<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/63642807_1646086205623700_r.jpeg" alt="63642807_1646086205623700_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Hi! On April 23rd, 2022, I'll be running the Garmin Marathon in Olathe, KS, in support of my brother, Regan. Regan was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 10 years old. 20 years later, his body is currently progressing towards developing cancer again. Thankfully, he has not crossed that threshold. After genetic testing was performed on one of his recent bone marrow biopsies, his team of doctors found an inherited mutation in the RUNX1 gene, which may be responsible for his recent illness. The following is taken from the RUNX1 Research Program website to provide some background on Regan's situation:
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<div>"RUNX1-familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD) with predisposition to hematologic malignancies is a hereditary disorder due to being born with an error, called a mutation, in the gene RUNX1 ¹. The mutation is passed down from generation to generation, and patients are at a heightened risk for developing blood cancers. Most experience low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) and low-functioning platelets."
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<div>"The link between germline RUNX1 mutations and blood cancer was first discovered in 1999.² Since then studies have estimated that the average lifetime risk of getting a blood cancer with mutations in the RUNX1 gene is close to 50%. It is important to note that there is a huge range in the incidence of cancer between families, with some being as low as 11% and others as high as 100%.¹ The predominant type of blood cancer RUNX1-FPD patients acquire is acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the second deadliest of all blood cancers.⁴ Other types of hematologic malignancies may also occur in patients, including myelodysplastic syndromes, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.¹ Twenty-nine years is the average age of onset of a blood cancer for a person carrying a germline RUNX1 mutation,⁷ while the average age of onset in the general population is 68 years of age. Moreover, 50% of families with RUNX1-FPD have at least one or more children who progress to cancer. ³ ⁵ ⁶"
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<div>In mid-March, Regan will be undergoing a bone marrow stem cell transplant, receiving his donation from my sister, Jerilyn, a half-match. Out of 30 million + registered bone marrow donors, the only two matches for him were Jerilyn and my dad, Jerry. Regan has a long road of recovery ahead of him, as he'll need to receive a week of chemotherapy and radiation before the transplant, then follow an extremely strict regimen following his transplant to get his immune system up and running.
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<div>Regan, my mom Cindy and I all share a familial platelet disorder. Since his genetic testing showed that he inherited the gene, it's very likely that my mom and I also have this gene mutation. We learned about RUNX1 only after Regan's genetic testing came back. Thankfully, Regan's insurance is covering almost his entire treatment. The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money to donate to the RUNX1 Research Program, and to spread awareness of this rare condition, bringing it to light for others that are affected by familial platelet disorders. Additionally, <strong>100% </strong>of donations to the RUNX1 Research Program go directly towards research and education; all administrative/overhead fees are paid for by the co-founders.
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<div>I'll be starting a short blog with weekly updates on Regan's treatment, info on RUNX1, and updates on marathon training. I'll throw the link to that website here once it's been created.
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<div>If you can't donate directly to this fundraiser, there are still ways you can help others that may be in a situation similar to Regan's! First, donate blood if you can. There is a massive blood shortage nationwide, and transfusions have been vital in keeping Regan's blood counts stable while his bone marrow is out of commission. Second, register to be a bone marrow donor! You may end up saving someone's life, and it is a relatively easy procedure if you are called upon to donate. Links for both are below.<br /><br />
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<div>RUNX1 Research Program: <a href="https://www.runx1-fpd.org"><a href="https://www.runx1-fpd.org" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.runx1-fpd.org</a></a>
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<div>Find blood donation events and locations near you: <a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html</a></a>
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<div>Register to become a bone marrow donor: <a href="https://bethematch.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://bethematch.org" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://bethematch.org</a></a>
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<div>Thank you for visiting this fundraising page and please spread to anyone and everyone!
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Alainna DeRee

Dutch's Greenhouse

David Miller

Bill & Sandy Cole

Ashley Mitchell

Anonymous

Janice Miller

Janet Gee

Debbie Ternes

Mike DeRee

Amy Warren

Cynthia DeRee

Erik Garris

Ana Ruelas

Laura Sagan

Courtney Capshaw

Brett Sharp

Run for RUNX1

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