Very excited to announce on May 18-19, 2024, I will be running my third Keys100 ultra marathon as an individual 100 mile runner.
The race starts in Key Largo and ends in Key West, Florida. My 2024 personal run goals are to shave an hour off my 2023 time finishing within 29 hours and place 1st in my age group (50-54) two years in a row!
My 2024 “in it for the long run” fundraising goal is $2,000 for the official charity of KEYS100 The "Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys"
The foundation provides support to patients and their families from Key Largo to Key West with financial assistance, emotional support, educational materials, free cancer screenings, information and referral services for prostate, breast, colon and other forms of cancer.
Free screenings and post-screening support to discover these cancers early and improve the treatment outcome as well as overall quality of life for those found with these diseases. For prostate cancer, for example, too many men throughout the Keys have been diagnosed late, at a more advanced stage when a cure is more difficult.
Personally, this foundation hits home for me as in 2010 I lost my Dad, John Beuschel, age 69 to prostate cancer. By the time he felt any symptoms he was already in stage IV. It was heartbreaking and shocking. Sadly, my Dad only survived 18 months after being diagnosed as the cancer metastasized quickly. Before he passed he stressed the importance in making sure my husband, sons and all the males in my life were screened for early prevention so they never had to suffer as he did. Early screening could have prevented this.
My Mom, Joanne Beuschel was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of 79. To date, at age 82, she is still thriving due to a wonderful oncologist that provides on going-life saving care and treatment. My Mom is rallying and feeling great but like so many others battling stage IV cancer this will be a lifelong series of treatment to keep the cancer at bay.
Colonoscopy’s are not something we rush to do. My Moms diagnosis prompted me to get a colonoscopy at 50. My Dr. said thank your Mom for saving you as I did have two polyps that if left untreated would eventually turn into colon cancer. Early detection is key. Honestly, if my Mom didn’t have colon cancer I probably would not have gotten a colonoscopy at age 50, I would have put it off and probably would never have gone. So if you are reading this …please go get checked! Your life depends on it!
Early screening makes the world of difference in all cancers. A donation in any amount will be used to save lives through early detection.
Thank you kindly for your generosity. Together we make a difference in the lives of others.
