported me in September as I celebrated Dave’s 50^th birthday with 50 acts of kindness.  But most of all what the Ulman Fund does makes a difference and it matters.

My husband showed me how to fight and what strength really is.  Representing Team Fight as I complete my first Ironman July 24^th in Lake Placid is the perfect way honor Dave and all those that continue the fight. 

Please join me in supporting the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

“I have lived my life well, lived with integrity and always lived each day the best I could. I have no regrets.”   DKB – 9/2/65 – 10/23/11

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, the Ulman Cancer Fund is able to provide free support services and resources for the young adult cancer community including:

Cancer to 5K - a 12-week training program designed to introduce or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

Patient Navigation - a free program (onsite at cancer centers and remotely through our office) that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one support & resources to young adults and their families to help them manage the cancer expereience and long-term cancer survival.

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.

Your donation will help make these programs and our mission possible!