We have a wonderful event planned in the town of Borodino this coming May 26th. My husband, Dick Shaffer, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2003. He was having a routine physical and the doctor suggested that he have a baseline colonoscopy. As he was filling out the forms, the nurse asked if he was having any problems. “I am in wonderful condition.” he told her. “I am training for my 2nd Ironman. My wife is making me have this physical so I can go out and train by myself on the long run and bike. The only problem that I have is from time to time, I can’t swallow my vitamins - it is so strange.” She suggested while he was under, that he also have an endoscopy to see what was going on.

When he awoke, we met with the doctor and found out he had a cancerous tumor at the base of his esophagus. Our lives were now going in a different direction. The numbers released for the year 2007....there will be 15,560 new cases and 13,940 deaths. Esophageal Cancer does not have a good outcome. We learned as much as we possibly could about this type of cancer. Our path lead us to MD Anderson, a major cancer research institute. There he was put on a clinical trial and went into remission for one year. During the year 2005, his enthusiasm for life was never more evident. He not only ran a marathon in Houston showing everyone he was cancer free, he dedicated his life to Cancer Research and Riding with Lance Armstrong in the Tour of Hope. He rode his bicycle with 24 other riders across the US from California to Washington. Stopping along the way at Cancer Hospitals, Cancer Rallies and Major Cities where he spoke to people to Never Give Up and Support Clinical Trials. Unfortunately 3 months later, the cancer came back. He started again with chemo treatments and radiation in January 2006. Never giving up. One day in November, test results came back and the doctors told him the cancer had taken over his liver and was spreading to his lungs....he did not have long to live possibly 3 days....again beating the odds given to him, he lived for 6.

My husband passed away November 28, 2006. Our two sons, Nathan and Matthew, ages 16 and 11, have learned many lessons from their father. But I think the most important lesson, is to Never Give Up Hope. There could be a cancer treatment waiting in a clinical trial that could be The Cure. A couple months ago, Matt O’Brien, from the Borodino Fire Hall asked if we could put an event together to honor Dick’s memory and his enduring strength and optimism. Along with Dick’s longtime friend, Scott Grimshaw, we have planned “The First Annual Race for Hope.” This will be a 24 mile bike event. But what is equally exciting is that we have a 4 mile fun event. This came about from people in Skaneateles telling me that they could not possibly bike 24 miles, but wanted to participate and show support for Cancer Research in honor of Dick. The 4 mile ride will be a free event with donations being accepted in memory/honor of whoever has been affected in their lives by Cancer.

** 2007 ** 100% of the donations will be going directly to Cancer Research. I will be sending a letter to John Mendelsohn, President of MD Anderson, whom Dick met and spoke with in the fall of 2005 with Lance Armstrong during the Tour. They are in the progress of developing a new Center for Targeted Therapy. Researchers are coordinating the design and development of specific biological therapies and drugs suited to the individual’s genetic makeup. We are not all the same, and therefore our treatments should not be.

** 2008 ** All Funds will be staying locally.

We are thrilled at the enthusiasm of this community for this event. My husband was a coach, a mentor and a wonderful friend to all that he came in contact with. I am sure that this will become a special occasion for all that attend. The Borodino Fire Department is also supporting this 100%, helping plan this event and volunteering their services. The local church will be offering a Chicken Barbeque afterwards that will allow the people who attend to stay mingle and share stories - a wonderful community event.

The fire department is also having their Memorial Day Parade after the bike event and inviting local officials to come and speak. I have to believe that this will be an event that will honor and support all that are affected by Cancer.

Thank you for consideration in supporting the Race for Hope. May we find the cure in our lifetime!
Hope to see you.....Julie Shaffer
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