Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Since my father was diagnosed with Melanoma in February of 2007 I started doing research to see what the deal actually was with this scary, underestimated disease. I was shocked by what I found out. It is currently the fastest growing cancer, both in the U.S. and worldwide, especially among young adults between the ages of 20 and 30. Melanoma most commonly occurs in women between the ages of 25 and 29 years (most prevalent cancer in this age bracket), and is one of the most common types of cancer in women 30 to 34 years of age, second only to breast cancer. While melanoma is very treatable when caught in the early stages, it is the cause of almost 8,000 deaths annually.

My father was healthy and vital at the time of his diagnosis right up until 3 weeks prior to his death. He had surgery to remove the cancerous cells in the Melanoma site in February 2007 and through regular scans and check ups received a clean bill of health until April of 08. At that time we received the devastating news that he had growths in his liver, lungs and brain.

Ironically, he was still completely healthy on the outside, no major symptoms or pain. He followed doctor's orders and underwent chemo and radiation. After his cancer treatments we were frustrated to find out that the growths had not shrunk and some had even grown.

Dad was a realist and he knew he may not have much time left, but he was still willing to try some new experimental treatments determined to not let this demon win.  He wanted to be around long enough to see his granddaughter walk and talk and he wanted to spoil her rotten. Unfortunately, our worlds were turned upside down on the day of August 15th, 2008 when he had a massive stroke from a hemorrhaging tumor in his brain. This stroke left him paralyzed and unable to communicate.

The next two and a half weeks we struggled to understand him and help him communicate with little avail. We were fortunate enough to bring him home where he wanted to be and my mom was by his side every step of the way making him comfortable at any lengths until he passed peacefully on 9-3-08.

Melanoma is an aggressive killer that will turn on you when you least expect it. It is imperative that people understand the facts of this disease and how fatal it is once it is out of Stage 1. At this time there is no way to predict its path, and that is what makes it so deadly.

I vow to do whatever I am able to do in my dad's honor so his death will not be in vain. He deserved better and and at this point I am determined to fight for more research and treatment options specifically geared toward treating Melanoma. Please join me in this fight against cancer. Melanoma can be preventable at some levels and education is imperative.

Nathan, Darren and I plan on running a half marathon in honor of dad in his hometown of Louisville at one of his favorite events, The Kentucky Derby on April 25th 2009.

Therefore, for all friends and families that may be touched by this awful
disease, I will try my best to fight for more Melanoma research and for
overcoming the lack of specific treatments available to date. I am also doing
this for Tierre and the future of all children that will face skin cancer either
because of sun over exposure or because they may be predisposed because of the family background.
 

So we will run for all of those that cannot stand up and run against cancer and for Tierre because I do not want her future to be devastated by Cancer.

 
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Please also mark your calendars for Wednesday, 3-25-09, for a fundraiser at the Grapevine in Baxter. Nathan, Darren and I will be guest bartenders for the night. Please come out and support us (or make fun of us)from 5-10pm.

Many thanks for your support.