Rich Masterpol

I believe in running one mile at a time to help improve the lives of children who are fighting cancer.

I was first affected by cancer when my grandfather passed away in 1981. The battle against this deadly disease has come a long way since then but the fight continues for millions of individuals. Running as part of the Endure to Cure team, I am doing my part by helping to raise funds for an important research study involving pediatric cancer patients. Knowing that our efforts will support such a great cause makes the training and miles mean so much more.

My team of Endure to Cure's Chicago Marathon runners, along with other courageous fundraising athletes within the foundation, are trying to raise a total $50,000 to fund a pediatric cancer survivorship study at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital in 2011. The study will enable a clinical psychologist to research methods to reduce the long-term effects of harsh treatments on pediatric cancer patients. Your donation will go directly towards funding a Masters or PhD-level clinical research psychologist’s salary for a year. The clinical psychologist will be the sole person involved in this study.

Why is this study important? Many people do not realize that 60% of pediatric cancer patient will suffer long term side effects, often times severe, after they have been deemed "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.

Please join the fight against pediatric cancer by donating to this amazing foundation. No contribution is too small. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing the successes of the Endure to Cure team with you!