CANCER SUCKS!!!

Many of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another, and many of us affected have lost loved ones to this horrible disease. In a six to seven month period a few years ago, we lost half a dozen friends and family members to cancer, including Allison's birth dad. I still have people that approach me in the pharmacy that recognize me as Allison's husband and stop to talk with me about Tony and how he positively impacted their lives. His three girls and seven grandchildren will carry on his legacy and will share their memories of him, but what happens when the person that get cancer is a child. In the year 2010, approximately 10,700 children under the age of 15 in the United States were diagnosed with cancer, and about 1,340 of those children will die within 5 years. That's better than 80% survival rate, but it is still not good enough. Those numbers are far better than in the 1970's where 50% of children with cancer died within 5 years. Why is there such a big difference in survival rate over the last 40 years? Determined individuals have worked hard to raise money, raise awareness, and make medical advancements.

The Rally Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers volunteers across America to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research with hopes to quickly find better treatments with fewer long-term and possibly permanent side effects and, ultimately, a cure. The most amazing aspect to the Rally Foundation is that 93 cents of every dollar these volunteers raise goes toward research.

There is a regional chapter called Rally NW which is a team of athletes that train and participate in local races to raise money for childhood cancer research at the Seattle Children's Hospital. Team members train for and participate in the Tacoma City Half Marathon/Marathon and the Seattle Rock N' Roll Half Marathon/Marathon. There are also team members participating in the Sprint Triatholon in Ocean Shores, WA. Rally NW was started by Kathi Clarke and her brother after their neice Kelsie passed away, and they are doing an amazing job carrying on her legacy.

One of the most important aspects of Rally NW are the Rally Kids. Each team member trains and participates in local events in honor of a child that is either currently in treatment for cancer, in remission, or has passed away. These children and their families inspire the Rally NW team members to work hard, never give up, and count their blessings.

My friend, Molly Sjoboen, is in her second year as a Rally NW team member and is participating in the Seattle Rock N' Roll Half Marathon later this year. She says that being a Rally NW team member and raising money for childhood cancer research has been an incredible experience, meeting new people, and challenging herself while helping children and their families. Molly, like all team members, is training and participating in honor her Rally Kid named Rhema. On January 23, 2009, Rhema, then 12 years old, was diagnosed with a rare and aggresive cancer called desmoplastic, a small round cell tumor. Rhema underwent treatment consisting of 6 rounds of chemo and surgery, then 2 more surgeries and 5-6 weeks of intensive radiation. Rhema then went into remission. Spring 2010, however, she had a relapse which included more treatment. Recently, Rhema and her family found out the devastating news that her cancer has spread and there is little doctors can do for her now. She is currently at home and is enjoying time with her family and making memories that will forever be in their hearts no matter what the future holds for this sweet, young girl.

Another fundraising event that Molly and her Rally NW team members are having is the 3rd Annual Olympia Pub Crawl in Downtown Olympia, WA. They have already received an incredible amount of support from the Olympia's downtown businesses and are looking forward to a very successful event!

3rd Annual Olympia Pub Crawl details:

What: A tour of bars and restaurants

When: May 7, 2011, from 4:00pm to 12:00am

Where: Downtown Olympia

Who: You! (Event Coordinators: Molly Sjoboen & Adrienne German)

Attire: Official T-Shirts $20 & Hooded Sweatshirts: $30

Donations Due By: April 10, 2011

By purchasing an official Pub Crawl T-Shirt or Sweatshirt, you have purchased your ticket to the Pub Crawl, and the money raised will all be donated to the Rally Foundation.

If you would like to participate in this event or just donate and receive a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt, you are able to donate online at:

Molly's Rally NW Donation Page

You can send the size of T-Shirt or Sweatshirt you desire by emailing Molly at mollyd1974@hotmail.com or through the Pub Crawl Facebook page: Pub Crawl Facebook Page