A few months after Dan had his liver resection, he decided to train for the Livestrong Challenge, a 10-mile bike ride through the suburbs of Philadelphia. Dan took a lot of inspiration from Lance Armstrong. Dan's involvement with the Livestrong Foundation gave him the positive attitue that helped him fight cancer when he had it, and gave him pride for his lengthy remission. While many foundations focus on research and developing cures for cancer (and this is VERY important!), Livestrong's mission is focused on providing support to those who are undergoing treatment at the present time. Livestrong sponsors a number of initiatives that help patients get treatment, take care of themselves and their families, and to be active when they are able to do so.
In the wake of Dan's passing, many of us have tried to find ways to honor his memory. My Aunt Wendy decided that she was going to organize a team to walk or run in this year's Livetrong Challenge. Wendy ran the 10K, I ran the 5K, and my parents, Uncle Joe, four of my cousins, and 5 of Dan's friends walked the 5K course. I was touched that one of Dan's friends, who is also a cancer survivor, walked the course with his wife. I think Dan would have been especially thrilled to see my parents cross that finish line. We high fived people who had beaten cancer, and took pictures of people who were honoring loved ones who couldn't be there themselves. It is impossible to walk away from this event without getting at least one lump in your throat!
Team Macstrong raised over $3,000 for the Livestrong Foundation. More importantly, I think we showed others that there is strength in numbers in the face of cancer. We received support from all walks of Dan's life, as well as from our friends or family who were touched by Dan's story.
Come join us next year!
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