Monday, 13 January 2014

Marathon Goddess Joins LCF Team For Life




Marathon Goddess Julie Weiss joins Lazarex Cancer Foundation’s Team for Life in the Big Sur Marathon on March 27, 2014. 
Ms. Weiss will be leading fundraising efforts for the recently announced Maurice Weiss Memorial fund that will be used to help pancreatic cancer patients participate in FDA clinical trials.
Marathon Goddess Julie Weiss brought her 30 Days of Hope pancreatic cancer awareness campaign to Danville on Nov. 24 to power walk with Dana Dornsife, President and Founder of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation and her sister, Erin Miller VanGorder, whose 1st husband’s battle with cancer was the inspiration for the foundation.  
During their walk in Danville, from 8am to 9am, they shared their memories of loved ones who lost their battles with pancreatic cancer and discussed their newly forged alliance that includes the establishment of the Maurice Weiss Pancreatic Cancer fund and Julie's plans to lead fundraising efforts for Lazarex at the Big Sur Marathon.
Already the subject of major media attention (O Magazine, The Today Show, CNN) and featured in the documentary "Spirit of the Marathon II,"  Weiss launched 30 Days of Hope to focus attention on the courage and determination exemplified in the battle against the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths.  Each day in the month of November during her newly launched annual 30 Days of Hope campaign Julie Weiss is walking or running with people whose lives have been impacted directly or indirectly by pancreatic cancer. More info can be found at www.marathongoddess.com
Following the death of her father Maurice to pancreatic cancer just 35 days after diagnosis, Julie honored his memory by running 52 marathons in 52 weeks and raised more than $200,000 for the cause during an epic 1362.4 mile journey.  
Dana Dornsife's brother-in- law Mike Miller fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  "Mike wanted to live long enough for his young children to remember him." said Dana.  "Through clinical trials, he extended his life long enough to coach t-ball for two more seasons and left indelible impressions on the people who knew him."  In his honor, she founded the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that links late stage cancer patients with FDA clinical trials and covers the cost of travel and housing for its clients and a companion. 
"I am so honored to walk with Dana and Erin on the anniversary of my father's death.  We share a common bond of hope and extending the lives of people with pancreatic cancer who have been told to get their affairs in order," said Weiss. 
"I know of no other individual who has done more to generate pancreatic cancer awareness than Julie Weiss," said Dana.  "We are thrilled to partner with her on behalf of all people facing the devastation of pancreatic cancer."