When I was 9, I lost my grandfather to cancer. That was a long time ago but, since then, I have watched friends fight various forms of cancer, some won, some lost. I know from personal experience, no words can comfort the bereaved. The only comfort is not losing someone you love in the first place, to know there are better treatments, faster paths to diagnosis and a better chance of survival. I would like the "C" word, not to evoke immediate fear in the hearts of those I love and by extension, those that my loved ones love.

My Reasons for Participating:

• I am doing this in part for my dad, who was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and while his cancer is not as serious a threat as most, I would like to live in a world where he doesn't have it at all. 
• I am doing this for friends who are grieving the loss of loved ones to this monster of a disease. In the last few months, the amount of loss and grief experienced by people I care for has been ridiculously high. 
• I am doing this for cancers that have taken the lives of pets that have been lost by my friends and family. Better treatments, better diagnosing and longer, healthier lives of animals can come about from these fundraising efforts as well. 
• Perhaps most of all, I'm gonna literally walk the talk.  I am taking part because I'm sick of saying "I'll do it next year" only to find an excuse not to. Lack of positive action is, for me personally, is a bit like giving up on myself and my personal belief that if enough of us take part, in a small way, we can make a big difference. Saying I will and not doing it, is not using my abilities to do good, and that's not good enough for me. 
• I've seen the trajectory of cancer from diagnosis to its end result through observing my husband's care for his palliative patients, And lately, he's received too many of "those" kind of thank you cards. Wouldn't it be nice for a doctor to get a thank you card for something besides caring for a family member's last weeks of life? 
  

A close friend of my husband's family recently lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. He opted out of chemo because it wouldn't give him very much longer and nobody wants to spend what time they have suffering the effects of chemotherapy.  I used to only know him in name but through many hospital visits, going to see him at his home and sharing stories and a few laughs, I became fond of this man. He's my father's age and a wonderful character that worked to keep his sense of humor up even at difficult times. Overall, this year, I am walking for you, Ken. You've certainly inspired me, whether you know it or not. 

Yes, I'm asking for your sponsorship...

I'm joining Cancer Research UK's Race for Life this year. Please help me join the fight by digging deep and sponsoring me, no amount is too small - Just Giving is a safe and secure way to sponsor my effort for this Race for Life event. You don't have to live in the UK to sponsor me. 

Events like this are vital in funding Cancer Research UK's life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By sponsoring me, we can unite and create an army that cancer can't ignore. By sponsoring me, we will beat cancer sooner.

By sponsoring me, we can not only beat cancer sooner, but decrease the grief in this world. 

Don't forget to add Gift Aid

If you're a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no extra cost to you.

Sponsor me now, and help me show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I will be grateful for any sponsorship donation you can give. Truly grateful. 

With Love and Gratitude,

Cari