Head for the Cure

The Sullivan family is made up of a bunch of do-ers (if that is even a word). We are not known for sitting still or waiting patiently. We are a group of action-oriented, results-driven set of people. Living so far from Eric in Kansas City, I have been struggling to know what I could do. We stay connected and help Eric and J any way we can, but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough.

So when a neighbor of ours posted about participating in the Race for the Cure - KC Metro 5K event I knew that was what I could do. A little back story...our neighbor's son, Reece (5), is also battling brain cancer. They have a huge community of supporters here in Kansas City, but over the last 5 months, we have formed a bond with Reece's family. Reece's dad, Matt, has said it best, "It's not a community that you want to be involved in, but it's an amazing community." Learn more about Reece.

A small, yet mighty team represented Sullivan Strong at the 5K. My husband Brian, kids Morgan and Gavin, and close friend Kim braved the KC humidity and enjoyed a great walk. The Head for the Cure KC Metro event raised $480,000 for brain cancer research!

During my registration for the event, I had the opportunity to share a story of a current brain cancer patient. The form noted that these stories may be shared at the awards ceremony after the event. It never occurred to me that they would share a story from someone out of town. After the race, we stuck around to fill up on pancakes and Kona Ice and listen to the speeches and awards. We heard a good update from the director of the KU cancer institute and a new researcher at KU doing t-cell replacement research on GBMs. 

After that, they gave out 7 Keeping the Faith awards recognizing the amazing fights of current patients. One patient recognized was a college student who moved home for care and wants to be a college math professor. I got a little emotional and then they announced "Eric Sullivan nominated by Julie Schill". I was totally caught off guard and very emotional to hear Eric's journey shared amongst a crowd of supporters. To top it off the announcer notes that the Huntsman Cancer Institute is a partner institution with the University of Kansas Cancer Center here in KC. I've learned that means they transfer care and work together for local KC patients. Amazing! Additionally, we were approached by a Head for the Cure employee who recently relocated to Helena, MT. It really is a small world!

Read Eric's Keeping the Faith Award here.

Learn more about Head for the Cure here.

All of this reminded me that what I'm doing every day is Keeping the Faith. Keeping the faith that Eric's medical treatments are working, that Eric's body is strong, and that we are fighting together!