The Goad Brothers

26.2 miles, 3 brothers, 1 cause

It takes a strong family bond to be willing to do some of the things the Goad brothers have done to support the MMRF and their brother Jeff. Jeff was diagnosed in May 2010, went through aggressive treatments, and then successfully ran the Chicago Marathon just one year later (10/7/11) to “show he has beaten Myeloma”. Jeff, Brad, & David all believe that, by participating in these events and asking their friends and loved ones to donate, it’s to support Jeff and the many others that “are literally racing for their lives”. 

But it’s not done without humor, David issued a challenge on Facebook that he would roller skate a mile for every $50 raised in a 2 week period….and he would do it wearing 1980’s roller skates, Spongebob boxers, and a red cape! Donations exceeded $500 and he did his 10-mile roller skating journey on Aug 31^st. When asked about what the curious public might think about his endeavor, David merely said, “I’m willing to do whatever it takes, whatever amount of humiliation I can," he said. "Nothing compares to what my brother is going through. I’ll do whatever it takes to inspire people to donate and bring attention to the research." And he is looking forward to crossing the finish line on Oct 7^th side by side with his brothers.

See the youtube video of the skating event here:

DAVID'S SKATING SPECTACULAR

 

 

Impossible to Forget

Barb Mecherle was a true friend to Ed Freza, and true friends, he says, are hard to come by, but “impossible to forget.” Barb died of multiple myeloma last year, and for every broken friend she left behind, she also left thousands of sweet memories. “We all remember her laugh, her sense of humor, her comical common sense, and her energy,” says Ed. “Although she is missed, countless special memories are held by those who were blessed to know her.” Ed runs for Barb and the friendship they shared, because such friendship is rare, beautiful and can never be forgotten.

The Shaffer Brothers Run for Mingy

John Shaffer and his brother Peter are running the Chicago Marathon for their Mom Mildred, who died in 2011 after a long but courageous struggle against multiple myeloma. Mildred, or “Mingy", was a remarkable person, and her two sons are honored to run in memory of someone who so deeply influenced both their lives. Each step of the race they take together will be made in loving memory of their mom.

Back For Another Great Experience!

Eric Davidoff remembers last year’s Chicago Marathon as “one of the most uplifting and incredible experiences of my life,” and this year he is back with the PowerTeam to run in memory of his grandmother. Melanie Davidoff lost her battle with multiple myeloma in 2009, and not a day has gone by since that David does not think of the incredible influence she has had on his life. Last year, Eric and his mom were amazed by the amount of love and support their friends and family showed as he prepared for the race; they raised more than $6,000! David is looking forward to another great experience this year as he trains, raises support and remembers a very special person who shaped his life. 

Running for a Fellow Runner

Katie Bystrom is running for her aunt, a myeloma patient and marathon enthusiast! Her aunt is currently participating in a multiple myeloma research study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and hopefully, the care she receives will help her fight the disease and advance new treatments! Without the help of the MMRF, this kind of care may not have been an option for her aunt, and Katie is glad to support the research that made it possible. “Running this marathon seems particularly appropriate because [my aunt] enjoyed running marathons prior to her diagnosis,” says Katie. “She even qualified for the Boston Marathon once!”

Meet the Mooney Brothers!

Seven years ago, Owen Mooney was diagnosed with a cancer with a 5-year survival rate. The diagnosis changed not only his life, but also those of his three sons. After watching their dad go through years of chemotherapy and several difficult stem cell transplants, all three of them are running for him in the Chicago Marathon! The statistics for this disease are discouraging, but to this family, “statistics are just statistics.” The last several years have been far from easy for Owen, but the Mooneys are happy to report that he is currently in remission. “We pray that while he continues this maintenance chemo, more advances will be made to perhaps even cure this disease once and for all,” they said. The brothers are fighting multiple myeloma side by side with their dad, because theirs is a clan that sticks together! 

Jason and Marcy Run for Their Mom

Jason Stewart and his sister Marcy Wenderski are running in memory of their mom, Janet Goldermann, who passed away from multiple myeloma in 2007. Janet had just moved to Minnesota and had started a new job when she was diagnosed. For a time, treatment took up all of Janet’s focus and energy, but thanks to aggressive treatment and a stem cell transplant, Janet enjoyed a period when she was nearly cancer-free. During this time, she was able to help Marcy move into a new home and celebrate Jason’s wedding in 2006! Though Janet had to give up many activities she loved, such as fishing and observing wildlife, a smile never left her face as she fought the disease. Cancer may have taken Janet’s life, but it never conquered her spirit. “We wish our mother could be there to see us cross the finish line, but we know she will be with us in our hearts,” says Jason.

Laura and John Run for John's Patients!

In running the NYC Marathon, John Klibanoff is going above and beyond the call of duty to help patients with multiple myeloma. As an orthopedic surgeon, John regularly treats people who are fighting multiple myeloma. He and his wife Laura have 20 marathons and triathlons under their belts, and over the past several years, they have raised more than $10,000 for the MMRF! “Running for the MMRF has brought a MUCH more significant level of meaning and inspiration to our pursuits,” he says. The funds he and Laura raise go directly to research that benefits John’s work, and running with the MMRF is just another way he helps myeloma patients.

A Second Chance At the Chicago Marathon

Once again, Marcy Wenderski is running the Chicago Marathon for her mom! Marcy’s mom lost her battle with multiple myeloma five years ago, just two years after her diagnosis. “She was a true fighter,” Marcy says, “and 26.2 miles seem like nothing when I think if her two-year battle with the disease.” The last time Marcy ran the Chicago Marathon, she felt that she let the marathon defeat her. This year, however, she is determined not to let that happen again! Since that first race, Marcy has run the Wisconsin Marathon and the MC200, and in both races, there were moments when she felt as though her mom was running right beside. These moments gave her renewed strength just when she needed it and allowed her to finish strong. Marcy hopes to honor her mother and her fighter’s spirit by conquering the Chicago Marathon in her memory.

Megan Makes Her Mom Proud

Megan Johnson’s mom was an amazing runner until a serious stress fracture forced her to put away her running shoes. “Mom used to run marathons, and quite frankly, was a better runner than I,” said Megan. “There is nothing more she would love then to be able to run again.” Now, Megan has picked up where her mother left off. Her mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2007, and though it has been a long, difficult road since the diagnosis, Megan insists her mom “is an amazing woman with a lot of fight.” Another long road lies ahead of Megan- 26.2 miles through Chicago- but to her, it is an opportunity to make her mom proud. She is especially excited to run for the MMRF. “Running a little marathon seems like such a small thing in comparison to all that [the MMRF has] done for us,” she says. “Because of MMRF's research and the grants my parents receive, she will be at Chicago Marathon to cheer me on in the proudest moment of my life.”

Never Slowing Down!

Chad Dodd is running the Chicago Marathon in honor of his mother, who “fought multiple myeloma for 7 years and never slowed down!” He’s joined the PowerTeam in pursuing the next generation of multiple myeloma treatments for patients like his mom. Chad’s mother never slowed down, and nor does the search for a cure. With dedicated athletes like Chad, the MMRF is able to push on in myeloma research with a constant urgency and determination to reach the goal- like a runner on race day!