Shelly & Communities Battle vs. LMS Cancer

I am running the 2024 Beach & Back Half Marathon in Marshfield, MA on May 18th for Michelle Stevens who has been battling the strongest fight against leiomyosarcoma cancer for the past 14 years.

Shelly’s journey with LMS has been nothing short of extraordinary. She was first diagnosed in 2010 when a lump was found on her hand, later diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma cancer. LMS is a rare form of cancer that originates in the smooth muscles. And prior to Shelly’s first diagnosis, leiomyosarcoma had never been found in the hand.

She has endured countless rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries to conquer LMS. Each time greeting this beast with an extreme amount of courage.

To say Shelly is a warrior would be an understatement. She has faced LMS with the utmost resilience and determination. I have no doubt that her strength will help her to keep on persevering through her upcoming surgeries and chemotherapy that she is once again facing. Shelly has not let cancer hold her back from living life, and has already completed numerous items on her bucket list. Some of which include trips to Italy, Niagara Falls, and multiple wineries in California (still making sure to enjoy a glass of red wine every once in a while) :)

Shelly and her husband Ryan have four daughters, Emma, Eliza, Abigail, and Amelia. Shelly and her family have been close family friends of ours since before I was born; they are an extension of my family. The Stevens girls, my sister, and I have grown up, and were practically raised all together.

Shelly is a true inspiration to all and most especially to me. I’m feeling so incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to run my first half marathon to honor the incredible person that she is, her fight against LMS, and the entire leiomyosarcoma cancer community.

Your donation will benefit The Leiomyosarcoma Support & Direct Research Foundation (LMSDR). An empowering organization that uplifts patients with LMS by providing information, support and a bridge between patients and researchers that work towards finding a cure for leiomyosarcoma cancer.

I kindly ask that you share this with family, friends and anyone who might feel called to donate to helping Shelly and the LMS community. There is not nearly enough research and so much more to be done when it comes to leiomyosarcoma cancer. Each and every donation is so greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small. Your contribution will not only be put towards the much needed LMS research and community but will be a power of strength for Shelly and family as she continues to fight her ongoing battle against leiomyosarcoma cancer.

#fuckcancer

*Please join me in following along on Shelly’s journey as she navigates the next steps in her fight vs. LMS:

Shelly's LMS Journey- Instagram

Shelly's LMS Journey- Blog

With love & so much gratitude,

Madison Daley