My father was diagnosed with lung cancer a number of years ago and was able to receive a cutting-edge targeted radiation therapy which put his cancer into remission. Unfortunately, a few years later the cancer had resurfaced and ultimately took his life. Cancer affects millions of people each year and all of us are likely to be affected by friends or family battling various cancer diseases.

Last year I ran my first half marathon, and I have made a goal this year to run my first marathon in my father's honor and in honor of my uncle and dear friend in their current fights against cancer. I will be running the Berlin Marathon to raise funds for cancer research by supporting the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, a leading international nonprofit that has been funding groundbreaking science for nearly 50 years.

The mission of the SWCRF is to eradicate cancer by funding collaborative cross-institutional research to identify and correct abnormal gene function that cause cancer. This research is the basis for developing minimally toxic treatments for all patients with cancer.

Please consider donating towards my fundraising goal. Every dollar raised will bring us one step closer to a cure.