Dawna Leger Phillips

These days it is a sad truth that most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer. And a lot of us are trying to do something about that… donating, fundraising, eating healthier, providing service, praying, meditating, sharing resources, exercising, training… something… anything to help prevent and treat cancer, and to help those who are living with it. In the last few years I have mourned the loss of two of my friends with lung and ovarian cancer and seen cancer take its toll on my family members. In 2011 I joined Endure to Cure’s team of athletes to do my part to honor my friends and family members affected by cancer, to continue to show gratitude for my health, and to contribute to the quality of life of pediatric patients. I chose to focus on pediatric cancer patients because, while it is unquestionably difficult for adults to live with and survive cancer, it is even harder for children who might lack the life experience from which to find hope, resilience, perseverance and courage.

 

Endure to Cure’s mission is “to endure and conquer our great physical challenges in order to advance cures for pediatric cancer, to serve as an inspiration to people worldwide, and to unite those who have been affected by cancer.” In 2011 I raised $750 and challenged myself with new events, including my first ocean water triathlon, a 13 mile mountain obstacle course race, and a 50 mile bike ride. In 2012, I will again try new events that challenge and scare me – a 1.2 mile swim and a 100 mile bike ride. I will also go back to try to set a personal record on that same 13 mile mountain obstacle course race, which was my hardest event last year! My daughter, Bréa, and son, Casey, will join my efforts this year by also trying a new physical challenge to raise money for Endure to Cure! They will either do a triathlon or duathlon in August and I am already so proud of them!

 

Endure to Cure continues to raise funds for a pediatric cancer survivorship study at the University of Chicago Childhood Cancer Survivors Center at Comer Children’s Hospital and has rolled out two new, smaller programs this year – the Small Wishes and Travel to Treatment programs. Please read about these exciting new programs and some of the children who have already benefitted from them by clicking here.

 

I am inspired by Endure to Cure’s efforts and team of athletes and, of course, the recipients of our fundraising. In 2012 I would like to raise more than the $750 that I raised last year. Please support me, Bréa and Casey as we challenge ourselves to contribute to a better quality of life for pediatric cancer patients. We’ll do the miles, YOU be the hero! Thank you so much for your support!