My dad, my hero!
My dad is my hero. He always will be. And, I’ll always be his little girl... no matter how old I am. I’m reminded of a magnet that I gave to him on Father’s Day one year... “When all else fails, call dad!” Truth!
In the summer of 2012, my life changed in 3 profound ways all interconnected.
First, my parents decided to sell my childhood home where they had lived for 49 years in Youngstown, OH and moved 75 miles to be closer to my brother and I in Cleveland. Having my parents living within 5 miles from me after living more than an hour away from them for almost 15 years was wonderful.
Second, I decided that I wanted to become a runner, and started training for my first 5k... me, the girl who hated exercise and anything to do with sweating. Running quickly became an exciting challenge and new passion in my life.
And third, and definitely the biggest, my father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer! My father, the man I looked up to and admired, had been given such shocking news. My parents learned of his diagnosis shortly before their big move. Thankfully, they both had decided to visit their doctors one last time before moving. My father’s urologist quickly connected him with one of the top rated urologists in Cleveland, and soon after my parents moved, my dad was scheduled for surgery.
With everything going on with my dad, I stayed the course with my training for my 1st 5k, and I supported my parents through my dad’s diagnosis, surgery and successful recovery. I found the Dash for Dads (previous name for the ZERO race), and I instantly knew that it would be my very 1st 5k. What an amazing way to honor my dad and complete my goal!
In October 2012, I crossed my 1st finish line. My entire family, including my dad, stood at the finish line to watch me. What an incredible feeling of accomplishment for having run the 5k and a huge sense of gratitude for my father being healthy enough to be there to watch me.
My initial interaction with ZERO, along with my love for my father, prompted me to want to continue to make a difference. I've had the amazing opportunity to attend the ZERO Summit in Washington, D.C. 6 times where I was able to advocate to members of Congress and the House on behalf of my dad, and all the other survivors and those living with Prostate Cancer, as well as those who had lost their lives to the horrible disease. The experience was like none other. Sharing my dad’s story with Senator Rob Portman, Congressman Jim Renacci, Congressman Anthony Gonzalez, as well as the staff of other elected officials are moments that I certainly will not forget.
I continue to participate in the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk each year. This will be my 13th race and my 4th as Race Director! I’m beyond grateful that my dad is here with us today. He visits his doctor regularly and while his PSA levels were recently elevated We are truly blessed this his is a success story. We know that not everyone’s story is the same, and that’s why we advocate for Prostate Cancer funding.
This September, my family will celebrate my father's 12 years cancer free! My dad is my hero. He always will be. And, I’ll always be his little girl standing in his corner, fighting for him and all men to hopefully one day have ZERO Prostate Cancer Deaths and ZERO Pain and Suffering.
One in nine fathers, sons, brothers, partners, and friends will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, including more than 174,000 throughout the U.S. this year.
Please support me by making a tax-deductible contribution today! You'll feel proud knowing that you're bringing another voice to our nation’s capital to become a more educated community leader to prostate cancer patients and their families.
Your donation will also go directly to helping men and their families, free testing, educational programs, and more.
$250+ Raised
$1,000+ Raised
$2,500+ Raised
Event Details
Schedule
DATE:Saturday, August 24, 2024
TIME:
8:00 AM
If you think this page contains objectionable content, please inform the system administrator.