Every runner has
a reason for hitting the pavement, and mine is a personal one. I'm running the
2024 TCS New York City Marathon to raise funds and awareness for glioblastoma
research in honor of my friend and colleague, Johannes Egl, a person whose
courage and spirit continue to inspire me every day.
In March 2023,
Johannes left the desk at work with what his wife thought were signs of a
stroke. He was diagnosed at UVA Hospital with glioblastoma and everything
changed. This was personal wake up call for me to have someone very close to me
be completely fine one day and the next day their world is upside down.
Johannes is a great friend and good man. He is a father to two daughters, a
mentor to his colleagues, and an eternal optimist and risk-taker.
I hope to raise
funds and awareness to this aggressive cancer to make treatments for a
prolonged quality of life more readily available for this disease that still
uses treatment protocols from decades ago despite countless reports of trials
and new treatments. Johannes’ journey with this aggressive form of brain cancer
is a model of strength and resilience as he successfully had LITT surgery to
remove the tumor, powered through chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy and never
sacrificed his sense of humor, appreciation for his friends, family, and life
experiences in the face of the overwhelming challenges. And yet the tumor
returned.
The Impact of Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is one of the most
aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer. It takes a heavy toll on patients
and their families, with limited treatment options and a high recurrence rate.
Despite these challenges, there is hope, but there's still a long way to go.
My Goal
I'm running this marathon to raise money
for crucial research and to help find better treatments, improve patient
outcomes, and one day, discover a cure. My goal is to raise $8,000 to support organizations that are at the forefront of glioblastoma
research. By doing this, I hope to make a difference in the lives of those affected
by this devastating disease and honor Johannes' legacy.
How You Can Help
Your support can make a real impact.
Whether it's through a donation, sharing my fundraising campaign, or simply
spreading awareness about glioblastoma, every bit counts. Here's how you can
get involved:
●
Donate: Visit my fundraising page and make a
contribution. Every dollar helps fund vital research.
●
Share: Share my story and fundraising campaign
on social media, with friends, and in your community. The more people who know
about glioblastoma, the closer we are to finding a cure.
As I cross the finish line, I'll carry
with me the spirit of Johannes and the hope that one day, our efforts will lead
to a cure.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you.
