Through the MGH patient partner program, I am  now running for in support of the treatment of cancer with a lovely little girl I met today, Alicia Barrett, who, along with her supportive family is just completing her  initial treatment for a brain tumor that was diagnosed 3 months ago.                                                                                                                                                                                       

  Alicia was developing normally until a couple of months ago when at about one year old, she started to seem more lethargic and her pediatrician had her seen by pediatric neurology at MGH where they found a brain tumor.  The tumor was removed successfully by pediatric neurosurgery and she is now finishing her last regimen of proton radiation therapy.   After only four months at MGH, she is home, doing very well, with the support of her older brother who is 3, her parents, and her extended family who live in the area. Still, Alicia's road to recovery is uncertain, and she, like many children dealing with cancer, would greatly benefit from any support you can offer to her.  Thanks for your consideration, and if you can help out by contributing to my Boston Marathon run in support of the MGH pediatric oncology service, Alicia all the children struggling with this difficult illness would be very grateful.

  I havealso  decided to dedicate my Boston Marathon run toward raising money for  the cure of a cancer that runs in my family, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which my maternal grandfather died of, and that my incredibly wonderful aunt Midge, has been fortunate to find a new treatment for (though still in phase 2 trial), that has put her in remission, and allowed her to return to a living a normal life. 

To accomplish this second gaol if, through your generosity,  I am able to reach my goal of raising $5000 for Mass General’s childhood cancer program, I will match 10% of your contributions and contribute that 10% toward the researchers working on this promising new drug for CLL, and hopefully help in moving it to a phase 3 trial, so that it can reach the general population, if it continues to show the promise it has for Midge.

I ask that you consider contributing to our childhood cancer program at MGH, as I know from my work with children at MGH with life threatening illness, that the strength these children show time and again in the face of the adversity of their illness comes from the support that they receive from the generosity of those of you who have provided them with support, and in particular from the funds that go to supporting their treatment.

 Just several decades ago, having a diagosis of cancer did not raise the question of whether there was a cure for the cancer with which you were diagnosed, but in most cases, the question was rather one of how long one had to live with a terminal diagnosis. Thanks to the unbelievable work that has been done in this field over the last several decades, we are now in a far more hopeful place with this disease, such that in many cases, there is a very real chance that the diagnosis of cancer in this field, but to those who have donated funds to support finding cures for cancer. Still, there are many childhood and adult cancers that are not in such a fortunate situation, and still remain without much in the way of treatment. Please help to find treatments for those cancers which are still without a treatment or cure by donating to my Boson Marathon run this year in support of children with cancer being treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children.

I and all those who face the diagnsois of cancer thank you for your support!. 

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL wrote -

About the Marathon Team

Since 1998, with the partnership of John Hancock Financial, the Mass General Marathon Team has raised over $6.7 million to support the pediatric hematology-oncology program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC). Funds raised are directed to cancer care and research initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the hospital’s youngest cancer patients. Apply to run on the 2012 Mass General Marathon Team today!

Patient-Partner Program

The MassGeneral Marathon Team is centered around the Marathon Patient-Partner Program, in which runners are paired with patients undergoing cancer treatment at MGHfC. When our runners set out on Boston’s grueling 26.2-mile course, they not only raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research; they inspire and bring hope to the youngest patients we serve.

Last year, 50 children undergoing treatment were paired with Mass General runners. Some runners take part to support young patients they already know and love while others bond with a courageous child they have never met through the Patient-Partner Program. At an emotional pre-race pasta party and ceremony on the night preceding the marathon, runners presented a medal of honor to their patient-partner. It symbolizes a shared personal commitment in the fight against pediatric cancer, and represents all the hope we have that our efforts at Mass General will lead to a cure for this devastating disease.

The Child-Life Program

The Child-Life Program within the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MGHfC benefits every year from the funds raised by the Marathon Team. The program utilizes therapeutic play — including music and art therapy, massage and acupuncture — to help pediatric cancer patients and their families cope emotionally and developmentally with their illnesses. This year, more patients than ever before utilized Child-Life services, an indication of the growing popularity of the programming, the recognition of its importance and the program’s ability to continue to expand its offerings — thanks in large part to philanthropic dollars.

Learn More

Learn more about the causes we support and the pediatric hematology-oncology program at MGHfC at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children web site.