That smile!  That’s my brother in law Bernie.   In early September we had hoped it was an easy fix.  Unfortunately, Bernie learned that his stomach pain and other related symptoms were far from an easy fix.  He learned that he has pancreatic cancer .After the initial shock, he and his wife Joan met with his new team of doctors and began working on a plan. Bernie, ready to face this head on.   They placed a stent immediately to alleviate some of the pain and bypass a tumor. They talked about getting him ready for surgery.   Unfortunately there was a complication and he was readmitted to the hospital with an infection and they had to fix the stent.  After several days he was sent home with a new plan.  Surgery not an option just yet.  Bernies oncology team arrived at a chemotherapy cocktail to be given in 4 sessions, with 2 weeks in between each treatment.   The goal is to rescan after the chemo series with the hope that the cancer has responded well and they can move ahead with scheduling surgery. It’s a very complicated surgery, but Bernie and Joan remain optimistic.   Remember that smile!   Some of you likely know the financial burden that people face when being sick and my goal is to help alleviate some of that burden for Bernie and Joan.    Bernie and Joan wish to extend their gratitude to Dana Farber for all of the support they have received thus far. 

Here is my plan: I am training to run my 4th marathon.  I’m going to make sure it’s my strongest one yet.   It will be self supported so it will be safe!  I’ve got a bunch of friends to support me on the course on my race day, which will be December 27th!  I will be fundraising along the way and will share updates on Bernie’s progress. EVERY dollar earned will go directly to Bernie.   I’m humbly asking you to join me, to pitch in any amount you can, to help Bernie screw cancer!  Love you Bern!