Cancer touches the lives of all who are involved with 24 Foundation including our sponsors. Members from the Deloitte Team graciously shared their connections to cancer and why they ride. 

Like many families, those at Deloitte have been touched by cancer in numerous ways – 24 Hours of booty is a great way for us to recognize and honor those we’ve lost, support those in the midst of their battles, and encourage those working to support patients and advance research.

Our team has been most impressed — really overwhelmed — by the strength and courage those around us fighting their battles with cancer have shown.  We decided to reach out to our team members and ask them to share their stories.

One team member recently lost a friend in her mid-30s to cancer.  She had dedicated her life to finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that our team member’s daughter struggles with on a daily basis.  Through his friend’s passion and dedication, right up to the end of her life, new therapies, testing and promising drugs have been brought forward that are extending the life expectancy of CF patients.  She continued to use her natural skills and talents to benefit others right up through the end of her life.  We can think of no better way to honor her memory than to support the fight against cancer with the same passion she showed towards Cystic Fibrosis.

Another team member shared how he has been touched by cancer and recognizes how lucky those around them have been. His father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 and after successful treatment, has been completely cancer free ever since. However, not all have been so fortunate. At the completion of the treatment, his father’s hospital group returned to the hotel from their last hospital follow-up and awaiting family immediately knew something was wrong. One of the patients in the group was missing. He had not received the same cancer-free news as the rest of the group, and he and his wife were still at the hospital discussing options with doctors.

A third team member’s mother was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2009.  His mother underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and is currently being treated with an oral chemotherapy medication.  His mother gave up smoking during that time, and has also been strong in her fight against cancer.  While her health continues to be challenged, she’s never lost hope or given up her will to fight on and maintain her quality of life, and her spirit.

We all look forward to the day when no one has to experience these events.