OK leukemia, this time it is personal.

As many of you know, I am a pediatric oncologist in Chicago, IL. As part of my job, I care for hundreds of children affected by leukemia and lymphoma. Because of this, I have been a member of Team in Training since 2009, and am currently training for my fifth marathon to benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Every time I have run in the past, it has been for a patient, or an extended family member. It is always inspirational for me to run thinking about a child who has undergone so much, and this inspiration helps me run when I am tired, or sore, or just don't feel like running. However, this time leukemia has hit closer to home and I will be running in honor of my friends' (and next door neighbors') daughter, Madalyn.

Maddie was diagnosed with ALL, the most common type of childhood leukemia, in November. So far she has endured bone marrow tests, blood draws, and chemotherapy through an intravenous line, orally, and in her spinal fluid. Through it all she has been amazingly strong and resilient!

But no child should ever be diagnosed with leukemia, and no parent should have to hear the words "your child has cancer."

Please help me help raise money to fund the research that will someday make those words obsolete.

Thank you,

Jen