 |
|
Country Music Marathon & Half-Marathon – April 25, 2009 Nashville TN My War With Cancer In April of 2007 at the age of 18, I was diagnosed with stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare tissue cancer in my right sinus. I was just finishing up high school when diagnosed. Little did I know that I would have 12 rounds of chemo, 28 radiation treatments, two surgeries and a year battling this aggressive childhood cancer. Even though fighting cancer has been the hardest thing I have ever done, it has also taught me a lot about life and people. I have made friends and lost friends because of cancer. I am currently in remission and am an advocate for this deadly disease. I learned that unless you specify where you want your donations to go, it usually goes to support the more common cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. These cancers absorb the majority of the funding (deservedly so) but funding for childhood cancer research is in desperate need. Because my cancer is so rare, there is very little money coming in to help with new clinical trials and aide. Thankfully, President Bush has just signed in the “Conquer Childhood Cancer Act” in July, 2008. However, there is still a great need for more money going to research funds that support rare cancers such as mine. This last summer I was blessed with the opportunity to go to a cancer survivor kayak camp in Montana called First Descents. I learned more about cancer and the people who have fought it in a week at this camp than I had in a hospital for a year. I think staying healthy both physically and mentally after your life changing experience is a huge key. The kayak camp helped me reset and realize what I wanted to do when I got home. It also showed me how a great attitude is just as good as medicine. I think First Descents was the best thing I did as a cancer survivor. I would like to see more “warriors” going to these camps and getting the same experience I had. My family and friends have joined together with me in participating in the Country Music Marathon in Nashville , Tennessee on April 25, 2009. It is my desire to raise funds for CureSearch to help with childhood cancer research and First Descents to support their summer camps for young adult cancer survivors. Cancer is the #1 disease killer of children with the incidence of childhood cancer increasing every year over the past 25 years. Please sponsor me and the other “Nick's Warriors” participants – every mile gets us closer to a cure! Help us carry our intent to increase awareness and funds for cancer over the finish line! With enormous gratitude, Nick Raitt
National Childhood Cancer Foundation |
|
|
|
|
If you wish to participate in the Marathon, fill out the form below: |
If you wish to sponsor a marathon participant, fill out the form below: |
|
|