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Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I am excited to support the V Foundation for Cancer Research, an organization committed to declaring Victory Over Cancer®. 

In less than 365 days, I lost both my father and older brother to cancer. First my dad on March 11, 2023 after a 5 month fight with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Then my brother on March 2, 2024 after a nearly year long fight of salivary gland cancer.

Despite both going through such aggressive cancers and intense treatments, neither of them lost their smile or determination. Never ones to stay in place too long, both remained antsy and active through their treatments. My dad and I spent time playing Uno at his chemo treatments, talking about college basketball, and laughing over his change of taste, especially how water tasted different to him. Throughout my brother's treatments, he continued to host parties, smoke meats, and spend time with the people he loved. He even went on a snowboarding trip about 2 months after an invasive surgery. No matter how hard the fight was, both embodied the spirit of Coach Valvano - "don't give up, don't ever give up."

To that end, I told them both, "You fight, I fight."  Now it is my turn to continue their fight in raising money for cancer research. I am working to raise $10,000 for cancer research as I run 32 miles on my 32nd birthday this year. I initially began this endeavor after my dad passed away and I felt my mental health rapidly decline. While the mental and physical health benefits remain the same, I also wanted to turn this run into a meaningful run -- a run to continue my dad and brother's fight against cancer. 

Not only am I seeking to raise $10,000, I will also match donations up to $3,200 and I'll double that donation amount if I am able to complete the race in under 6 hours.

The research the V Foundation funds is critical. By making a donation you will be supporting carefully vetted, cutting-edge research at prominent cancer centers nationwide. Please join me in the fight against cancer by donating toward this cause today. 

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The Foundation has funded over $353 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of direct donations to cancer research and related programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.