Holly
Eagleman 2007 - Cancer Warrior Holly Gannoe Rolls for Blazeman
"Brian and Kevin -
It was truly a pleasure getting to meet you on Sunday at Eagleman. While I have been very fortunate to have not experienced the devastation of ALS in my family, as I told Brian, I was moved when I saw John's story in the NBC coverage of Ironman Hawaii 2005 and then his race the following year in 2006.
"I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma, an aggressive form a skin cancer with no known cure, in the same year that John was diagnosed with ALS and his story touched me deeply. At the time, I was preparing to run the Marine Corps Marathon, in spite of the fact that I was currently undergoing a year of chemotherapy, refusing to let my diagnosis and it's uncertainty take away my dreams.
"While my story has taken a road towards recovery, I have lost several friends to the same cancer diagnosis in my two short years of survivorship. I understand that there is no "road to recovery or remission" from ALS and I can't imagine how difficult that is, not just for the person diagnosed but their family and friends. What you are doing in raising awareness of ALS and working towards finding a cure, is hard work but work that you should be proud of.
"Warriors fight the battle with little regard to their own personal well being but with the bigger goal in mind. As a Cancer Warrior and a Triathlete who truly felt like John was with me on my race day, I was glad to have the opportunity to roll across the finish line to honor John's life and your ongoing fight!
"I attached the picture of Brian and I that my boyfriend took at the finish, along with a picture of my "roll" across the line. My Eagleman race report is on my blog. If you have time, please come by and read it. John was with us all on Sunday, of that I have no doubt.
"All my best to you!"
Sincerely,
Holly Gannoe