A little over two years ago my father, Richard Black, died of a glioblastoma. For those of you who knew my father, he was man of incredible intellectual powers, who would proudly say that he "spent 9 years at Harvard," (and maybe never knew himself to be wrong), so to get the diagnosis of a glioblastoma at 65 was earth shattering. He had spent years in study, becoming an oral surgeon, but also had a mind able to walk the canals of Venice without a map or getting lost, all while shooting back a snappy quip to any companions. He was a man of the mind and to lose that was to lose almost everything.
For those unfamiliar, glioblastoma is a stage 4 brain cancer with approximately a 20% survival rate over 2 years, and at 5 years less than 10, even with treatment. It is an extremely aggressive cancer that grows quickly, essentially cracking through the brain, until it destroys something vital to life. But along the way it erodes language, mobility and understanding. In my father's case, it was particularly resistant to both radiation and chemotherapy, but neither have particularly good success rates in any case.
My father chose to go forward with treatment, however daunting, undergoing two brain surgeries, months of chemotherapy and enduring daily radiation for weeks while wearing a shield that bolted him to a table. He chose to endure when there was little hope. However, that was always my father. The rules didn't apply to him. He was unabashed in telling people about how he talked himself and my mother into the UN during a party, or how he borrowed a security cart and drove around under the stadium at a Tampa Bay Ray's game, or how he was the only parent, probably ever, to sit in the student section during my college graduation by wearing a top hat and tails. However the end was inexorable and came too soon.
For so many, glioblastoma is the bleakest of diagnoses. There is little hope, and a somber future ahead. However, there is some promising research coming out recently. A pinprick of light in a dark sky.
Because of my father, I am choosing to run the Midnight Sun marathon in Tromsø Norway on June 20th to support glioblastoma research. In so many ways it seems like the right representation for him. This was kind of an insane choice, but that is so very in line with Dad. He, one time, decided that since he was already in Hawaii for a meeting, the only sensible thing would be to stop in Japan on the way home. As one does. Secondarily, he used to run marathons himself including the Chicago, NYC and Boston marathons, with one involving little to no training. Finally, it seems to me to be symbolically correct. This marathon is started at 8pm and runs through the "night," running toward a sun that never sets behind the mountains. Running toward the light shining in the darkness.
Please help me support the glioblastoma foundation in their work to eradicate this terrible disease.
The Glioblastoma Foundation Inc, a remarkable organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those affected by glioblastoma. This nonprofit is the first of its kind, leading the charge in funding groundbreaking research aimed at developing more effective treatments for this aggressive cancer. Your donations will play a crucial role in advancing this mission, providing hope to countless patients and families.
- Your contributions help fund innovative research for new treatment options.
- Donations also support essential resources, including clinical trial matching and access to professional support groups.
Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against glioblastoma. Please consider donating to this vital cause and help spread awareness. Thank you for your support!
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