An InspirationTo Us All

My friend  (name withheld for his privacy) had his stomach removed several months ago. 
WHY???
As many as 10%-15% of new gastric cancer diagnoses will have a familial component. Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) is the best defined of the familial syndromes, and is associated with a mutation in the E. Cadherin gene. HDGC is responsible for up to 30% of all familial gastric cancer cases, or is 3-5% of all new gastric cancer diagnoses. Currently there is no other treatment for a person found to have the HDGC genetic mutation except total gastrecomy.
The scope and depth of the current research into understanding the biology and etiology of stomach and esophageal related malignancies does not match the enormous global scope and impact of these diseases. The field is in desperate need of, and is ripe for medical advancement. The purpose of the DeGregorio Family Foundation is to fund research and education, and to encourage collaboration amongst researchers in order to facilitate earlier diagnoses and novel treatment therapies for stomach and esophageal cancer related disorders. The DeGregorio Family Foundation seeks to shift the tide and strive towards the goal of containment and treatment of these cancers.

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 21ST, MY FRIEND WILL BE RUNNING A HALF MARATHON!!  He is a team member of the Degregorio Runners.  He started to jog (something he hadn't done in many, many years) this past January after recovering from having his stomach removed.  45 DAYS LATER, HE'S RUNNING 13.5 MILES to raise awareness so that other people do not have to undergo this type of surgery in the future!!

Support the Team Degregorio Runners
We are proud to announce that we are an official charity participant in this year's race. Cheer us on or run yourself* in support of the DeGregorio Family Foundation for Stomach and Esophageal Cancer Research. We are making strides in the fight against the number two cancer killer in the world by raising much-needed research dollars. You can help by hitting your stride on March 21st or by making a donation today.
http://www.degregorio.org/
So, today, if you're feeling like you're on your pitypot, you think about my friend, what he's gone through and what he is achieving....don't feel like going to the gym now???????