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New Jersey Marathon 2010
Please join the THANC Foundation and teammate A. Omar Almodovar in running to raise funds to fight thyroid, head and neck cancers.
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A. Omar Almodovar
I am not a father, nor a celebrity, but I’m a brother, a friend, an uncle, even if I was adopted. Two years ago my Doctor thought I had cancer of mandible. The biopsy indicated that it was not the case. The year after I had some skin issues and my dermatologist thought it was skin cancer. After a few exams and studies and a biopsy it was just a nightmare.
What I did experience was the loss of one lovely woman who was actually my mom’s friend. She always tried to make me to eat tofu and if I mentioned that I had a headache or the flu she would say “Let me make you an apple tea, it will make you all better.” I would say, “No! No! It’s okay.” I never knew she had cancer. This lady had the soul and the energy of someone that was determined to live. But cancer does not discriminate and now she is resting. I will never forget her face in that bed. How I cried once I got home and how my father teared up, how I had never seen him cry before.
Two and half years ago I had the opportunity to work and meet many great people at The Head and Neck Institute and to volunteer at the THANC Foundation. We all try to give or set goals as part of life. Many of the patients are always telling me I am thin because I run. To be honest, I have no clue why I’m thin.
What I do know is that cancer doesn’t care if you are white, black, yellow, poor, rich a child or a super humble person it has no regards for life. What I do know is that you never want to hear the word cancer come from one of your closest family members, especially a loved one. There are moments you should never have to experience, but when it does, you immediately go into support mode.
I run because as I have learned this is the only sport a person can control and if this means that my running and effort will allow me to help a great cause - why not? Cancer can knock on your door it even if you are healthy or fit.
I participated in many races last year alone. I ran 23 races here in NYC and none of them were for a cause, even though I only run with an American Cancer Society single. This year on May 2nd I was going to do the Pittsburg Marathon, but once I heard about THANC’s participation in the Long Branch Half Marathon, I gladly signed up and canceled my plans just to make sure I can support a cause that I’m passionate about.
Thyroid cancer affects people of all ages. Women are diagnosed with thyroid cancer three times as often as men. Thyroid cancer diagnoses are increasing at the highest rate of all cancers in the United States.
Dr. Urken and his foundation, the THANC (Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer) Foundation has helped many. This is why I’m determined to run this Marathon on behalf of the patients and friends that I’ve come so close to and for those that are resting.
For those in grief, I say what’s written on Rev 21:4, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
I am hoping you can support my friends and I as we take on this commitment!
Please donate to THANC so we can beat Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer.
~ A. OMAR ALMODOVAR
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