Who do you think you are I am

HEY!!!!! YOU!!!!!

I'm running the 2025 Chicago Marathon with Project Purple, a nonprofit that raises awareness and money to fund critical research and provide financial aid to people battling pancreatic cancer. My grandma, Joyce, started her journey with pancreatic cancer on Mother's Day. To find out more about Joyce's story and how to donate, click the link!

On Mother’s Day of this year, my grandma, Joyce, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Since then, she has been fighting hard. As of writing this (October 2024), she has had six rounds of chemo and is currently recovering from her Whipple surgery. 

I am honored to support her, and excited to be running the 2025 Chicago Marathon with Project Purple. I'd like to ask for your support in doing both! Before asking for your support, I’d like to answer two of your questions: who is Joyce, and why should you choose this cause -- her cause -- to support?

The first thing to know about Joyce is she LOVES the beach. Sipping a bloody mary in Cocoa Beach, Florida with her daughter and granddaughters may just be heaven. Cancer doesn't stop her from enjoying bloody marys, though! When she’s not on the beach, she can be found in Lake Kabetogama, Minnesota. Every year, she, Mike (her husband), Heather (her daughter), and Corby (her son-in-law) go to “Kab” to fish. Their last trip was this past summer, shortly before Joyce started chemotherapy. 

Joyce also comes from a motorcycle family, namely, Harley Davidson. While she and Mike have retired their bikes, their love for riding has been passed down through generations. Corby rides (not a Harley, but we forgive him) and I collect Harley shirts as souvenirs from the places I travel. One day, I hope to own my own. 

She also loves the Kansas City Chiefs and going to Iowa Football games with her family (Go Hawks)! 

Despite aggressive chemotherapy and a 9-hour Whipple surgery, Joyce’s fiery spirit remains unshaken. She maintains a positive attitude, loves gas station slushies (when the chemo doesn’t prevent her from drinking cold beverages), and maintains that ‘Believing you’ll survive is half the battle.” I find the same to be true in running. 

In fact, during my recent half marathon, I thought of her, her strength, love, and commitment to her family. These memories (and a mini Snickers from an aid station) helped me get through one of the toughest parts of my race. My grandma Joyce’s mental strength and commitment to facing each day with courage and determination, even when it’s hard, inspire me. She faces a new starting line every day and does it with determination, patience, and acceptance.

If you know Joyce, you know she’s a humble person. My family is from Iowa, where our family has lived for generations. Being from a small town, we know the importance of community. Community, now more than ever, is crucial for our family. And y’all have shown up. 

So, I’m asking you to show up again. 

It’s an honor to run my first marathon in Chicago with Project Purple. 

There are two ways you can support me, Joyce, Project Purple, and those fighting pancreatic cancer: 

You can donate! The minimum I’m fundraising if $3,000, but I’m aiming for $5,000. A little goes a long way. For instance, if every one of my Facebook friends donated $6, I would meet my goal. That’s less than the average Starbucks coffee! 

You can share this! Share this with you friends, family, coworkers, social media followers!

Either action is helpful. Little actions performed by many hold incredible power, and I’d like to invite you to make a change in the lives of my family and everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer. 

If you choose to donate, your company may match your donation! The box will already be checked, so ensure you leave it checked.

Thank you. Thank you for reading, for supporting me and my goals, and for supporting Joyce. Together, we’re one step closer to the end of pancreatic cancer.

With gratitude,