University of California, San Francisco (Regents of the University of California, San Francisco)

Friends and family, I'm writing today with a request. My mother's recent battle with cancer has raised a challenge within me that I hope will inspire you to act and challenge you to join me in this cause.I am fundraising to honor my mother Susan’s memory and to show gratitude to UCSF for their kindness, compassion, and stellar care for my mother during her last days in this world.

As a tribute to my mother and in an effort to raise funds for cancer research, I am running the San Francisco Half Marathon on July 23, 2017. While my fitness level is currently suspect at best, I am inspired by mother’s tenacious spirit and will be crossing the finish line with her memory in my heart.

I will remember her for her courage in continuing to fight against her own body as it destroyed itself, her tenacity when faced with insurmountable odds, and her grace and calm in her final days. Her memory is a blessing to me and to her family and many friends. My mother was diagnosed with bile duct cancer and secondary lung metastases in January, 2017 but soon discovered the cancer had spread to her brain. She passed away on May 16, 2017 in the care of UCSF after losing her battle.

My mother was a beautiful soul and tireless advocate for children, especially her own. As a social worker with the City and County of San Francisco, my mother worked to help children in the foster care system receive placements into caring homes. She touched my life and the lives of others in so many ways through her career as a social worker, and her remarkable sense of justice continues to inspire me, as a family lawyer, to advocate on behalf of the weak and vulnerable. I believe her bright spirit continues to work through the world today, and though she is gone, she will never be forgotten.

As my mother’s race was nearing its end, UCSF fought for her – and against her insurance company – giving her compassionate care and ensuring her comfort passing. UCSF, the doctors, nurses, and staff went far beyond the call of duty when treating my mother, and their many acts of kindness have moved me deeply. UCSF provides world-class care for many of these people as they battle against cancer, and as a research hospital, their work is integral to winning a complete victory against cancer itself. I am racing for my mother this July, and I am asking all of you to race with me to defeat cancer. In my mother’s memory, I ask you to give to UCSF so they may continue their quality care and continue the research necessary to defeat cancer once and for all.