Narcisse Spade

I believe that if people work toward a common purpose greater than themselves they will inspire each other and will achieve things which they previously thought to be impossible.

On October 9, 2011, I will be step to the starting corall to run and complete the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Can you believe it?

From now through October, I will be training and redefining my own physical and mental limitations in order to raise funds and awareness for the Endure to Cure Foundation and contribute in fight against pediatric cancer. The proceeds from my and my fellow marathon runners' effort will be used to fully fund a 2-year pediatric cancer survivorship study at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. The purpose of the study is to hire a clinical psychologist who will research the long term effects of treatment on pediatric cancer patients and help develop less harsh methods of treatment which will reduce long-term side effects of harsh treatments.

So why is this important? Survivorship is one of the most under examined and underfunded areas of study and with so with funds raised for this study we hope to provide not only an immediate positive impact on survivors but also provide new long term treatment methods.

Since I have never even run beyond a 5k distance in my life, let alone a marathon I know that my training and the journey to the finish line will seem daunting and extremely challenging but it will never amount to what a person has to go through when affected by cancer, especially a child. I will however endure this challenge to give the children hope and to make a positive change in the fight against pediatric cancer. Along the way I hope to inspire others to do the same. If you want to be a part of a cause greater than yourself and make a positive difference in the life a child then donate to our cause today. Together we can make a difference and please remember that no contribution is too small!

Thank you,

Narcisse