LET'S BEAT CANCER TOGETHER

The combination of three years of cancer treatments, along with a bout of Covid-19, has temporarily sidelined me from running. Hearing that John Sullivan and Kellen Mathews of Earn Your Break are running the 140 mile Schuylkill River Trail to raise $36,000 for Legacy of Hope, motivated me to participate in some way.  My wife Carmen, my sister Leah, and I will walk the last 10 miles of the trail on Saturday, April 17th. Our goal is to raise $10,000.  It is a substantial sum and a difficult time to ask for donations, but I'm confident if all of our family and friends donate $1 per mile ($10 total), we will reach it together! Every mile counts, and each dollar helps a cancer patient struggling to put food on the table while dealing with treatment.  Thank you for whatever you can contribute.

The Cause

Legacy of Hope is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit based in Philadelphia, providing emergency patient support to Philadelphia’s most financially distressed cancer patients through a network made possible by partnerships with major hospitals and local organizations. The Emergency Patient Support Network program delivers healthy groceries every week to the homes of Philadelphia cancer patients whose families face hunger because of a cancer diagnosis.  As a Legacy of Hope board member and volunteer, I along with my family, have delivered food to some of our area's cancer patients. I have seen the joy and relief on the faces of fellow cancer patients upon receiving groceries and realizing that is one less thing they need to worry about.  As a cancer patient, I can tell you life's simple tasks, such as grocery shopping, is an added stress to those in treatment, especially if they are struggling financially.  Your support will allow Legacy of Hope to continue this vital program. 

My Story

On August 25, 2015, I was diagnosed with stage three kidney cancer. Since then I've had 1 surgery to remove the tumor and a kidney, 2 metastasis in my lungs and pancreas, 2 biopsy procedures, 30+ CT scans, 14 immunotherapy infusions, several targeted therapy medications, and countless blood draws.  I continue my treatment at the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center with the support of my family.  I’m fortunate that cancer has not interfered with my daily life, and I'm committed to helping other patients and survivors through Legacy of Hope and my running club, the Fishtown Beer Runners. I am grateful to the dedicated medical professionals who have helped me and the amazing cancer organizations such as Legacy of Hope.