Courtney Waid

Having spent six years in the United States Army and now continuing my service in the Army Reserve, I have always believed that a person should strive to make the world a better place in some way. In the Army, I was able to see many people from all walks of life use their individual talents to contribute to something larger than themselves. I believe that we all have that ability. It is this belief that led me to Team Endure to Cure and has inspired me to take part in the amazing things this group does in the fight against pediatric cancer.

 

As the mother of two wonderful children, I cannot think of anything more devastating for a child or their family than to have to endure cancer at a young age.  Every time I see my own two toddlers playing in the pool (blissfully unaware of the fact that they don’t know how to swim), running in the yard, or trying (and occasionally succeeding) to climb up on the saddle of my bike, it makes me realize how blessed I am to have such healthy kids. It breaks my heart to know that there are families and children out there who are not so lucky and must endure painful treatments, long hospital stays, and terrible illness. Even after surviving this ordeal, many children will continue to feel the effects of pediatric cancer throughout their lives. There are so many children who will never get the chance to run, swim, or ride a bike – something so many of us take for granted every day.

 

In this vein, I'm teaming up with other Team Endure to Cure athletes to raise $50,000 to fully-fund a 2-year pediatric cancer survivorship study at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital in 2011 & 2012.  The study will enable a clinical psychologist to research methods to reduce the long-term effects of harsh treatments on pediatric cancer patients.  Many people do not realize that 60% of pediatric cancer patients will suffer long term side effects, often times severe, after they become "survivors."  Post-survivorship is a very underfunded and under-examined area of study.  This study can have an immediate impact with patients the psychologist examines, and a long-term effect as more data can be used to put new post-survivorship treatment methods into place. 

 

I have set a personal goal to complete an Ironman by the summer of 2012. My first major step along the way will be competing in the Timberman 70.3 in the summer of 2011 with a number of sprint and Olympic distance races and a half marathon along the way. While this seems like a daunting task, it pales in comparison to the strength, courage, and endurance of a child battling cancer. I invite you to be a part of this journey with me; no donation is too small to help change the life of a child. Together we can make a difference!

Thank you.