Tri-ing for LGSOC

On July 12, 2026, members of the Thurston family will be participating in the Lake Zurich Triathlon, while raising money for low grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), which Rita was diagnosed with in 2021. The event takes place in Lake Zurich, Illinois, where Rita and Jeff still live and where the kids grew up. We will be completing the Sprint Triathlon, which is a 750 meter swim, 22K bike and 5K run. Family members, who live throughout the country, have been training for months, and will come together on the weekend of the race for this challenge. This will be the first triathlon for most family members!

Our Why

In 2021, Rita was diagnosed with low grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). This was a very scary time. Fortunately, surgery and chemo in 2022 was successful and Rita was considered cancer-free by mid-year. Now, in 2026, she has had a recurrence of LGSOC, which is very common for ovarian cancers. Fortunately, there is a drug she can take which may be able to combat her cancer. It works for some LGSOC patients - we're keeping our fingers crossed! The amazing part is that this targeted therapy just started being used for LGSOC patients in recent years due to clinical trials and research completed at MD Anderson and other cancer research centers. This shows how incredibly important it is to fund research for LGSOC. It is a rare form of ovarian cancer that does not receive the same amount of funding as other cancers. Researchers have historically struggled to secure funding for dedicated low-grade serous ovarian cancer clinical trials. However, dedicated advocacy groups, like the STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation, have emerged to help close this funding gap.

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

The Thurston family is excited to add a fundraising aspect to our LZ Triathlon event! All money donated goes directly to the STAAR Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit foundation dedicated to driving progress in LGSOC research and to improving the quality of life for those affected by this rare form of ovarian cancer. Help us reach our fundraising goal of $2,500! Any contribution, large or small, is appreciated. Thank you so much for your support and for partnering with us to make a difference!

Thurstons Tri-ing for LGSOC

Lake Zurich Triathlon Fundraiser