A MESSAGE FROM Nick’s First Marathon!
Cancer is a word my family and I are all too familiar with. At an early age, I was face to face with the harsh realities of what cancer (and treatment) does to a person. My Nonnu was diagnosed with lung cancer in the early 2000’s. As he slipped into a coma, the doctors told my family our beloved Nonnu had mere weeks to live, if that. Days became weeks, and weeks became months. Miraculously, my Nonnu pulled through and went on to live a beautiful 92 years of life.
The experience with Nonnu really showed us just how important it was to remain close as a family during tough times.
I developed close relationships with my aunts and uncles, none closer than with my Uncle Mike. Uncle Mike was the funniest of my mom’s siblings, so naturally I gravitated to him. He had a heart made of gold, incredible strength, and a laugh that filled up a room. About 10 years after my Nonnu, uncle Mike developed Lymphoma. I watched the strongest person in my life slowly deteriorate through two separate bouts of cancer treatment over the years. He was tired and frail, yet he never lost his humor. While physically weak, he remained strong. Cancer did a number on him, and sadly, his compromised immune system could not win its 3rd battle. This time, covid took Uncle Mike from us at age 55.
My family has certainly taught me a lot over the years. While both instances of cancer in my family were extremely hard, they taught me valuable lessons. My grandfather’s battle taught me to never give up, hold your family close, and appreciate the time we have in this life; you never know when it’ll be over. Uncle Mike’s battle taught me to take on adversity with courage and never lose your sense of humor; it's a powerful tool to get through tough times. The strength displayed by these two is something I’ll remember forever.
Their courage leaves me constantly wondering, what can I do to contribute? How does one person make any impact on such a profound disease. Running for charity is an incredible outlet that allows me to push myself using the values my family instilled in me while also raising funds for an incredible cause. I’m fortunate and honored to run MY FIRST MARATHON with the Emily Whitehead Foundation at the NYC Marathon this year! Emily Whitehead Foundation is a perfect fit; together with my teammates, I look forward to raising funds that will activate a cure and help advance treatments for childhood cancer. Emily's story hit home as it paralleled the fight both Nonnu & Uncle Mike battled.
Through this marathon training journey, I look forward to sharing their stories, bringing awareness to this amazing charity, and raising funds to help activate the cure. Just as my family stuck together, we, together, can make a small difference with a lasting impact! Thank you for all of your support!
