Thanks for visiting my fundraising page for this year's RUNNING FOR ANSWERS 2012 5K Run/Walk.

As many of you know, three years ago I learned that I had a deep chest wall desmoid tumor.  Based on the limited information we knew, we agreed to a radical surgery that involved  resecting a large portion of my left chest muscle and bone structure. 

Unfortunately, a few microscopic tumor cells remained and the tumor aggressively grew back to its original size within a few months of my surgery. My husband John and I were devastated by the news.

We were terrified to learn that a second surgery could lead to the amputation of my arm and shoulder. Because of the rarity of this disease (three people per million) and the limited funding for targeted research there is no clear treatment or cure.

In desperation, John searched the internet for some help and hope. God heard our prayer and we were blessed to connect with the amazing people in the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation shortly after his search began. The DTRF provided the reassurance, support and information we needed to face the reoccurrence. Most importantly, they helped us connect with one of the leading desmoid experts who prescribed an advanced cancer drug. Initially, there were difficult side effects but with dosing adjustments this drug has largely restored my quality of life by keeping the tumor "stable" and reducing the pain to a manageable level.

We are extremely grateful to the DTRF.  It is the only organization dedicated to supporting desmoid patients and funding critical research. Since desmoid research does not qualify for funding by the American Cancer Society,  RUNNING FOR ANSWERS is  the main and most crucial fundraising source.

The answers are out there! Each day brings new hope. Please consider joining John and I and our team, "Robin's Runners", on Oct. 21st, by registering today. Whether you walk, run, or cheer from the sidelines, your spirit will be a great force for us all. If you can, please consider advancing research with your monetary support here on this site.

As always, thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts! We are truly blessed to be on this journey with you.

Gratefully,

Robin

Please, forward this to anyone whom you think might want to donate, too!