Three years ago when I was finishing my undergraduate studies, my mom was fighting Stage IV Lymphoma to be in the crowd to watch her oldest daughter graduate.

To paint a picture of my mom, she is unwaveringly positive, dependable, and giving. She was behind most every fundraiser or volunteer event of my childhood; there organizing everything,bringing people together, and being there for her girls. I was both an overconfident and painfully shy kid, finding strength in hiding behind my mom before venturing off to lead the playground games.

At her core, my mom is a creator; finding outlets in baking, cooking, gardening, scrapbooking, and bringing things to life. In her free time, she volunteered at equine therapy centers, helping those in pain with her warmth and desire to give.

This glass-half full mentality also marked her battle with cancer, where she fought against the odds with dignity, grace, and that relentless positivity.

But this December, due to complications from everything her body has been through, she began another long fight. Once again, I watched her find that deep well of strength, this time with the North Star of my younger sister's graduation ahead of her. I also watched the unwavering steadiness, devotion,and determination of my father and sister as we supported my mom through another impossible chapter.

On August 22nd, I will be running the Tromsø Mountain Challenge, doing a half ultra marathon in Tromsø, Norway. I want this race to represent something much bigger than me; to recognize the strength of my mom, my family, and of so many families who face cancer and its ripple effects.

All money raised will be donated to the Lymphoma Research Foundation to support the ongoing good work towards improving treatment, resilience, and towards giving more people a better chance at beating the odds like my mom to make it to their own family milestones.

Kindness is strength and I hope to carry a fraction of what my mom has shown in order to finish this race smiling.

To my friends and anyone reading, thank you so much for supporting this cause.

With love,

Tay