In 2017, Patrick Kaufman went to the doctor because he was experiencing dizziness and vision issues. Something that, at the time, felt insignificant. They did a CT scan of his brain and found 20+ tumors. Patrick Kaufman, my Dad, was shockingly diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma in November 2017.

This is something that I never thought would happen, until it did. My Dad always seemed untouchable. Even when I felt the tumors in his chest and arms. Even when I was in the hospital waiting room after watching him have a stroke. Even when he was in a coma, I still didn't think he would die. Something like that couldn’t happen to him.

But it did, and I held his hand as he passed away within a year of being diagnosed; leaving an astronomical void. Losing him so suddenly is something that enrages me to this day. Cancer took so much from me and my loved ones. My dad had a beautiful life and beautiful future ahead of him and cancer is not how his story should have ended.

On 24 May 2026, I will be running for my Dad and for everyone whose life has been touched by cancer. It's almost 8 years later and my grief is always present. No life should be cut short by cancer.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and reading my story.

Emma Kaufman x

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.