Racing to Save Lives

In 2000, my best friend John was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I really thought it was the end. I remember being with him on his first run of chemo and thinking "he's not gonna make it". He lost a ton of weight and he was very weak. He even had a difficult time getting out of a chair. I could not look him in the eye. Despite all of this, he remained positive and strong and had the fight to live. I had my own business at the time, so I basically took the whole summer off to spend as much time as I could with John. I did not know how much time he had left. It is now 2008 and John is in full remission. John Kark you are my HERO.

In August of 2005 my wife Jen was diagnosed with malignant thrombocytosis. This is a form of "pre-leukemia" that if left without intervention would lead to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). She immediately started chemo. Going through it with John, I knew what to expect. I entered Jen's treatment with a better attitude. I knew everything was going to be alright. She dealt with it great and even worked when she was on it. There were even a couple months where Jen had to take care of me. I broke both feet (yes both feet) in December of 2005 and was out until February 2006. Jen worked, took care of me, and the house, all when she was on chemo. It is now 2008 and Jen is in remission. Jen Massow you are my HERO.

In October 2006 My father-in-law John Soudah was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. One hundred percent of all cases develop into Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). John was on constant chemo. He never gave up. John never let anyone know if he felt bad. He always had a smile. This was very hard for me. He was like a father to me. The man taught me a lot. I could not bear to see him this way. John battled this for 17 months before he lost the fight. He passed away February 29th, 2008…. peacefully. I will always remember John. He was one of the great ones. John Soudah you still are my HERO.

My Name is Joe Massow and I will be running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12th, 2008. This will be my first marathon. I'm training as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma and melanoma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

In addition to John Kark, Jen Massow and John Soudah, I will be running for My Honored Hero. His name is Matt Kwiatkowski . Matt was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2003. He is now in remission.

I have been blessed with good health. A couple of broken feet here and there, but for the most part I have been pretty lucky. So I am going to use my health for something good….. fighting cancer. Over the next several months I will be running in many different events to help fight these horrible diseases. Along with Team In Training and Chicago Fight Club, we will fight and hopefully one day win the battle. Remember in the Warriors Code there is No Surrender.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. Please help me help others---any amount you can give is greatly appreciated! You can also donate by sending a check made out to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or ( LLS ) to 212 N Sherman, Crown Point IN 46307…….your donation is tax deductible.

We will be filming most of my training and races. Be sure to track my progress and watch episodes of Run Joe Run at:

http://www.youtube.com/ChiFightClub

You can also go to myspace page to contact me at:

http://www.myspace.com/STEELERJOE22

Please spread the word to those you think might help. Any amount no matter how small makes a big difference. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress.

Thanks for your support!

Joe Massow

Team in Training Member

Chicago Fight Club Member

www.ChicagoFightClub.org

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