Such is the case for 2 brothers from Minnesota. David and Daniel are the inspiration behind PurpleRide. The following is an excerpt from their website, PurpleRide for Mom.
My name is David Breitenbucher. My mom, Ann Schommer, passed away on April 26, 2005 from pancreatic cancer. This is our story.
In the summer of 2004 my mom was experiencing back pain. As the weeks went by, her pain was increasing to the point where she could hardly sleep. Not only was her back pain becoming unbearable, but the pain was creeping into her stomach. Her doctor was unable to find the source of the pain. Finally, my mom went to her doctor and said, "I can't live with this pain". Her doctors finally ordered a CT to investigate the source of the pain.
On October 1st, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 (final stage) pancreatic cancer. It was extremely difficult to come to terms with the rapid growth of this cancer when my mom had really only experienced two months of symptoms. After her diagnosis, our family slowly came to the realization that there is no cure for pancreatic cancer. Still today, we continue to struggle with the reality of this cruel disease. After an unsuccessful surgery and two different chemotherapies, mom's condition continued to deteriorate to the point where she spent virtually all of March 2005 in the hospital dealing with horrific pain, overwhelming nausea, and terrifying seizures. Our family experienced some of our darkest days during this time.
As I helplessly sat day after day watching my mom battle for her life, I came to the realization that I must do something in honor of my mother and to help fight pancreatic cancer. My sisters and I set up The Ann Schommer Foundation to raise money for pancreatic cancer research.
After setting up The Ann Schommer Foundation, we wanted to do more to raise awareness and money in honor of my mom. That is how PurpleRide was born! I, along with my half-brother, Daniel, decided to bike across America in the summer of 2005. This sixty day trip was completed in honor of my mom.
And that is how PurpleRide was born. Inspiration from Adversity. 2012 marks the 7th Annual PurpleRide Twin Cities.
Each year brings more awareness and funds raised for the Pancreatic Cancer cause. And this year, I am excited to spotlight Team Jeanne!
Jeanne has been battling inoperable pancreatic cancer for over a year. She and her husband are joining PurpleRide Twin Citie this years to add their voice to the growng Call for Funding to Find a Cure. You can watch the support grow at Jeanne's Journey.
There are so many others out there fighting to End Pancreatic Cancer. I am inspired. I am humbled. I am so greatly encouraged. The foundation is cracking under the death grip of pancreatic cancer and a break-through in research is imminent.
We are adding our voice to the Call, to honor the memory of too many moms, and dads. friends and loved ones that have fought the battle bravely.
Today we send our support winging over the miles to Team Jeanne... You Go Girl!
May Inspiration Grace your Journey this Day,
My Love, Jane
No comments:
Post a Comment