Update from the Miles 2 Give’s inspirational 3,000-mile run across the USA for Cancer Research:
The 2013 M2G Team, made up of Landon Cooper, Ryan Priest, and John McKay, has entered the state of Kansas and is heading north by north east across the state and into Nebraska. They’ve been averaging 20+ miles per day since February 14, and they’ve raised more than $61,000 for their research grant.
They’ve given more than 1,600 miles thus far and have touched thousands of lives along the way. Since they began this journey, they’ve been confronted with multiple challenges of overwhelming fatigue, dehydrating sickness, and harsh weather conditions – all of which they’ve overcome and marched onward. Ever the optimist, Landon catches his breath to say, “These cancer-fighting warriors don’t get to take a day off from their pain, and neither do we – we have miles to give.”
We salute you Landon, Ryan, John and the entire Miles 2 Give team! Keep fighting the good fight. On a side note, the M2G Team continues to sport their Cariloha Bamboo socks, shirts and jerseys, which we hope are keeping them cooler and comfier as they enter these hotter days ahead.
Here’s a recent blog post from the Miles2Give.org page, which has personal relevance to us, as they were running for one of my own relatives, Laura Long, this week. Thanks guys!
Today we run for Dylan Thomas, John Murray, Kylee Webster, Laura Long
Dylan was 38 when he passed away from Ewing’s Sarcoma in May 2012 after an 18 month battle. He was an amazing father to his young daughters Claire & Sarah and husband to Tasha. He is missed by many family members and a large amazing group of friends.
He was an inspiration to all those around him. In his early years he was a dedicated cyclist and member of the Canadian National Mountain Bike team. He went on to obtain a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering and graduate at the top of his class. He brought all that dedication to his fight against sarcoma. His personality cannot be easily summed up in words. He was goofy, serious and always curious. We miss him.
From his daughter Jill: “This day is dedicated to my father, John Murray. On this day, my dad turns 66! He is a huge Crimson Tide fan, so Roll Tide Landon!! : ) January of this year, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. You can never prepare yourself for hearing that someone you love unconditionally has CANCER! Early April my dad had surgery to remove his cancer and can now say he is cancer FREE! A big thank you to Landon and team for their time and commitment to raise money for continued Sarcoma research!”
My name is Darlene Webster and I am dedicating this day to my 33 year old daughter Kylee who has been battling sarcoma cancer since September 2011. She has been through 14 rounds of chemotherapy, 35 rounds of radiation, and three major surgeries. She has many battle scars but she continues to fight everyday. I feel so honored to have Kylee as my daughter because no matter what obstacles are thrown her way, she continues to get up each day ready to go and with a smile on her face. I consider her my hero because not only does she fight her fight, she fights and helps many others that are also battling cancer. On May 15th, she will turn 34 and what a wonderful way to celebrate knowing that another hero, like Landon, is fighting right along with her to win this battle. Let’s beat this horrible disease so that many more cancer patients can celebrate another birthday!!
From her niece Sheryl: “My Aunt, Laura Long, was diagnosed with breast cancer over a year ago. On Feb 10, 2012 she had a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. She has since undergone over 6 months of chemotherapy and is on her way to becoming a cancer survivor instead of a cancer patient. Although she is still learning to deal with the after affects of cancer, as well as the side affects of required medication, she has truly found the “can” in cancer, and has inspired me with her positive spirit and attitude.”