It's been too long since I've been involved with a fundraiser that specifically targets the cancer that has thrice threatened my life and continues to lurk on the horizon.
The last time my family and I walked in Steps for Sarcoma was September 2014. My then-husband of 40 years struggled to complete the 3-mile path, and within days Tom was hospitalized with the leukemia that took his life six weeks later. So it was emotionally difficult to contemplate signing up for another race.
But life goes on, and I have been blessed to have found a loving new partner in TC, who shares my determination to do all we can to keep sarcoma from writing my final chapter. That includes supporting efforts like Steps for Sarcoma, which funds research for sarcoma causes, treatments and cures at the OSU Comprehensive Cancer 'Center - James.
The wake-up call we received with my third sarcoma diagnosis this past spring was the reminder I needed to once again sign up to support this important fundraiser. However, that nudge came after we had already planned to embark on TC's first-ever cruise in September.
Having successfully navigated and healed from surgery in June to remove two sarcoma tumors in my right lung, we plan to keep the cruise on our calendar, even though it means not being there physically to walk in the 14th annual Steps for Sarcoma on Sept. 17.
I will be there in spirit, though, through anyone who wants to join my team or contribute toward my goal of raising $1,000 for the cause.
I've never made a fundraising ask for my Sept. 16 birthday, but this may become an annual wish for me. Here are the links if you would like to make a donation to Steps for Sarcoma in my honor -- and I would be greatly honored if you do -- by searching for my name on the donation page. Or join the team I will be leading in absentia by searching for Mary's Mighty Marchers.
And next year let's do it in person!
