Long Branch Half-Marathon to Raise Money for Thyroid Cancer Research

Newsbrief - Monmouth County

Written by Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer (THANC) Foundation Friday, 26 February 2010 12:12

Jackson, NJ Resident Danielle Hamarich Will Run May 2nd

During an annual GYN exam, Danielle's doctor found a lump in her neck and instructed her to follow up with an endocrinologist. After a whirlwind of tests her initial biopsy results came back negative. She was told that everything was fine, and not to worry.

However, two short weeks later, that would all change when she received a call from her doctor asking her to come into the office that day. A working mother of two pre-school age children, Danielle juggled her schedule and arrived with her husband at her doctor's office that afternoon to be told she had thyroid cancer. As she was otherwise in good health, she was told that her prognosis was excellent, and that she should schedule an appointment to see head and neck surgeon, Dr. Mark Urken at Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC.

Shortly after her visit to Dr. Urken, Danielle scheduled a few days off from work, and underwent surgery to have her thyroid removed. During surgery, Dr. Urken found that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in her neck, and more shockingly to her trachea. Danielle's anticipated three hour operation turned into a much more invasive eight hour surgical procedure.

Danielle's expected few day recovery took over two months. Throughout her recovery Danielle received an outpouring of support from her family and friends. Knowing she still had a family to care for, they all chipped in to lend a hand. Many coordinated days to drop off home cooked meals, do grocery shopping and even watch her two children. It was during this time where Danielle began to reflect upon what had actually occurred since her diagnosis of thyroid cancer. She realized that Dr. Urken saved her life and had given her a second chance, so she wanted to find some way to give back to him.

Danielle was an avid runner prior to surgery, and while unable to participate in her usual activities, she found out about the Long Branch New Jersey Marathon. She decided to form a team of friends and family to run in order to raise money to support the important work of Dr. Urken and his foundation the THANC (Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer) Foundation.

Since her initial surgery, Danielle learned that her cancer has spread to her lungs. Even though she is currently undergoing treatment, she will run the Long Branch New Jersey Half Marathon. You can help Danielle and her THANC team in their efforts to raise funds to support research and education in the fight against the fastest growing cancer, Thyroid cancer.

You can be a part of Danielle's team to fight thyroid cancer by running, donating, pledging an amount per mile, per runner, or for the combined miles run by the team, or just standing on the sidelines cheerleading...we need you on the team - to battle this cancer that knows no boundaries.

Thyroid cancer affects people of all ages. Women are diagnosed with thyroid cancer three times as often as men. Thyroid cancer diagnoses are increasing at the highest rate of all cancers in the United States. Be a part of the race to beat thyroid cancer to the finish line.

The Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer (THANC) Foundation is committed to supporting research and education in the early detection and treatment of thyroid and head and neck cancer; advancing new therapeutic approaches; and alleviating the suffering and functional impairment of patients who undergo treatment.

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