Marathon for the Taggetts: Supporting Dale & Gloria's Fight

UPDATE:

We have been awestruck by the love and support demonstrated to our family over the past couple of weeks. We have been so humbled by the generosity of others and have never felt more close to our friends, family, and community.

In the time since launching this fundraiser, we learned the unfortunate news that my dad Dale will also be fighting cancer as he was just diagnosed with acute leukemia. For his specific treatment, he will be staying in the hospital for the next month in his fight. Given these circumstances, this fundraiser is pivoting to not only support my mom Gloria, but my father who is joining her in a battle against cancer. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support

Brian

Friends and family --

Nearly a year ago, my incredible mom Gloria was diagnosed with Stage 4 Uterine Cancer. Since then, she has undergone systemic chemotherapy, major surgery, and will soon begin a clinical trial with targeted chemotherapy to address her most recent recurrence. Through it all, she has been an incredible force of light, optimism, and simultaneously, toughness.

To honor her ongoing fight, I will be running the Chicago Marathon -- which of all dates imaginable -- will be taking place on her birthday on October 13th.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly towards helping offset the financial challenges incurred by my mom and dad throughout her treatment. As many families impacted by cancer are aware, the challenges can extend well beyond the treatment itself. With my mom’s sudden loss of employment and my father stepping into the role as caretaker, it has admittingly been a difficult journey for both of them -- compounded by the fact that they are both self-employed without disability coverage.

Contributions of any size can help ease the daily burden for them and better permit for some of the conveniences we oftentimes take for granted to still be possible. Whether it’s contributing an amount that makes a takeout meal possible post-treatment, or helps cover gas for the frequent trips for treatment in Grand Rapids, even the smallest contributions can make a significant impact during this difficult time.

Running my first marathon in my mom’s honor could not feel more fitting. A frequent exerciser who fell in love with running earlier in life, my mom instilled in my brother and me the importance of physical activity not just as a means for improving health, but for mental well-being. Throughout her treatment, running has become my primary outlet for helping process the situation. Although 26.2 miles feels incredibly daunting for someone who has never gone past 13.1 and will be training in the Florida summer heat, I am incredibly grateful to even have the opportunity to attempt the distance in her honor.

The Chicago Marathon uses a lottery process for entry. With the encouragement of a friend who was entering the lottery as well, I entered this past fall with low expectations of being selected. After receiving the notification that I was selected (ironically, my friend who had applied multiple times was not selected), I then realized the race would be on my mom’s birthday and felt as if God had a role in it all.

Last year, my mom spent her birthday in the hospital receiving treatment; this year, we can’t wait to celebrate with her at the finish line in Chicago. Any and all contributions and continued prayers are so graciously appreciated as my mom’s fight continues.

Thank you all for the support and prayers,

Brian