Twenty-five years ago this spring we lost my dad to pancreatic cancer. It’s so hard to believe it’s been that long, and so many things have happened in our lives since. I will again be running the Western Mass Mother’s Day Half Marathon this weekend in his memory and fundraising to support Cancer Connection. I almost didn’t ask for donations this year because I know so many people are experiencing such hard times, but I also know some people would still like to support this cause in any small amount they can. When my dad was sick, we had the most amazing support crew between family, friends, and the community in Orange and at Mahar. I know some of you reading this were those people who kept normalcy going for me and made it all so much more bearable. Cancer Connection provides support for those battling cancer and their families, and I can’t think of a better organization to support or a better way to do it. I was never much of an athlete growing up, but I was happy and active mostly because of my dad’s influence...hiking trails, swimming in Packard Pond and Laurel Lake, riding bikes around Tully and in the Quabbin. We even had a tradition of riding our bikes to the pond on my birthday mid-April to open the swim season and on his to close it out mid-October. We did not have wetsuits, y’all. I know if he was still alive he’d be my biggest supporter when I dare to show up for a real athletic event like a half marathon. If you can, please consider a donation in any amount. I would be honored to run in memory or honor of any of your loved ones who have fought cancer. Please share their names, whether you can donate at this time or not, and I’ll carry them with me through the miles.
WMass Mother's Day Half Marathon
The 10th Annual Western Mass Mother's Day Half Marathon! A Benefit for Cancer Connection has gone virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past 9 years, this race has raised more than $270,000 for Cancer Connection, Inc. of Northampton, MA, providers of free cancer support services. Please help us make this 10th annual race the BIGGEST and BEST EVER. How can you do so and stay safe at home?
1. Donate until May 31st, 2020 to your favorite race participant or make a general donation to the race.
2. Continue to raise funds from your community and share your results from your personal half marathon or walk with us through 5/31/20 on the race Facebook page.
3. Volunteer: please share this video and our donation link. Post a photo or video of you cheering on the race participants and our sponsors on the race Facebook page.
A note about donations and the optional race registration fee: NO amount is too small. Please know that 100% of your donations and/or optional race registration fee will go directly to Cancer Connection Inc.
Unfortunately for many, even though much of the world has stopped, cancer has not. Comfort, connection, and strength are available today through Cancer Connection's phone and online services. This was a chance for us to pay it forward, get a run in, volunteer safely from home, and have a little bit of fun. Thank you so much for participating!
At our center on Locust Street in Northampton, people living with cancer, their families and caregivers can meet one-on-one in a comforting and welcoming environment with staff or volunteers. We also host support groups that offer coping strategies and emotional support. Other services include integrative therapies (Reiki, reflexology, acupuncture, massage and guided imagery), programs and workshops including creative arts and exercise classes that focus on relieving physical and emotional stress and building physical and emotional strength.
Cancer Connection offers programs and support free of charge for men, women and children living with a cancer diagnosis, their families and friends. You are welcome to attend as many programs as you would like, based on space availability. We offer additional classes and workshops in the spring and fall. You can call our center and ask to be added to the mailing list for our next program guide.
Priority for our programs is given to those currently in treatment along with their family and caregivers. All programs, unless noted, are held at Cancer Connection:
41 Locust Street in Northampton, MA.
Many classes can accept new participants, even if the class has already started. Call today to ask about joining!
Visit our website, http://cancer-connection.org/programs, for a listing of current programs or call our office and we can mail you our current program guide.