Honoring My Sister's Memory and Supporting Cancer Research
In September, I’m participating in the Swim Across America event in honor of my sister’s memory and to raise funds for the USCF Benioff Children’s Cancer Center, a world-renowned medical center dedicated to providing care and treatment for children and young adults with cancer and blood disorders.
Although the event takes place in open water in the San Francisco Bay Area, I'll be joining the event 'virtually', swimming the 1.5 miles in a nearby neighborhood pool.
In 1992, I had the opportunity to be her bone marrow donor. She had Hodgkin's Lymphoma and this was one our last options. I remember the fear and uncertainty that we felt, but I also remember the hope and strength we found as a family.
My sister survived and beat Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but three years later she contracted leukemia, which took her life quickly due to her weakened immune system. Her bravery and resilience in the face of these diseases was an inspiration to me, and I have lived my life trying to honor her memory. This year marks 30 years since our bone marrow transplant, and I thought that participating in the Swim Across America event would be a meaningful way to honor her memory and raise funds for cancer research and awareness.
During those 3 years, she continued her practice helping pregnant teens through medical ministry. She was honored by the UVA medical center with a wing in her honor and an annual award to other doctors who carry on with what she started.
I believe that parents and families shouldn't have to go through what we went through, and I appreciate the important work that the USCF Benioff Children's Cancer Center is doing to help children and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. By making a donation to support my swim and this incredible organization, you can help to make a difference in the lives of patients and families who are affected by these diseases.
Thank you for your consideration, and for supporting this important cause. Together, we can make a difference and help to create a world without cancer.
Swim Across America is a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS. Their tax ID is 22-3248256. All online donors receive an e-receipt and all donations greater than $100 receive a calendar year end mailed tax receipt.
Thank you for helping me #MakeWavesToFightCancer.
