2014 JACK’S MARATHON TEAM – NYC

Two members from our New York marathon team share their stories.

Jody Ziebarth (JMT-NYC) – I have always wanted to run a marathon for a Melanoma charity ever since my sister successfully battled through two cases of malignant melanomas. At the time she was diagnosed I had never even heard of this form of cancer and now in 2014 there are too many stories about this disease. Six months ago I got to know my sister’s friend, Bob Miller, a husband and a father of four young girls. His courage and determination to beat this disease was inspirational. Around the same time I found the Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund online and knew this was the right organization for me to run for. As I began my training and fundraising, Bob lost his battle to cancer in June. Too many people do not know about this form of skin cancer and its potential deadly results. So as I approach my 64th birthday, 30 years after completing my last marathon, I will run this New York City Marathon for Bob Miller, Jim Fee and Peter Thomas Flynn who lost their battle to this terrible disease with the hopes that a cure will be found for those who are fighting it now.

Krysti Todd (JMT-NYC) – I am running the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon in support of the Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund. Melanoma is the least common but most deadly form of skin cancer, accounting for only about 5% of all cases but 75% of skin cancer deaths. The incidence of melanoma in the U.S. is growing at an alarming rate.

I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma when I was 24 years old, and I could not have been more shocked. I thought of myself as pretty healthy- I exercised, ate well, didn’t smoke, etc.- but those teenage years spent worshipping the sun and frequenting the tanning booth had caught up to me in a most terrifying way. My mole was fast-growing but also skin-colored, which made it very hard to detect. Thanks to an exceptional team of doctors, my surgery was successful, and the melanoma was caught early enough that there was no need for further treatment. Frequent visits to my dermatologist and countless biopsies are a constant reminder of how fortunate I really was.

I am running with Jack’s Team to support melanoma research, education, and healing. A lot of steps can be taken to help prevent skin cancer, and educational programs that raise awareness about skin health and protection are crucial. Jack’s Fund organizes numerous health fairs, skin checks, and other events that could help save countless lives. For survivors and those who currently fighting melanoma, Jack’s Fund provides resources that offer support and comfort through difficult times.

Please join me in supporting this exceptional organization. You can help drive vital melanoma research, support prevention and early detection education, and provide healing to many individuals affected by the disease. Thank you so much.