about me


Fighting Cancer is a Full-Time Job... and then some. 


Hanging out with Augustus


Yes, my full-time job is fighting cancer.  I am a clinical research coordinator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; however, the cancer-fighting doesn't end there.  After leaving DFCI each night, I lace up my running shoes and commute home on foot regardless of whatever Boston's weather has to offer.  No, I am not a runnerBut, in the name of cancer fighting, I am (slowly) becoming one. 

On most evenings, I have the privilege of sharing my run with Augustus, my son and (first) miracle baby.  Although he may weigh me down (he's weighing in around 30 pounds!), he will never let another runner pass without making sure I am aware.  With that being said, my motivation for running faster and further has little to do with other runners.  Instead it stems from my personal battle with cancer.  I run to raise money for innovative basic cancer research and to prove that you can continue to kick ass after cancer.    

On January 6, 1996, I was diagnosed with pediatric AML and my life changed forever.  After two aggressive courses of chemotherapy, my family and I learned that a bone marrow transplant was the only real chance for long-term survival.  Fortunately, my only brother was a stem cell match and shortly thereafter, I received chemo, radiation, and my brother's stem cells.  Despite the challenges that would come with this process and there were many, it is responsible for the last 16 cancer-free years of my life during which I have graduated from Penn State, married my amazing husband, and gave birth to three babies no one thought I could conceive.

As a child, I was forced to confront the harsh realities of cancer, an experience that impedes a return to the blissful ignorance of childhood.  Therefore, I blame cancer for stealing my childhood, but it could never steal my passion for life.  For this reason, I dedicated everyday after to fighting the disease which taught me how to truly live.

To celebrate life, specifically 18 extra years of life, I have trained for the Boston Marathon the past four years and to date, I have raised almost $75,000 for cancer research at one of our nation's top cancer centers.   


Snuggling with the girls during their 3 month NICU stay.


   

4 comments:

  1. Hi there! I was just checking out your blog and had a quick question. I was hoping you could email me back when you get the chance -emilywalsh688 (at) gmail.com- Thanks : )

    Emmy

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  2. I jut went to the Dana Farber site and saw that you will be running in the 2014 Marathon. You are truly amazing. How about an update here? I know you are very busy, but I'm sure people would like to know that you and your family are okay.

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    Replies
    1. Sorry for the delay, Barb! I promise to post an update before the New Year.

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  3. Hello Hilary,
    Just a quick message to ask if you would be interested in a mutual following on Twitter. If so, I'll be giving you a solo 'Follow-Friday' Shout-out Friday. I'm currently following you now & awaiting your follow-back.

    I have 'thousands' of professional athletes & major sponsors worldwide following me as you will notice in my 'Photos & Videos' section of my twitter page & my recent 'Follow-Friday' shout-outs. Also, please note that I am currently ranked in the top 1% in social media on Twitter (http://twtrland.com/profile/DarinArmstrong).

    I'm looking forward to a hopeful mutual following with you Hilary. Thoughts & prayers go your way in hopes that your continued fight against cancer is always successful! "Keep on LivingStrong!"


    Sincerely,
    Darin
    twitter.com/DarinArmstrong
    Professional Public Relations / Marketing & Communications
    Team LIVESTRONG

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