I finished the Marathon in a time of 3:40:45. It was a big day for me because it marked the end of the most difficult period of time thus far in my life. It finally felt like I was able to put some of the things that had happened in the past year behind me. I like to think that I kept the "why me" moments to a minimum during this time period. I will confess that I felt like somethings had been taken from me when all of this happened. I now feel as though I am better off than I was when this tumor presented itself. I may not have all my hair back, but I found out a lot about myself. I also found out how many good friends I have.
Tomorrow I will be turning over all of the donations that you sent me. I have not totaled the amount yet, but I think I eclipsed $5000! I'd like to thank all of you for your contributions. You may not fully understand how much it means to me. I was reminded this week about why I was raising funds. A man that I met during my radiation treatments named Jimmy Schwab did not win his fight with his brain tumor. I did not know he had passed in June. He went right after me on the radiation machine everyday. I saw him everyday that I had treatment and he was always in a better mood than I was. While I am saddened by the news of his death, it makes me all the more appreciative of how much support people gave. Treatment has come a long way but there is still a long way to go.
Your money will save someone who is a parent, a sibling, a child, or a friend to someone. You invested your money in a research team that I fully believe will have a hand in finding a cure to cancer.
So from the bottom of my heart thank you!