Family Friendly 128 Mile Scenic Poker Run To Benefit LLS (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society June 1st
Come j
oin our family friendly 128 mile scenic Poker Run Charity event ride (rain or shine) to support LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) on Sunday June 1st on Kent Island! Get a free t-shirt with your $35 pre-registration fee if you register by May 18th! Please check out www.llspokerrrun.eventbrite.com for all the details. Call Brenda at 443.292.2199 with questions.
Kris Shanahan, Non-Hodgkins Lympoma Survivor
My name is Kris Shanahan. I am a proud mother of two children; Brandon, age 16 and Allie age 14. I am a Cancer survivor. Unfortunately, far too many people are not around today to say the same thing. Everyone I know is/has/or will be affected by Cancer in some way. Did you know that MD has one of the highest rates of Cancer in the U.S.? And did you also know that people that HAVE beaten Cancer are at a higher risk of developing some sort of blood Cancer in the future?
6 years ago, just 4 days before Christmas, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was the biggest shock of my life. I have been in the fitness industry and a competitive bodybuilder most of my adult life. I ate well and took very good care of myself. I never believed this could happen to me. The truth is, Cancer does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any time. I used to lay in bed at night thanking God that it was happening to me and not to my kids. I can only imagine what it would be like to watch one of my children go through this. Well, unfortunately, so many parents don’t have to IMAGINE, because they ARE going through it. It can and DOES happen to children every day. Children’s hospitals are filled to the max all over the world with children suffering from Cancer. I am fortunate enough to have beaten Cancer. I have been given the gift of time. I cannot sit back and do nothing. I have been given a second chance and I owe it to my children and so many others to do something to try to make this not happen to them. I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. I hope you will help too.
I have agreed to take part in a 10 wk campaign (MWOY Campaign) in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Our campaign is being held in honor 8 year old Joshua Czorapinski. Joshua was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on April 17, 2006. He was 3 days shy of 10 months old. Due to his infant diagnosis, he was considered high risk and poor prognosis. He spent the first 28 days of treatment in the hospital. Joshua was not able to be at home with his twin and older brother during most of his treatment. He went through a very harsh 2 year treatment protocol and finished in March 2008. He underwent numerous spinal taps, bone marrow tests and rounds of chemo during that time. Only two months after completing treatment, Joshua had an isolated testicular relapse. He then started another two years of chemo and had to undergo testicular radiation. He finished treatment in August 2010. Today Joshua is a happy and healthy 8 year old. He must have a blood check every 4 months and due to the effects of chemo, he must have his heart checked every year. This past August was his 5 years in remission mark. He loves to tell people that he “beat cancer twice!” Joshua is an inspiration to his friends and family. You can follow his story and the adventures of his family on their blog, www.broccoli4breakfast.blogspot.com
I am also participating in this campaign in honor of my good friend and mentor, Dave Spindel. He also lead a life dedicated to fitness, bodybuilding and the pursuit of health. Dave was diagnosed with Lymphoma. As I stated before, Cancer does not discriminate!!! Unfortunately, Dave lost his battle last February. His death seemed pre-mature, as he was very hopeful that the experimental treatment he was undergoing would put him in remission so that he would be able to have stem cell replacement. Dave had been through several rounds of various kinds of chemo and unfortunately the last round was too much for his body to handle. I spoke with Dave a couple of days before he died and he remained positive and upbeat until the end. I admired his positive attitude. His great sense of humor and outlook on life left individuals something to strive for. He helped me and so many others achieve what so many people find to be impossible. The bodybuilding and fitness world has lost a true hero. He will be greatly missed!
The LLS is dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Without donations such as yours, Joshua and so many others would not have been fortunate enough to receive the care and services that were provided to keep him alive today. Money raised over the years has funded several new successful treatments, not only for Leukemia & Lymphoma patients, but for at least 10 other Cancers! Please help us with this cause; if not for Joshua…for the health of your child, yourself or someone you know that may be affected by this horrible monster of a disease. What difference can YOU make?
Our campaign is called The Man & Woman of the Year Competition. It began in 1990 in CA in support of the LLS. In 2012 candidates collectively raised more than $19.1 million for blood cancer research and patient services. In communities across the country, passionate people are engaging in a spirited competition. Candidates compete for the most votes. (each dollar raised is equal to 1 vote) The man and woman who raise the most funds are named Man & Woman of the year in each city (Kris Shanahan is our team candidate). The competition is 10 wks long beginning March 28, 2014 and ending June 6, 2014. Donations must be dated March 28th or later. Thanks for your support!!! To find out more about our campaign, please visit: www.MWOY.org