Running for Alisa

In 2008, my sister, Alisa, was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor after struggling with debilitating headaches when her sons were 10 and 15-years old. In the five years since, Alisa has been having ongoing craniospinal radiation, stereotatic radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. So far, the treatments have done little more than to slow the growth of Alisa's cancer, which is currently an M3 grade tumor (meaning it has spread into her spine). Unfortunately, the effects of the tumor and long-term radiation have resulted in a decrease in her neurological functioning (i.e. memory, IQ, and visuospatial skills), which can make her daily life challenging, particularly when coupled with the continued headaches and nausea that has become part of her everyday life.

Amazingly, Alisa has not once asked for help or sought sympathy for her situation. Rather, she has continued to maintain her position at work, remained very active in her sons' schools and extra-curricular activities, and nurtured her relationships with family and friends. Honestly, most of the people who encounter my sister have no idea that she is sick. Alisa is truly one of those people that you meet who cause you to see the world differently because of all that she puts into it. As her sister, I am constantly both humbled and amazed by all that she is able to accomplish through nothing less than sheer will and desire. However, I also know that there are some forces out there that can catch up to even the greatest of minds and most powerful of spirits. In the hopes of keeping some of those forces at bay, I have developed this page to raise money for Alisa and her family to use while she continues to wage her fight against cancer.

On October 13, 2013, I have pledged to run 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon in an effort to raise money for Alisa and her family. Your donation to Alisa in support of my run can help pay for Alisa's medical bills and all of the associated expenses that come with the territory - such as taking a taxi home from treatment because Alisa's immune system is too weak to fight off the cold she might catch on the train, buying prepared meals for her family when her husband is working late, and taking an unpaid day off of work when she's used all of her sick time.

Please consider making a donation - whether it's $5 or $500, it will make a huge difference for Alisa and her family. By the way, Alisa will receive the full amount of your gift less the processing charge.