In 2018, just 10 days after the birth of my son, I was diagnosed with cancer - Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma. Our world was upended. I remember being handed a picture of my lungs that looked like they were full of popcorn. Instead, it was well over 100 cancerous nodules. I spent many nights in the hospital and endured many months of chemotherapy. It was by far the most challenging thing I've ever done, but I am one of the lucky ones. 

It sounds crazy, but so many times throughout my journey my husband and I found ourselves in awe of just how fortunate we were. We had the financial resources that we needed and incredible support in so many ways. I could focus on taking care of myself, snuggling with my children, and just getting better. 

I had an amazing village in my Cancer and Blood Disorders Team. There just aren’t words to describe how truly incredible these people are.  I had colleagues and friends who provided incredible support (Bruce! Anne! Jawhar!), food (Teresa! Emma! Joans!), gift cards and cards (Kristin! Lori!), parking vouchers (Julie B!), house cleaning (Sarah G!), time (Susan! Kris Ann! Mary!), dog walking (Trinayani!), and invaluable advice (Mike! Kate! Maggie! Yoav! Nathan!) 

When I finished chemotherapy in 2019, regaining my strength and energy was one of my top priorities. In those early days, even brisk walks left me breathless, but I kept going. Eventually, I was jogging, running, and then back to running races with Team Superstars.

On October 4th, I'll be running the TC 10 Mile along with many others in the Cancer and Blood Disorders program (physicians, nurses, rehab therapists) to raise money for the Children's Cancer Kids Fund at Children's Minnesota. This fund helps families in many ways. It helps to provide the resources that families need to endure something so challenging and life-altering. Because not everyone is as fortunate as myself. This fund helps with everyday expenses like food and transportation, rent or mortgage assistance, supportive services like psychologists, music therapists, and child life specialists and the list goes on.  

Please consider donating so we can continue to support these amazing kids and families!

With love,
Rachel