Early next Sunday morning, my husband Kirk runs his first 10K to help support STOP CANCER at Woodley Park in Van Nuys, CA. This year’s honorary co-chairs are Elizabeth Chambers and Armie Hammer. For those who are in the area, you may want to stop by the location to support Kirk and all of the other participants who have worked so hard to prepare for this walk/run and to raise funds to support cancer research. Entertainment is being provided by the Muddflaps who have been rockin’ the LA Area with covers of favorites from the 60’s through today.
The lists of names will be carried with Kirk during the race as his personal tribute to one group of very special people who he wants to honor. This list represents people who have fought a battle with cancer and those who have stood beside them on their journeys.The band has also performed for the Miss USA beauty pageant and at the LA Pride Parade as well as local hot spots such as the Hard Rock Cafe and BB King’s Blues Club.
STOP CANCER funds the most promising and innovative scientists in their early research of all forms of cancer prevention, treatment, cures and subsequent clinical applications at UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center, USC’s Norris Cancer Center and the City of Hope’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. STOP CANCER also funds the USC’s Norris Pediatric Cancer Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA.
Over the last twenty-four years, STOP CANCER has funded a total of 167 Awards to 129 researchers with support valued at over $54 million. Every grant STOP CANCER makes is matched with in-kind support from the recipient cancer center. STOP CANCER research grants elevate and expose young researchers to opportunities for growth, discovery and collaboration. Seed funding is crucial. A STOP CANCER grant allows scientists to begin their research. Without seed funding, researchers would not be able to receive the attention and necessary support of additional funding that leads to major cancer achievements.
Apparently I will not reach my goal to gather the names of at least 500 people who are currently fighting cancer, who have become cancer survivors or who have lost the battle as well as the names of those who have supported a cancer patient in their fight in any way. To date, I have not even gathered 100 names. However, all of the names that appear on the lists at Kirk’s website, whirlydudes.com have already provided inspiration to Kirk as he makes his final preparations for the race and I thank each person who made a submission in recognition of those who have become our heroes.
The lists of names will be carried with Kirk during the race as his personal tribute to one group of very special people who he wants to honor. This list represents people who have fought a battle with cancer and those who have stood beside them on their journeys. I know that every time that I read a name of someone else who has dealt with this disease, I am touched to the core and tears come to my eyes. I also know what it has meant to me when someone has placed my name on a list of those for whom they are walking or running to raise funds for cancer research.
Therefore, I am asking once again that you go to the website whirlydudes.com directly in order to add your name(s) and make a contribution to the cause, if you so desire. However, please note that no donation is necessary in order to add those names. If you prefer, you can go to my website at leflifehappen.com to add names or you can provide names at the Twitter or Facebook accounts for either of these sites.
Submissions will be accepted until 12 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, October 6th. I can’t think of any better way that you can honor those that you choose and I can support Kirk in his efforts. If you have any questions or would like to discuss something privately, please feel free to contact me by email at barbara@letlifehappen.com.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.