March 9, 2012

Still Time To Please Help Support JB Fan Krystal Grooms Thomsen’s Run This Sunday To Raise Funds for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research

March 9th, 2012

Randy and Krystal
Randy Grooms with his daughter Krystal Grooms Thomsen

We are supporting our friend and Jersey Boys fan Krystal Grooms Thomsen in her upcoming run to raise funds for Merkel Cell Carcinoma research. Her big run is THIS SUNDAY! You can support the cause by clicking HERE or on the link below in Krystal’s note.

A message from our friend Jersey Boys Fantastic Fan Krystal Grooms Thomsen:

Dear Friends & Family,

I’m a runner! I love to run! It’s freeing, a time to clear my head and get some fresh air. I get to see countrysides, the ocean, bountiful fields and other beautiful spots that I normally wouldn’t. I enjoy running distances that push me beyond my own boundaries and allow me to set goals for myself. Inspired by my husband Chris’ years of fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I want to fundraise for cancer research that is extremely close to my heart. My goal is to raise $1,000 for Merkel Cell Carcinoma research and I need your help!

My dad, Randy Grooms, was diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma on December 23, 2010. This is an extremely rare form of cancer with only 1,500 cases diagnosed per year, making it about 40 times less common than Melanoma. Merkel Cell Carcinoma usually develops on sun-exposed skin as firm bump, which tends to grow rapidly over time. The exact cause of Merkel Cell Carcinoma is unknown but factors strongly associated with it include fair skin, a history of extended sun exposure, chronic immune suppression and people over the age of 50.

Treating Merkel Cell Carcinoma is like other types of cancer. It is important to note that Merkel Cell Carcinoma is not the same as Melanoma and cannot be treated with surgery alone. My dad has been a fighter and has powered through multiple surgeries, two rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. We know he has a long road ahead of him, but we’re fortunate that he has been under the care of the best of the best doctors (in our opinion) who specialize in this rare form of cancer.

Dr. Paul Nghiem in Seattle is a renowned doctor who has cared for over 300 patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma, including my dad. He conducts science research on cancer biology at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. With a goal of defining more optimal treatment for Merkel Cells, he is leading genetic studies to further understand the biology of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. He has founded the MCC Multicenter Interest Group, with representatives from over 20 institutions to pool resources and expertise on this challenging cancer.

On March 11th I will be running the Shamrock’n Half Marathon! That’s 13.1 miles all in the name of cancer research. I’m asking for a donation to help me reach my fundraising goal of $1,000 by March 11th. Please click on this LINK, then click “GIVE” for any donations toward “Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.” All donations are 100% tax deductable! (Tax ID# 91-1935159) Because I am training myself, there are no administrative fees and every penny you donate will go directly towards cancer research. Additionally, I will be personally donating $1 for every mile I run during my training.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Krystal Thomsen

*** Please remember to always use sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun!***

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