THE MASSEY CHALLENGE
Written by: Sonny
February 24, 2014
On behalf of a pretty special group consisting of my co-workers from the Daybreak office and my friends from our workout group, MWG – We have decided to band together, pool our resources and reach as many people as possible in an effort to raise awareness for the fight against cancer. Did you know that one of two men and one of three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime? The odds are that someone you and I know is battling cancer right now. VCU Massey Cancer Center is fighting to save lives and find a cure right here in Virginia. However, this message will be more than just a request for donations…
For the next few weeks, we will be posting messages describing personal expereinces of how cancer has impacted members of our group. These stories are special. They are real. And they are testimates to the fight over cancer. I ask that you spend a few minutes out of your busy day to read these emails as a reminder of how important this cause is.
Additionally, on March 29th a number of us will decend on Monument Avenue to run in the annual Monument 10K. We encourage you to sign up and run with us OR come cheer us on OR make a donation to Massey Cancer. In closing, how ever big or small the donation – anything you can do, we would greatly appreciate it. And, the best part – 100 percent of every dollar you donate goes directly to fuel cancer research at VCU Massey Cancer Center in 2014 and beyond.
Our first story comes from a very dear friend of mine – Sathya Achia Abraham. Thank you for sharing your mom’s story Sathya.
May 13, 2011 changed our lives dramatically. At 58-years of age, my healthy, active, vibrant mom, was diagnosed with AML – acute mylogenous leukemia – a rare and aggressive blood cancer. In an instant, life as we knew it had morphed into something of a nightmare. Within 48 hours of her diagnosis she would begin the first of several rounds of radical chemotherapy and months of being in and out of the hospital.
In November 2011, she underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant at VCU’s Massey Cancer Center. We can’t say enough about the compassion, care, knowledge and support of her amazing care team. They became our extended family – and still are today. My Mama’s gift of life came from an anonymous bone marrow donor (who we now know and are in close contact with!!). We have yet to meet her in person, but there is not enough we can say or thank her donor – her actions speak to her generosity, heart and selflessness.
At the end of 2013, we celebrated the TWO-year mark following her transplant. Life with transplant has its own set of challenges – but Mama remains courageous. She is downright fierce. Her perseverance, amazing grace and courage continue to be an inspiration.
We count our blessing each and every day. We have learned first-hand the power of hope and seen the impact of advances in cancer research – and how powerful the human spirit can be.
Thank you for joining us in this fight! And go here for our donation page!