Running for Ruth-Med. Expenses
Donation protected
Want to give the middle finger to cancer? Specifically a tumor named Freddy? If so, please read on…
I met Ruth in early February of 2013, in my first spinning class at Next Generation Personal Fitness (NGPT), in Bloomington, IN. I noticed her because quite honestly she was kicking my butt! I joined the gym because I was going through a difficult transition in my own life (in Indiana no less, far away from my family back East), and suddenly I was alone for the first time in years and looking for a fresh start. However, my world began to change when Ruth (left in pic), and her now wife Amy, befriended me. Simple stated: An unassuming invitation for coffee and chatting after spin class at a local Starbucks formed a friendship between the three of us that I cherish. In fact, most of my closest friends in Bloomington are within a degree or two of Ruth and Amy. They are, in short, members of my Bloomington family; dare I say, the first to adopt me. Subsequently, almost every Sunday morning I can be found at the coffee shop, laughing (and crying) with these ladies after spinning; that is until recently though. Unfortunately, while my life was getting back on course, Ruth and Amy’s world was about to be shaken up.
Ruth’s story: In July 2013, Ruth went in for a planned hysterectomy. According to Ruth, “surgery and recovery was a breeze (thanks NGPT!),” but the pathology revealed a very rare and extremely aggressive malignancy. As a preventative measure, Ruth went through 3 1/2 rounds of chemo, which had very significant side effects (hello, bandana!...and just incase you are wondering Ruth looks beautiful with or without hair in a bandana!). Chemo was then halted until Feb. of 2014 when it became evident that an abdominal tumor was present. At that point Ruth began another 3 painstaking rounds of a different chemo drug; but the tumor, “Freddy,” is stubborn and kept growing. Next on the agenda was radiation, but again, the tumor got larger and so recently radiation was stopped as well. “Freddy” is such a rare kind of cancer that unfortunately certain types of treatments, like proton therapy, have been denied along the way. Needless-to-say, Ruth’s medical expenses on a monthly basis have been excessive, from daily pain medications ($5/day) to monthly prescriptions (approximately $60-75/month). I am not sure if you are aware but a cancer diagnosis is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in this country, especially if you are a woman under the age of 65 (FYI: Ruth is 61 and since I am a "math" person, see this link for staggering statistics http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51893912/ns/health-cancer/t/cancer-increases-bankruptcy-risk-even-insured/#.VD7r0Vc6PTo). After a long wait for approval and some adjustments to how the latest treatment would be given, Ruth just finished her first 5 consecutive days of a new chemotherapy last week (the second week in October) and because of your help she has had the ability to focus on fighting Freddy rather than having to deal with the minutia of how to pay the medical bills rolling in while on leave from work; and Amy can focus all of her attention on supporting Ruth.
If you see Ruth she will tell you, “I AM IN PERFECT HEALTH except for the cancer. That could change at any time, but right now that is it how it stands.” Ruth, like her cancer, is rare. I have seen her spin through discomfort, exhaustion, and pain over the last year. Sunday, after a week of chemo, she even spun over 19 miles. She. Inspires. Me. I have always wanted to run a marathon (call it a bucket list item if you will) but I never thought physically (or mentally) I could do it. I am quite aware that one literally puts their body through torture to train. As I mulled over the decision to run 26.2 miles in my head, I kept seeing Ruth’s face as I have seen it so many times in the back of the spin cave. Ruth's body is now literally fighting the battle for her life; in a sense, cancer is her marathon. Ruth knows the pain that one’s body can endure. I was never 100% convinced I could run a marathon physically or mentally, but Ruth's experience and strength is what I drew on to help me train and finish the Indianapolis Marathon on Oct. 18th; So, I am “Running for Ruth" or should I say I ran for Ruth since I just completed the race. I channelled the strength, courage, and determination both her and Amy possess to push through it when it hurt the most, just as Ruth has done for me in countless spinning classes. As promised, Ruth and Amy, were waiting for me at the finish line (ready to catch me), along with my other Magnificant Mile Half-Marathon training partners and those that also ran the race. That image helped me put one foot in front of the other every day in my traiing and it did the trick during the marathon as well. To follow my training updates, please check facebook or my blog at
http://www.wemeltyou.com/runningforruth/
The reason I started this site was with the intention of repaying this great honor of “Running for Ruth,” and drawing on her strength, by fundraising money for her excessive medical bills and expenses to help make the next part of their journey just a little easier. This gofundme site is just one way WE united to support a BLOOMINGTON WARRIOR. I couldn't do this alone and certainly there were so many people that helped to support our ambitious goal.
In addition to this website there were other components to the fundraising as well, which will end on Oct. 18th when I cross the finish line at the Indianapolis marathon.
T-shirts:
T-shirts have been made and sold in Ruth’s favorite color, baby blue, which I wore on race day. There are still a few remaining shirts available at NGPT (
http://www.wemeltyou.com/runningforruth/
) if you are interested; because even more important than the money is that Ruth (and Amy) will see a sea of people in blue, cheering them on...at the gym, at Starbucks, in the supermarket, on facebook...long after this fundraising campaign is over. I will happily send anyone that donates more than $26.20 on this site a shirt as well.
"Running for Ruth" events where the t-shirts have been and will be spotted:
1) Many NGPTers "ran (and walked) for Ruth" at the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K on Saturday, Sept. 20th wearing their blue shirts (while Ruth an Amy cheered them on)!
2) A few of Ruth biggest fans, including me, also sported their "Running for Ruth" shirts at the Chocoholic Frolic in Indianapolis, IN on Sept. 28th.
3) There were women and men "Running for Ruth" at the Indianapolis marathon alongside of me (at all race distances) on Oct. 18th, our culminating fundraising event.
4) There is a "Romping for Ruth" team, already 26 people strong, set to compete at the Bloomington Boys & Girls Club {Halloween} Romp at Riddle Point, a 2.5 mile, 12- obstacle course run/walk/race, on Nov. 1st (even though the fundraiser will be over). There is still time to join the team at
http://romp.kintera.org/2014
Dine & Donate:
In addition to fundraising via shirt sales and the gofundme site, the delicious BuffaLouis’s (http://buffalouies.com/) generously donated 15% of each sale to the fund that mentioned Ruth’s name (or NGPT) after the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K.
“Riding for Ruth” spinning classes:
There were two donation rides held at NGPT on Saturday, Oct. 4th that were a great success. It seemed fitting to stand up to cancer on a bike, where I first met Ruth (and Amy). Again, the room was covered in BLUE! Want to know more about how the "Riding for Ruth" spinning classes turned out on Oct. 4th...then check out my newest blog at http://www.wemeltyou.com/riding-ruth-spinning-classes-oct-4th-legit-quit/! Thank you to all that donated their legs to the cause!
Any proceeds from this site, the shirt sales, the BuffaLouis's donation day, or the donation spinning classes on Oct. 4th have already gone directly to Ruth and her care. If you can't afford the shirt or to donate financially in some way (I get that as a grad student!), and you can't Run?Walk?Ride/Romp for Ruth yourself or come cheer us on, then I thank you in advance for however your support & strength can come over the weeks and months ahead for Ruth...financially, emotionally, physically, paying it forward, through prayer or otherwise.
Although the campaign has officially ended, Ruth's battle with Freddy is sadly still far from over. This site will stay up as a way to continue to lend support to Ruth and Amy. Any money donated will continue to be sent to Ruth. You should know that on Oct. 18th we gave a check of $12,817 to Ruth and Amy, which was at the time the combined total of our fundraising events (including what is listed on this site). Even after the event, donations poured in and we are now at $13, 179 (Wow). The Indianapolis marathon also awarded Ruth with a finisher's marathon medal, since she ran that whole race in my head with me (thankfully!). Lastly, many local people lended some kind words of support (in addition to or in lieu of a financial donation) by signing the "Running for Ruth" commemorative photo frames and Ruth and Lauren's marathon shirts! These items were also presented to Ruth and Amy at the finish line of the Indy marathon on Oct. 18th. I wore all donors names on my race day "Running for Ruth" shirt too, as a way to honor all of those that have contributed from near and far. Thanks in advance to all of those that have helped with this endeavor (you know who you are)!
Lastly, I don't think I am alone in wanting to send a special thank you to Ruth and Amy for letting us share their story with as many people as will listen. Ruth is not a "center of attention" type of gal and so when I approached them about this I was nervous we would never get the opportunity to yell loudly and proudly how much they mean to those they sweat with, work with, share coffee with, are related too, etc... This gives each of us a turn to show Ruth and Amy just how much they mean to us. This permission provides a timely oppportunity for all of those people that they have touched throughout the years to reciprocate all the support and kindness they showed us through their friendship and love.
Proud to see you all at the finish line with me. Now let's not forget to continue to cheer on our Ruth...her marathon isn't over yet!
I met Ruth in early February of 2013, in my first spinning class at Next Generation Personal Fitness (NGPT), in Bloomington, IN. I noticed her because quite honestly she was kicking my butt! I joined the gym because I was going through a difficult transition in my own life (in Indiana no less, far away from my family back East), and suddenly I was alone for the first time in years and looking for a fresh start. However, my world began to change when Ruth (left in pic), and her now wife Amy, befriended me. Simple stated: An unassuming invitation for coffee and chatting after spin class at a local Starbucks formed a friendship between the three of us that I cherish. In fact, most of my closest friends in Bloomington are within a degree or two of Ruth and Amy. They are, in short, members of my Bloomington family; dare I say, the first to adopt me. Subsequently, almost every Sunday morning I can be found at the coffee shop, laughing (and crying) with these ladies after spinning; that is until recently though. Unfortunately, while my life was getting back on course, Ruth and Amy’s world was about to be shaken up.
Ruth’s story: In July 2013, Ruth went in for a planned hysterectomy. According to Ruth, “surgery and recovery was a breeze (thanks NGPT!),” but the pathology revealed a very rare and extremely aggressive malignancy. As a preventative measure, Ruth went through 3 1/2 rounds of chemo, which had very significant side effects (hello, bandana!...and just incase you are wondering Ruth looks beautiful with or without hair in a bandana!). Chemo was then halted until Feb. of 2014 when it became evident that an abdominal tumor was present. At that point Ruth began another 3 painstaking rounds of a different chemo drug; but the tumor, “Freddy,” is stubborn and kept growing. Next on the agenda was radiation, but again, the tumor got larger and so recently radiation was stopped as well. “Freddy” is such a rare kind of cancer that unfortunately certain types of treatments, like proton therapy, have been denied along the way. Needless-to-say, Ruth’s medical expenses on a monthly basis have been excessive, from daily pain medications ($5/day) to monthly prescriptions (approximately $60-75/month). I am not sure if you are aware but a cancer diagnosis is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in this country, especially if you are a woman under the age of 65 (FYI: Ruth is 61 and since I am a "math" person, see this link for staggering statistics http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51893912/ns/health-cancer/t/cancer-increases-bankruptcy-risk-even-insured/#.VD7r0Vc6PTo). After a long wait for approval and some adjustments to how the latest treatment would be given, Ruth just finished her first 5 consecutive days of a new chemotherapy last week (the second week in October) and because of your help she has had the ability to focus on fighting Freddy rather than having to deal with the minutia of how to pay the medical bills rolling in while on leave from work; and Amy can focus all of her attention on supporting Ruth.
If you see Ruth she will tell you, “I AM IN PERFECT HEALTH except for the cancer. That could change at any time, but right now that is it how it stands.” Ruth, like her cancer, is rare. I have seen her spin through discomfort, exhaustion, and pain over the last year. Sunday, after a week of chemo, she even spun over 19 miles. She. Inspires. Me. I have always wanted to run a marathon (call it a bucket list item if you will) but I never thought physically (or mentally) I could do it. I am quite aware that one literally puts their body through torture to train. As I mulled over the decision to run 26.2 miles in my head, I kept seeing Ruth’s face as I have seen it so many times in the back of the spin cave. Ruth's body is now literally fighting the battle for her life; in a sense, cancer is her marathon. Ruth knows the pain that one’s body can endure. I was never 100% convinced I could run a marathon physically or mentally, but Ruth's experience and strength is what I drew on to help me train and finish the Indianapolis Marathon on Oct. 18th; So, I am “Running for Ruth" or should I say I ran for Ruth since I just completed the race. I channelled the strength, courage, and determination both her and Amy possess to push through it when it hurt the most, just as Ruth has done for me in countless spinning classes. As promised, Ruth and Amy, were waiting for me at the finish line (ready to catch me), along with my other Magnificant Mile Half-Marathon training partners and those that also ran the race. That image helped me put one foot in front of the other every day in my traiing and it did the trick during the marathon as well. To follow my training updates, please check facebook or my blog at
http://www.wemeltyou.com/runningforruth/
The reason I started this site was with the intention of repaying this great honor of “Running for Ruth,” and drawing on her strength, by fundraising money for her excessive medical bills and expenses to help make the next part of their journey just a little easier. This gofundme site is just one way WE united to support a BLOOMINGTON WARRIOR. I couldn't do this alone and certainly there were so many people that helped to support our ambitious goal.
In addition to this website there were other components to the fundraising as well, which will end on Oct. 18th when I cross the finish line at the Indianapolis marathon.
T-shirts:
T-shirts have been made and sold in Ruth’s favorite color, baby blue, which I wore on race day. There are still a few remaining shirts available at NGPT (
http://www.wemeltyou.com/runningforruth/
) if you are interested; because even more important than the money is that Ruth (and Amy) will see a sea of people in blue, cheering them on...at the gym, at Starbucks, in the supermarket, on facebook...long after this fundraising campaign is over. I will happily send anyone that donates more than $26.20 on this site a shirt as well.
"Running for Ruth" events where the t-shirts have been and will be spotted:
1) Many NGPTers "ran (and walked) for Ruth" at the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K on Saturday, Sept. 20th wearing their blue shirts (while Ruth an Amy cheered them on)!
2) A few of Ruth biggest fans, including me, also sported their "Running for Ruth" shirts at the Chocoholic Frolic in Indianapolis, IN on Sept. 28th.
3) There were women and men "Running for Ruth" at the Indianapolis marathon alongside of me (at all race distances) on Oct. 18th, our culminating fundraising event.
4) There is a "Romping for Ruth" team, already 26 people strong, set to compete at the Bloomington Boys & Girls Club {Halloween} Romp at Riddle Point, a 2.5 mile, 12- obstacle course run/walk/race, on Nov. 1st (even though the fundraiser will be over). There is still time to join the team at
http://romp.kintera.org/2014
Dine & Donate:
In addition to fundraising via shirt sales and the gofundme site, the delicious BuffaLouis’s (http://buffalouies.com/) generously donated 15% of each sale to the fund that mentioned Ruth’s name (or NGPT) after the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K.
“Riding for Ruth” spinning classes:
There were two donation rides held at NGPT on Saturday, Oct. 4th that were a great success. It seemed fitting to stand up to cancer on a bike, where I first met Ruth (and Amy). Again, the room was covered in BLUE! Want to know more about how the "Riding for Ruth" spinning classes turned out on Oct. 4th...then check out my newest blog at http://www.wemeltyou.com/riding-ruth-spinning-classes-oct-4th-legit-quit/! Thank you to all that donated their legs to the cause!
Any proceeds from this site, the shirt sales, the BuffaLouis's donation day, or the donation spinning classes on Oct. 4th have already gone directly to Ruth and her care. If you can't afford the shirt or to donate financially in some way (I get that as a grad student!), and you can't Run?Walk?Ride/Romp for Ruth yourself or come cheer us on, then I thank you in advance for however your support & strength can come over the weeks and months ahead for Ruth...financially, emotionally, physically, paying it forward, through prayer or otherwise.
Although the campaign has officially ended, Ruth's battle with Freddy is sadly still far from over. This site will stay up as a way to continue to lend support to Ruth and Amy. Any money donated will continue to be sent to Ruth. You should know that on Oct. 18th we gave a check of $12,817 to Ruth and Amy, which was at the time the combined total of our fundraising events (including what is listed on this site). Even after the event, donations poured in and we are now at $13, 179 (Wow). The Indianapolis marathon also awarded Ruth with a finisher's marathon medal, since she ran that whole race in my head with me (thankfully!). Lastly, many local people lended some kind words of support (in addition to or in lieu of a financial donation) by signing the "Running for Ruth" commemorative photo frames and Ruth and Lauren's marathon shirts! These items were also presented to Ruth and Amy at the finish line of the Indy marathon on Oct. 18th. I wore all donors names on my race day "Running for Ruth" shirt too, as a way to honor all of those that have contributed from near and far. Thanks in advance to all of those that have helped with this endeavor (you know who you are)!
Lastly, I don't think I am alone in wanting to send a special thank you to Ruth and Amy for letting us share their story with as many people as will listen. Ruth is not a "center of attention" type of gal and so when I approached them about this I was nervous we would never get the opportunity to yell loudly and proudly how much they mean to those they sweat with, work with, share coffee with, are related too, etc... This gives each of us a turn to show Ruth and Amy just how much they mean to us. This permission provides a timely oppportunity for all of those people that they have touched throughout the years to reciprocate all the support and kindness they showed us through their friendship and love.
Proud to see you all at the finish line with me. Now let's not forget to continue to cheer on our Ruth...her marathon isn't over yet!
Organizer
Lauren Rapacki
Organizer
Bloomington, IN
