Here is part two of finding some sunshine in winter. Do good today. Little things make a difference!
Kristin McQueen, 32, doesn't consider herself to be inspirational. She's a woman who likes to run, and while she's at it, she might as well raise some money for the American Cancer Society at the same time.
And yet, she has unwittingly become a poster child for fighting back against cancer simply because of the unassuming and relentless fighter that she is. Many know her by name and have heard her speak at ACS and running events.
Others simply know her as the "Suck It Cancer" girl, the signature tagline on the back of her singlet - And at some point, we're all watching this girl take off ahead of us.
Still more know her for her positive words. When asked why one should continue to fight for others struggling with cancer, her response is simply "Because we can."
Kristin first became an ACS DetermiNation athlete in 2002. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer the following year. She has continued to race both in marathons and other distances, stepping up her game to Ironman competitions. The sweet Ironman tattoo is an excellent balance to the surgery scars.
That includes, by the way, seven brain surgeries to date - and that's just touching the surface of the procedures, complications and permanent health issues that are left behind.
Although Kristin is able to race, her cancer has made itself a permanent resident. Eight years later, she is still actively fighting the disease. And still actively fundraising - with over $100,000 in donations to the American Cancer Society to date.
Think about that - What did you do with your 20s?
Did you navigate the best path for your career? Kristin, a physical therapist, simply needed to find a place that could work around frequent and unexpected absences - Not an easy thing when you're scheduling patients.
Did you enjoy the dating scene? (Okay, maybe dread it, too - but regardless…) Kristin spent the majority of that decade scheduling treatments and surgeries - and then trying to sneak races in along the way.
When she did have stretches when she felt good enough to consider the dating pool, the idea of telling people that she had cancer made it easier at times to stay away all together. And trolling for guys in the oncology ward? Nice as cool as it sounds.
So what else did Kristin do with her 20s and early 30s? She raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. She has fought back against the rebellion going on in her own body. And as much as she can't help how amazing we all think she is, she has not let cancer define her.
Kristin McQueen is a daughter. A sister. An aunt. A thoughtful friend. A talented athlete. A kick ass physical therapist.
And she is someone who has never asked for help.
It's time for us to step up and help someone who has tirelessly fought for the cancer community.
Eight years of treatments, surgeries, medications and ongoing periods of missed work. That adds up, and it will continue. We have set up an online fundraising campaign for Kristin that will run through June 27th, the anniversary of her date of diagnosis.
We will also have a local fundraising event in April or May, with details about that to come.
I encourage everyone to donate early and often. She'd do it for any of us.
Want to read more about Ironman McQueen? Check out this awesome article, "Heart of a Champion" on the Ironman website, or "Tougher Than Iron. Local Athlete Faces Ultimate Battle" from ChicagoNow's own Pace of Chicago.
UPDATE: An incredibly generous donor has offered to donate $1,000 as a matching donation to Team McQueen. This means that donations made until February 17th, 2012 @ 7:55AM will be matched up to a total of $1,000.
Please take a minute to donate and/or share this fundraiser with your friends & family so we can meet this generous donor's challenge! Thanks in advance for your help!
Filed under: Charity, Fundraising, Lending A Hand
Tags: cancer, fundraiser, Ironman, Kristin McQueen, medical expenses, Suck It Cancer
