It was 10 years ago, July 2015, when my Dad, Thom Duval was first diagnosed with cancer. He had a tumor in his throat that affected his vocal cords. He was having cancerous cell removed from the crown of his head when his dermatologist asked why he had lost his voice. My Dad told him that his general practician said it was allergies. His dermatologist recommended that he call his brother an ENT to take a look. It was not allergies at all, but a tumor. Not all what anyone wants to hear. That was the beginning of our battle. After surgery, chemo, and radiation Dad was cancer free for a year. Another tumor began and while he was in surgery to remove the second tumor his oncologist quit. Of course, we were a loss and didn't know how to proceed. However, the night before I had a conversation with a friend that asked how Dad was doing. I told him the truth and what we were going through not knowing that his oncologist was about to leave. I circled back up with my friend and that's when we were introduced to Moffitt. Dad battled cancer 4.5 times and beat it. Unfortunately, the cancer spread to his lymph nodes and it became a cat and mouse game. At one point he was involved in a trial, which did not go very well for him. However, this information is used to help others moving forward. I can only hope that data gather from my Dad during the trail helped at least one person with their battle. Dad passed 6 years ago today, 9/5/2019 not from cancer. He was cancer free, but from side effects from many rounds of radiation on his throat and the lymph node near the lungs. He was in Moffitt's care at the time he passed, and his long journey of medical bills was forgiven because of donors like you. Every year I fundraise not out of guilt to pay it back, but more importantly I fundraise to pay it forward to the families fighting the battle right now and unfortunately for those to come. So please join me by donating or by joining the race and running with me this year.
Picture: Gasparilla Distance Classic 2015. Dad's first 5K! We trained together to get him walking and had many conversations on our walks. It was on one of these walks that he asked to join me at new church I just started attending. This 5k training started a journey in faith too.
Here is more information about Moffitt Cancer Center and Miles for Moffitt.
Research at Moffitt results in new clinical trials and new treatments that help improve the lives of those touched by cancer.
Please join us in raising funds for patients, families, survivors, and caregivers by joining our team or making a gift to our team fundraising page. Whether you can give $10 or $1,000, every dollar matters to supporting Moffitt's mission - to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
Thank you for your support and being an important part of the Miles for Moffitt community!
