Seven years ago, my annual check up fell to the month of May.  My first mammogram ever, the previous year, was normal, but they asked if I wanted to do another one and I didn't think it would hurt.  I got things scheduled for later in the month, had my mammogram the Friday before Memorial Day and got the call back on Tuesday, letting me know they had found something.  What a way to celebrate my birthday.  I've told some of the story of the next few months before -  after I recovered from surgery and we mapped out my longer term care and my doctor committed to no more birthday cancer - we adjusted the schedule of my check ups and we also agreed to do everything possible to reduce my chance of recurrence.

This April, I had my most recent normal mammogram and in May I turn 50, with a clean bill of health.  I welcome the new decade and what lies ahead.  I thought it would be fun to set my goal at $2500 this year, the equivalent of 50 donors giving $50 for my 50th birthday.  For those who aren't able to give, please know how much I appreciate your support every day.  For those who want to donate any amount, I appreciate you too, and want to remind you that the Badger Challenge gives 100% of all participant-raised dollars to the most promising UW cancer initiatives both in the laboratory and clinic setting. If your generosity reaches $5000, I'll commit to running the half marathon instead of the 5K.

Since 2016, Badger Challenge has raised over $5.5 million and folks who have donated through my participation have raised more than $15,000 - Thank You!

If you know others who may want to support this effort, please feel free to share this page with them directly or through social media! 

To learn more about Badger Challenge (and to sign up yourself!) go to BadgerChallenge.org.

Thank you so much for your generosity!