2024 United Airlines NYC Half

In August of 2023, after spending a week in Long Beach Island as a family, my wife started experiencing abdominal pain and after multiple trips to the Dr. she was told she had gastritis and that it should subside on its own over time.  As the weeks went on, it seemed to persist and after a sleepless night of pain that moved to her back, she decided it would be best to go to the ER.  A scan revealed that she had a large mass between her stomach and pancreas and it was suggested that we have it biopsied, all along the way being reassured that it is likely a large, benign cyst.  After deciding on a second opinion from a GI specialist, the recommendation moved from biopsy to removal of the mass with surgery rather quickly.  The surgery was scheduled for 2 weeks later, with the reason for surgery cited as benign tumor removal.  

On Sept 29, 2023, the surgery took place, and ended up being a major procedure.  According to the surgeon, it was one of the more difficult of his career due to location and size of the mass. 

Pathology results later confirmed it was an aggressive Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor, which is a rare form of Sarcoma, an already rare cancer.  The only known cure is complete removal, and thankfully, with the expertise of her care team, the tumor was fully removed and today my wife is cancer free.  

I am running as part of the Race to Cure Sarcoma (RTCS) Race team in order to raise much needed funding for research to find a cure, education, and advocacy for Sarcoma patients.  Without the amazing care that my wife received, she may not be here today.  We know that countless others are battling this disease every day, and we want to do anything we can to help support that battle and raise awareness for rare cancers.  

Thanks for your support!