The Children's Oncology Group Foundation, Inc.

In December of 2015 I made a pact with myself to start running. This was motivated by a larger desire than to get in shape or to improve my health. There were two promises I had made to myself. First, I would build up my physical and mental stamina to run a full marathon. Second, I would have the emotional courage to share my most special story with you and ask for your help.

It’s no surprise I decided this during the month of December. For most, December is the season to be jolly; we celebrate kin, life, hope, happiness. For my family and I,  on December 19, 2002 the celebrating stopped. Igor my eight-year-old little brother lost his three-week battle with leukemia.

I remember not being able to come to terms with the fact he was gone. Igor was by far the coolest of us three kids - he was the man! He had big green eyes and dark blond hair, with the cheekiest of smiles. And he was cheeky! I remember bumping into him walking to the cafeteria. He had a girlfriend under each arm and they were competing over who could give him the most kisses on the cheek. I don’t blame them. He had great taste in music (Bob Marley, Louis Armstrong, Gorillaz...remember Crazy Town - Butterfly?), broke into break dance at every party, and played soccer and baseball.

My brother Igor also had a sensitive side - he was a huge mama’s boy. In the car, we’d listen to Scott McKenzie’s “San Francisco”. Igor and my mum would dream about the day he’d move out here (with her, naturally) and become a plastic surgeon.

There are defining moments in our lives where we are faced with the realization that dreams don't always come true. BUT, every once in a while we have the opportunity to help others fulfill their dream.

Children’s Oncology Group’s Project “EveryChild”, has an ambitious initiative to find better cures for every type of childhood cancer, no matter how rare. More than 90% of all children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer in the United States seek care from COG. They have over 200 pediatric cancer programs around the world so no child is left behind.

Every child, no matter the cancer, should have a shot at fulfilling their dream. On July 23rd, I will be running the SF Marathon in honor of Igor and the 300,000 kids in the world diagnosed with cancer each year. Please donate if you can - all proceeds go to the Children’s Oncology Group. Either way, recommend a song to keep my earbuds and morale high on this special day.

Thank you in advance for your contribution, and thanks for reading :)