The 4 Cancer Group
Participants: Steven Box David Box
Participants: Steven Box David Box
Brighton Marathon 2023 · 2 April 2023 ·
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Our Story
In April last year whilst pregnant with our 3rd child we were dealt the most devastating blow. A tumour was discovered in my right eye and I was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer called Ocular Melanoma. I was told my best option was to have surgery to remove my right eye! I cannot begin to describe the devastation of a cancer diagnosis during what should be one of the happiest times of your life; all the excitement and happiness is drained from the experience and replaced with fear, anxiety and non stop hospital appointments, pain and conversations quite frankly no one should have to have! During this time we were told that there was also the possibility that the cancer could cross the placenta to our baby and that we would not know if this had happened until after the birth; we were told this would be life limiting for the baby and me. Following surgery we left hospital to await our new arrival and adjust to life with one eye!!
The 4 cancer group gave us the precious opportunity to enjoy a wonderful break away and make memories as a family of 4 before our 5th addition arrived. They took all the stress away and gave us wonderful memories during a really dark time we will be forever greatful to them! The cost of living crisis is impacting upon everyone but the affects on cancer patients is devastating. Cancer patients are having to pay to travel further for treatments and even pay privately for appointments as the after affects of Covid swamp our NHS. No cancer patient should have to make decisions around travelling to appointments or making precious memories with their family.
The Challenge
Our baby son arrived safely in August and we were informed the cancer had not spread! I was finally able to receive the news that there was currently no evidence of disease in my body and although due to the aggressive nature of this type of cancer I will remain a cancer patient for life we could begin to move on. My partner, sister, brother-in-law and I, all decided to take on the Brighton Marathon in the hope we could raise as much for charity as possible to give something back to those that have supported us giving people the opportunity to find a little piece of joy and happiness during dark times.
This is a huge challenge for us none of us are experienced long distance runners. So please get behind us donate whatever you can we know times are hard!
One last thing from me time is precious life is fragile find joy in every moment and last but not least stay off the sunbeds, make sure you protect yourself from the sun use high factor sun cream, wear sunglasses and a sun hat, do not let your skin burn stay shady.
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