Apr 21, 2017
I ran the Boston Marathon! This is me at the finish. It was a tough race, with bright, hot sunshine, and lots of brutal hills (Heartbreak may be the most famous, but it's not the most heartbreaking...), but I made it, one step at a time, slowly but surely, running, walking, and limping (a little) for six hours, sixteen minutes and forty-four seconds. I am so happy to have run this race and raised so much for cancer research in honor of my dear brother David. Please join me in honoring him and bringing us closer to a world in which no one has to suffer as he did by making a donation. Thank you for all the support!
Apr 02, 2017
On April 17, 2017, I will run the 26 miles and 385 yards of the Boston Marathon. My goal is to raise $26,218.75--that’s $1000 per mile, $625 per kilometer, $124.74 per furlong, $3.13 per rod, and about $1 per step. It’s a long race and a lot of money, but I know together we can do it, one step and one dollar at a time. Thank you for any donation you can make.
Apr 02, 2017
Here is the link to a darling video my sister Annie made with photos of David (and the rest of us) when he was young. Please donate to honor his memory. Thank you!
https://www.kizoa.com/Movie-Video-Slideshow-Maker/d103879804k6640855o1l1/kid-pictures
Feb 08, 2017
This is my brother David. He died in 2015 from AML, a type of leukemia, at the age of 27. He was full of life--intelligent, caring, thoughtful, and funny. His absence left a gaping hole in my life that can never be filled.
David received excellent medical care from wonderful people employing cutting edge treatments. But the cutting edge could use some sharpening. The basic treatments for AML have not changed in decades. The five year survival rate is only about 26%. Even when treatment is successful at prolonging life, it often comes with brutal side effects. David suffered, a lot, from the illness and from complications of treatment. He also, in characteristically generous fashion, participated in medical trials and donated his body to medical research to do everything he could to increase knowledge and decrease suffering.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a vibrant organization whose mission is to improve treatment, increase quality of life, and broaden access to care for patients with blood cancer. Last year, my family started what we hope will be a long tradition of running the Boston Marathon in David's honor and to raise money for the important research funded by LLS. I will run the 26.22 mile race on April 17, 2017. Please donate what you can to fund this important work.
David was a generous soul, and I know he would be glad for this race to be dedicated to as many individual cancer patients as possible. If you would like me to run in honor of your loved one, please include their name in a comment when you make your donation. I will write each name on a ribbon pinned to my shirt while I run. I know it will help me keep going to remember the courage of those who have suffered, and the love and support of their family and friends. Thank you for your support. Go team!
R'el Johnston Rodriguez
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions.