I’ve been hoping to participate in the Sam Day Buddy Run ever since a friend introduced me to it a few years ago. I’m looking forward to partnering up with a local buddy to run on behalf of this May. It's going to give a lot more meaning to running 13 miles. These young buddies and anyone impacted by cancer are fighters and I will do my best to raise funds to help their cause. Thank you, in advance, to everyone who contributes! 

I am running in honor of Genesis.

A note from Genesis' parents:

Genesis is a smart, independent girl, shy at first, but once she gets comfortable she can be super fun and joyful. She is also brave and strong. And I love her smile full of life. She loves to swim and play with water, and go to parks. She also enjoys being with her friends and making fun videos with them or alone.

Our life changed entirely last year, in February, when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In one week she was diagnosed, had surgery, and discharged. We thought we were done, but the tumor started to grow, and she had a second surgery in July. She had to take radiation and we traveled from Salem, Or to San Diego, Ca. to receive treatment. Once we got back home, she started chemo, and she’s still in treatment. It’s been a long, difficult process. All of our traumas are being exposed and potentialized, but we are learning to face one day at a time. Even though she is doing really great, the suffering is present. She hasn’t lost her hair, and we hope that never happens, because that would affect her so much. The hardest part is that she’s being poked several times a month for analysis and treatment, and every time we are at the hospital she says she doesn’t want to keep going through that. She asks how a medication that is supposed to help, is causing her feeling so bad, with nausea and vomiting. She has been so strong in all of this, but she’s still just a 10 years old girl. It is indeed so difficult, but we have learned that God called us to live here, and that He is leading our lives.

Cancer is a life changing event. It affects everybody in your home, one way or the other. But we are not alone. There is so much help, especially in this country.