Cancer – Brian P. Dowd's Blog

My 2012 LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly Weekend

This past weekend at the Philly Challenge can be summed up in one word “UPLIFTING.”

On Friday Kristy, Caroline, Annabelle and I drove out to Blue Bell, PA for registration pick up and dinner with some Team Jersey Shore Area for LIVESTRONG members. During registration we ran into some good friends like social media voice of LIVESTRONG Brooke Mcmillan, LIVESTRONG Leader Eric Wenner and his wife Sharon. It is always great catching up with the LIVESTORNG family.

I registered with $5700 raised for LIVESTRONG.

We had dinner at PJ Whelihan’s near the Challenge location. We enjoyed the few hours of laughs and conversation with Eric, Sharon and fellow LIVESTRONG Leader Bryan McMillan. Minus Annabelle’s crankiness all had a good time – even Caroline stayed busy with coloring.

On Saturday morning we were up early for the 5K run. We got there 1hr early and there was hardly anyone there. Normally at this time there will be too many people there but this year it seems people came a little later.

As the announcer asked for all participants to the staging area Kristy, Caroline and Annabelle found a prime spot at the start/finish line while I went to the 5k staging area.

The 10K runners went first followed by us 5K runners/walkers.

As the start of the 5K came I was standing next to Mr. Peanut (Planters Peanuts) and that was good knowing that I was about to start of the run with two nuts J! I could not resist saying that.

The horn sounded and we were off. It was nice being able to see Kristy, Caroline and Annabelle as I ran by giving a “high-five” to them. It was not too crowded but I was not able to find my pace until we made it to the road. There I was able to run at my own pace which I was surprised to find out was a good one when seeing what others were doing.

I think my pace was really set from those around me during the 5k. It felt great. I ran the first mile relatively fast, my guess is sub 9 minutes. At the 1 mile mark I slowed to a fast pace walk for about 20 seconds to catch my breath and then started to jog again.

Throughout the run I did that about 4 times. My pace seems to be a good one, but I have yet to master my breathing where I am comfortable to keep running, but at least I never stopped.

As I came down the home stretch out of the residential area and into the college I knew I has about ¼ mile left so I just ran the best I could. A few hundred years away from the finish line I saw one of New Jersey’s finest LIVESTRONG Leaders Tom Donner taking pictures.

I continued on and saw my family there so I ran over and “high-fived” the girls right before crossing the finish line. I ran in the survivor lane an received my yellow rose and then proceeded to see my family and friends as they came over.

It was a feel good moment for sure!

Bryan proceeds to tell me I did good and was about 10 minutes behind his time which was around 27 minutes. If this were accurate I would have run the 5k in 37 minutes which greatly surpasses my goal of 45 minutes.

I later received the information on the LIVESTRONG blog about the chip times and I ran the 5k in 34 minutes which is a sub-11 minute mile average. This blew me away! Feels so good knowing all the work I have been doing is paying off.

Post 5k run my right foot was extremely sore. I could barely walk on it. Went back to the hotel to clean up, get lunch and let the girls swim in the pool while I rested my foot. I will admit I was getting concerns about the ride, but I was certainly still going to do it.

Saturday evening Sal Bongiorno (NJ LIVESTRONG Leader) and I attended the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly fundraiser appreciation dinner for participants who have raised over $3,500. It was a great event to hear some emotional and powerful experiences while loading up on carbs for the Sunday cycling event.

A funny thing happened at dinner. We randomly sat at a table that already had 4 people from Connecticut sitting there. We joined them and started talking about the event and fundraising. I go to mention to them that they should look up one of our LIVESTRONG Leaders, Roger Levesque, and sure enough one of them knew Roger and Roger told her to look at for me and other Leaders. It’s a small world!

Sunday I was up early to meet Sal for the ride over to the Challenge ride. Sal had to deliver one of his bikes for the VIP guest speaker to ride so we got there early. Kristy and the girls would head over a little later so they did not need to get up too early. I told Kristy to come over around 11am as I would probably take a long time. I also told her I would text her a the rest stop around mile 12.

After parking I tested my bike in the parking lot and the gears we remaking a funny sound, but I said go for it and did not worry about it too much (OK maybe a little after breaking down in 2007.)

I met up with Tom Interlante (NJ LIVESTRONG Leader) and his family in the 20 mile staging area. It was nice to finally meet Marge and Nicole. We were soon joined by LIVESTRONG supporter Rose Menton and RI LIVESTRONG Leader Mary Asselin.

As the 20 mile ride started I was hyped. All I could do is remembering breaking down in 2007 so I wanted to finish it this year. Cross the finish line! Feel a sense of accomplishment. Knowing I had the hurt right foot had me doubting at the start, but I was ready.

The first 3 miles was a slow go. People were bunched up and I was trying to stay with Tom I. and Mary. I found myself being able to go faster so rather than stay slow I went at it by myself. I felt bad for leaving Tom and Mary, but one thing people like Sal and Tom D. have told me is “go at your own pace. Thus I was off.

The first half was relatively easy. There was only one hill which got the better of me as I had to jump off and run the remaining 20 feet and jump back on the bike and start peddling. It was funny seeing some of the diehard cyclist jump off so at that point I did not feel so bad, but I also said to myself not to get off again.

After my fight with the hill I did great. I made up time and passed a ton of people and though it is not a race it did feel good to make up the ground I lost. I realized at mile 12 that was making very good time, much better than I told Kristy. So good that I skipped the rest stop and kept going. I also did not text her.

The way back on Morris road had several large uphill climbs, but none more challenging then the one hill I had faced earlier. I rode the last 8 miles with a woman whom I never met. We briefly spoke, but it was great to have someone with a similar cadence/pace as me on the way back. As we came up to DeKalb Pike I asked her what her name was. She said it was Sharon. I said “Hello Sharon. My name is Brian Dowd. It was nice riding with you.”

That is when I saw the police officer waiving us on to cross so I sped up to 25MPH as I crossed the rode towards the Challenge location.

As I entered the finish line area I was overcome with excitement and joy. I was about to complete and cross the finish line of an event that has meant so much to me over the year, but I never finished it when truly competing in it.

I gave a high-five to LIVESTRONG supporter and Challenge volunteer Rich Ehrmann right before crossing the finish line and getting my second yellow rose of the weekend.

It was right at the time of getting the yellow rose that I realized that I finished this much fater than I though. I looked at my active time on my bike and it said 1 hr 38 mins. I immediately went down to get some water and call Kristy to tell her.

As it turned out Kristy, Caroline and Annabelle were sitting at the light of DeKalb Pike when flew by doing 25MPH. They were able to see me.

I waited for them to park and come by and gave out lots of hugs once I saw them. Nothing better than seeing them and the shock on their face that I completed it so fast. Though I would have loved seeing them at the finish line I must say blowing away my own expectations for my completion time more than made up for it.

That made two days in a row I exceeded my own expectations. I hope to do it again next year, but until then I have a Mud Run to get ready for in September.

I walk away blown away by another inspiring and empowering weekend. Thank you to LIVESTRONG staff and volunteers for the great job this past weekend.

Jersey LIVESTRONG Mudders: Bill Bottino Mud Run – Saturday, September 15, 2012

The Jersey LIVESTRONG Mudders are looking for some dirty people!!!!

South Jersey for LIVESTRONG and Jersey Shore Area Supporting the Lance Armstrong Foundation have combined once again (We participated in the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly and raised over $10,940) to enter the battle grounds and fight cancer and we need your help!!!! We are looking for team members to join our fight and get a little dirty while we do it.

The Bill Bottino Mud Run is Saturday, September 15, 2012 for 3.5 miles of muddy, mucky, obstacle challenges and most of all, fun! This is a family-friendly event!! There is a kids mud run, tailgate, cash bar, live music and BBQ. There is a clean version (BBQ only) and volunteer signup for those who don’t like playing in the mud.

JOIN OUR TEAM (open to everyone)!! You do not need to live in NJ to be on the team.

1) visit www.njmudrun.com
2) Select how you want to register (online or mail)
3) Follow the registration steps as an “Individual/Team Member”
4) Select “Jersey LIVESTRONG Mudders” from the drop down menu
*no password needed, leave that field blank
5) Continue the registration process and you’re done!!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: jerseyshorearea4livestrong@comcast.net

******************DETAILS OF THE MUD RUN****************

The Mud Run for Cancer Starts with a Mud Crawling, Perseverance Requiring, Multiple Skill Obstacle Course That Will Reward You With A Sense Of Accomplishment and An Extremely Good Time!

Our Course Feature 3.5 Miles of:
-Multiple Insane Mud Pits!
-Steep, Slick, Hill Climbs
-Bold Obstacles That Will Test All Your Abilities
-Challenges Requiring Cooperation with Your Fellow Mudders
-Water, and Other Types, of Crossings
-A Well Organized Course with Minimal Lines
-Easy Lanes and “Prove Yourself” Lanes (Where Appropriate)
-Our Final, Signature, Main-Stage, Crowd Screaming, Finale

Your Mud Run Ticket also earns you:
– A Rousing Party Featuring The Most Mouth-Watering BBQ You Ever Tasted
-Superb Live Music
-The Opportunity to Earn Awards for:
-Best Fundraising Individual/Team
-Best Costumed Team
-Most Represented Team
-Our Awesome Event T-Shirt
-The Ability to Honor Cancer Survivors Through Our Moving Candle-Light Walk

This Ticket is Appropriate For:
-Teams of Any Size Who Are In It To Have Fun – Not To Compete
-Individual Mud Runners
-Kids above the age of 10 register for the 3.5 mile mud run:
-If they are under the age of 14, a registered supervising adult must run with them or their team, they also must adhere to all rules given by the race director which may include restrictions on “tougher” obstacles.
-If they 14 -17 years old a parent does not have to run with them but one must be on the premises (they do not have to register).
-All registered persons are eligible for the BBQ and shirt with their registration.

Rules:
-All instructions given by the race director must be followed.
-Good sportsmanship must be maintained at all times.
-It is NOT necessary for a team to finish together.
-The race director may modify the course for the safety of the participants.
-It is NOT necessary to complete all the obstacles.

Be Sure to Bring:
-Your ID
-Your Costume!
-Sturdy Shoes
-Clothes That Can Get Dirty
-Your Own Towel…And A Change of Clothes
-Your Appetite!
-A Sense of Adventure and a Team Focused Attitude!

Dear Donors, Supporters & Team Members

THANK YOU TO ALL DONORS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT!

THANK YOU TO ALL TEAM MEMBERS FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SUPPORT OF LIVESTRONG! Team Jersey Shore Area for LIVESTRONG has raised over $10,600 as of today. Great job team!

Dear Donors & Supporters: Your generous donation and support will help me get through the physical challenges of the hills of PA. Speaking of the hills….right about now I am thankful that I was able to lose the 55lbs since January 1st because I am sure I would never made either the run or the ride.

On Saturday I will run my first 5K which will be interesting as I have recently been tackling shin-splints. Never had it before, but this will not stop me. I know what it is like to face cancer, surgery and treatments so this will be easy.

On Sunday I will ride the “hill country” in PA 45 miles. I ride to honor all survivors and I pedal up the hills I will be remembering every person I know who has lost their life to cancer. I expect it to be a great challenge for me. My training is on mostly flat areas where I live, but I have been getting to some hills to help prepare.

My physical challenge is a small part of my participation. The most important part is having generous donors like yourself and your support for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

LIVESTRONG is doing amazing things to help people fight cancer and empower them to take action. Their free services are amazing. They have patient navigation services to help people during the most difficult time of their lives which can take them through it step-by-step, and they have great one-on-one support services to ensure emotional support is there.

By now most of my family, friends and coworkers know how much I volunteer, promote, fundraise, raise awareness and hold events. This is all directly related to my first few days after I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

LIVESTRONG provided me with the free services to help educate me so I can make informed decisions for surgery and treatment. As you can see they also empowered me to make a difference and help others.

So as I go off to Blue Bell, PA this Friday afternoon know I will ride with your generosity, support and the many kind words you have shared. I sincerely THANK ALL DONORS AND SUPPORTERS.

Thank you to my wife Kristy! She has always been my #1 cheerleader (along with Caroline and Annabelle) and supports all my volunteer work, training, fundraising and events. None of this would be possible without her support.

Thank you to LIVESTRONG Leadership & Staff for your work and inspiring me daily.

Sincerely,
Brian Dowd
6 Year Cancer Survivor & LIVESTRONG Volunteer/Supporter

http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/brianpdowd

38% of my $10,000 Goal with just 25 days left

In 25 days I will be out in Philly area participating in a 5K run and 40 mile bike ride benefiting LIVESTRONG. As of today I have raised $3,835 which represents 38% of my $10,000 Goal. Thus the clock is running out on my fundraising. I need your help.

Please consider making a donation to Honor someone your know who is a survivor or make it in Memory of someone you lost. Making a secure online donation is easy. Just visit http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/brianpdowd and 100% of your donation goes to LIVESTRONG.

It is important that you know where your donated money goes so I wanted you to see some data. Between January – May 2012 LIVESTRONG has…

Provided support to more than 130,000 people affected by cancer through FREE navigation services
Saved clients more than $2.3 million through navigation services and Sharing Hope fertility services
Reached more than 87,320 students (grades K-12) through our LIVESTRONG at School Program helping children cope and learn about cancer.
Trained over 29,300 healthcare professionals on cancer survivorship issues
Over 1,300 cancer survivors completed the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program

As you can see LIVESTRONG ensures they spend the donations on what helps people. They also inspire people to help take action and this does not cost a dime, but goes a long way in helping survivors.

For example, I drove down to Washington, D.C. July 9-11 to participate in One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) lobby day to ensure our elected officials support cancer research, prevention and awareness funding. I met with Congressmen, Senators and their staff. More can be read on the Asbury Park Press website.

For those who have supported my effort I once again THANK YOU. For those considering making a donation THANK YOU.

2012 One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC)

First let me start with a little background so you can better appreciate what I was doing inWashington,D.C. the last few days.

One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC), a collaboration of national non-profit organizations representing millions of Americans, delivers a unified message to Congress and the White House on the need for increased cancer-related appropriations.

One Voice Against Cancer is an effective lobbying coalition on cancer funding that has enabled the community to enhance policymakers’ awareness of the need for substantial increases in essential cancer programs.

OVAC hosts an annual Lobby Day (in 2012 it was July 10) where volunteer representatives of the member organizations come to Washington, DC for training on the legislative issue and advocacy methods and then spend a full day meeting with legislators to share the human face of cancer in America. The personal stories of these trained advocates underscores the need for continue government involvement in the war against cancer.

OVAC’s united front enhances each organization’s ability to attain the funding levels necessary to win the war on cancer and to equip those facing cancer with the tools they need to fight this deadly disease. One Voice Against Cancer commits its participating members to cooperative efforts that increase understanding of the need for both cancer research and application programs. At the same time, One Voice Against Cancer empowers its volunteers and those touched by cancer to deliver this message creatively and powerfully to policymakers.

Other OVAC advocacy campaigns have included advertising in Capitol Hill publications, coalition meetings with lawmakers, and briefing on Capitol Hill to highlight the government supported cancer research and programs that OVAC supports.

Now that you have a better understanding of what OVAC is let me explain to you why I agreed to be one of the 29 LIVESTRONG delegates meeting with my home state ofNew Jersey.

I am a cancer survivor. Other than the health and happiness of my family and friends Fighting cancer and helping survivors/caregivers is my #1 priority. As most of you know, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer June 2, 2006. Since that date I have been dedicated to learning all I can about cancer and also how we in America prioritize and fight cancer.

Fight Cancer. Now those are two words I hear a lot and it means many different things to many people. To me it means I help people get the services they need to fight cancer, it means I ensure all Americas (and those around the world) get the proper treatments and advancements that cancer be offered, it means I ensure that our elected officials understand what cancer patients, survivors and caregivers are facing and that they support the funding required to make progress.

There are so many different ways I can explain what Fight Cancer means to me, but these sum it up best. Thus, it was an easy decision for me to say YES to the Lance Armstrong Foundation when they asked me to be their delegate from the state of New Jersey.

I was part of OVAC last year and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt being an advocate and lobbying in Congress and Senate offices was where I was meant to be. There was never a chance I would turn down the opportunity this year. I took off of work to ensure we get what we were looking for. All of us came to Washington, D.C to ensure cancer research, prevention and awareness funding is prioritized and protected by our elected officials.

I believe it is important to explain what I mean when I say “ensure cancer research, prevention and awareness funding is prioritized and protected by our elected officials.”

The 2012 OVAC appropriations requests that we made follows.

Prioritize and protect funding for cancer research, prevention and awareness at the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Cancer institute (NCI) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
Support funding for programs that help cancer patients navigate the health care system, train nurses and streamline the translation of cancer research from early stage discovery to clinical application.
Become an active member in the House Cancer Caucus and the Senate Cancer Coalition.

I had the honor of working with some very talented OVAC members; Eric and Rose Hausmann – Fight Colorectal Cancer (Sayerville), Lorraine Schwinn – American Cancer Society (Manahawkin) and Suzy Steinhart – Men’s Health (West Orange.)

I was humbled to lead three of our meetings yesterday with Senator Robert Menendez’s Legislative Correspondent Sarah Reinprecht, Senator Frank Lautenberg’s Legislative Assistant Kyle Brown, PH.D. and with Congressman Jon Runyan. I also attended and supported my OVAC colleagues in two other meetings with Congressman Bill Pascrell’s Legislative Assistant and Congressman Frank Pallone’s Health Policy Fellow Leeza Kondos.

The five of us worked great together and we had a nice flow in the conversation in each meetings.

All of the meetings when with a similar flow. We all introduced ourselves to open. Then I briefly highlighted what OVAC was and then went into discussing the facts and our priorities which are the three I listed above. We then moved into telling our stories to help put a face to cancer and the priorities we were asking for and near the end of each meeting we would get an answer from them on where they stand.

Rose and I shared our cancer stories and why we believe it is important for the funding. Rose is a stage 4 cancer patient (her words – which we extremely powerful in all our meetings) and has exhausted all avenues for a cure of her cancer. She needs a medical advancement fast and she shared that in each of our 5 meetings. We both tied our situations back to research funding.

I am happy to say all 5 meetings when very well. We do have support, but we will need to follow up and ensure our priorities do not get dropped between now and the budget being finalized.

We received positive support from both Senator Menendez and Lautenberg’s teams. No matter what your political stance these two Senators are real leaders in the cancer fight and for that we here in NJ are very lucky to have their support as it is hard to get this level of support for cancer priorities.

Congressman Runyan also shows his support and he is currently ensuring he has already joined the House Cancer Caucus. His name was not on the list we received but he believes (as does his Legislative Assistant) he is already signed on. The good news here is Congressman Runyan will be on the House Cancer Caucus and with his experience of being on other committees he will add leadership that is not only willing to support cancer funding but also help by working with his peers to help influence then to sign on. The Congressman also made it clear that he cannot commit to something he cannot control like “ensuring funding gets passed” but he did say his office does support our request to protect the funding we already have.

Both Congressman Pallone and Pascrell’s teams also share their support. For Congressman Pallone’s team meeting Eric from our side did an outstanding job in sharing his frustration (in a professional manner) that the Congressman or his team has never contacted Eric or his wife Rose after 3 of their other meetings. Also Eric stated that at no time did he every really get communication on the Congressman’s stance on cancer funding which made it more frustrating not to hear back.

By sharing this frustration Congressman Frank Pallone’s Health Policy Fellow Leeza Kondos showed a lot of compassion by detailing the Congressman’s official support on cancer funding and Leeza took it further by printing out the Congressman’s recent speech on the House floor to gain support for cancer funding. She also took down Eric and Rose’s address and email and said they will hear from the Congressman directly. It just goes to show you that if you take the time, act professional and share your frustration you can get answers.

The 2012 OVAC lobby day was a big success for theNew Jerseydelegates. I have made 4 new friends which share my passion to Fight Cancer and I look forward to working with them and following up with the Senator’s and Congressmen in the next few weeks and months to ensure cancer research, prevention and awareness are made a priority for the next budget.

Thank you to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for selecting me as a delegate. I was both humbled and honored to be asked and I can say that I certainly did my best to represent such a great organization.

LIVESTRONG!

Bill Bottino Mud Run against Cancer – September 15

There is a great event in South New Jersey (Vineland) in September that I wanted to share with you. I understand if you are not interested or have prior obligation, but I just wanted to share and let you know I think it would be a great time and great fun. There is no obligations, just wanted to share it. I am signed up already. The following a a good summary of how to register and what to expect – it will be FUN.

We are looking for people who like to get dirty and want to take action against cancer. Join our team “Jersey LIVESTRONG Mudders” for the Bill Bottino Mud Run on September 15, 2012 for 4 miles of muddy, mucky, obstacle challenges and most of all, fun! …Let’s Kick Cancer in the Mud!

To register go to http://www.njmudrun.com and click register. Then select to register for active.com and then select Individual / Team Member. Select the registeration type which is MUD RUN. When it says select team remember to select Jersey LIVESTRONG Mudders. It is $49 to register!

The Mud Run for Cancer Starts with a Mud Crawling, Perseverance Requiring, Multiple Skill Obstacle Course That Will Reward You With A Sense Of Accomplishment and An Extremely Good Time!

Where:
New Jersey Motorsports Park:
8000 Dividing Creek Rd.
Millville, New Jersey 08332

Course Feature 4 Miles of:
•         Multiple Insane Mud Pits!
•         Steep, Slick, Hill Climbs
•         Bold Obstacles That Will Test All Your Abilities
•         Challenges Requiring Cooperation with Your Fellow Mudders
•         Water, and Other Types, of Crossings
•         A Well Organized Course with Minimal Lines
•         Easy Lanes and “Prove Yourself” Lanes (Where Appropriate)
•         Our Final, Signature, Main-Stage, Crowd Screaming, Finale

Your Mud Run Ticket also earns you:
•         A Rousing Party Featuring The Most Mouth-Watering BBQ You Ever Tasted
•         Superb Live Music
•         The Opportunity to Earn Awards for:
•         Best Fundraising Individual/Team
•         Best Costumed Team
•         Most Represented Team
•         Our Awesome Event T-Shirt
•         The Ability to Honor Cancer Survivors Through Our Moving Candle-Light Walk

This Ticket is Appropriate For:
• Teams of Any Size Who Are In It To Have Fun – Not To Compete
• Individual Mud Runners

Rules:
•         All instructions given by the race director must be followed.
•         Good sportsmanship must be maintained at all times.
•         It is NOT necessary for a team to finish together – but it is encouraged
•         The race director may modify the course for the safety of the participants.
•         It is NOT necessary to complete all the obstacles.

Be Sure to Bring:
•         Your ID
•         Your Costume!
•         Sturdy Shoes
•         Clothes That Can Get Dirty
•         Your Own Towel…And A Change of Clothes
•         Your Appetite!
•         A Sense of Adventure and a Team Focused Attitude!

Need more info? Message me on facebook me. This is on my list of events to do in 2012 while I work to get my fat butt into shape. I would be honored to have you join our team.

Come on let’s do this! Let’s get a bunch of folks together and foster some good old fashion team work and play in the MUD 🙂 If you decide to join please share with family and friends.

Regards,

Brian