When my friend Shanainai sent me the link to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure about a month ago, I didn’t want to hear anything about it. I didn’t want to be reminded, I didn’t want to know, I wasn’t interested.
But then I got to thinking: Yes, my mom and uncle died of different cancers, not breast cancer, but does it really make a difference? Each cancer is different, granted, and research for each type may be done separately, however finding a cure for one can lead to a cure for another, no?
As we speak, chemos found effective for one form of cancer are being tested on other forms. I know – my mom was one of those people. It clearly didn’t work for her, but one day it will.
So I decided to listen to Shanainai and asked my sisters if they’d like to join – they immediately jumped in. Then I published the link on my Facebook wall and Twitter account, and a few friends said they’re interested.
So I hereby announce the Klein Family and Friends team. We will be doing the 5K (walk, not run) on October 28, 2010 in honor of our mom, Rachel Dagani Klein, and our uncle, Aryeh Klein, who just passed away a month ago.
There are 4 ways you can help if you are interested:
1) Participate in the walk. It will be in Jerusalem just outside the Old City. Sign up to join the Klein Family and Friends team here. Click on “Join Talia’s Team.”
2) Sign up as a virtual participant. You won’t be attending (most likely because you aren’t in Israel), but you’d like to help us reach at least 10 people so we can have the minimum team size, and make a donation while you’re at it. You can do that here as well.
3) Donate whatever you can. Honestly, even if it’s just $5, every bit helps. You can done through my page here.
4) Spread this blog post to your family and friends and see if they can help as well.
I haven’t ever asked anyone to give me any money for anything, at least not past high school fundraisers for dance team. I don’t want anyone feeling obligated in any way, and just because I may know you in person, doesn’t mean I will be angry or hurt that you chose not to donate. But if you can, I would really appreciate it. And if you can join us at the race? The more the merrier!
Hope to see you there!

September 15, 2010 at 11:19 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Talia Klein and Leah Jones, Aviva Brueckner. Aviva Brueckner said: RT @taltalk: Racing for the cure: If you follow me/my blog, please take a moment to read (and RT if you want): http://bit.ly/cZ4Ma1 [...]
September 16, 2010 at 8:40 am
What a wonderful iniative for a wonderful man – i worked for Ari for over 10yrs – he was an amazing man – someone who i will never forget. My heart was saddened when i heard of his passing – i wish you all the best.
September 16, 2010 at 9:51 am
Thanks, Kathy. My uncle lived far from us, but we loved him dearly. Add my mom, who died a year and a half ago to the mix, and we kinda felt like we needed to do something.
Thanks for your support. Feel free to send the link to anyone you know who may want to help.
September 21, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Cancer or Mesothelioma is tragic. That is why I cannot advocate enough for people to recognize the signs and know the Mesothelioma Symptoms. Please educate yourself, and don’t think that just because you weren’t a smoker or haven’t smoked in years that you are immune from Mesothelioma.
September 24, 2010 at 8:51 pm
I just stumbled across your blog – I have been looking for blogs about losing your mother. Not that many out there. Just started blogging myself about my own loss as well as my own cancer diagnosis. Sorry about the loss of your mother and your uncle. Hope you are doing ok. good luck with the walk.
October 13, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Thanks for your message. I’m doing well. I hope you are, too. Feel good!
October 24, 2010 at 7:33 pm
I, too am the daughter of a mother with glioblastoma. She has survived ten months so far…was paralyzed immediately after a full resection. Cannot tell you how much your blog has affected me, helped me feel not so alone. Thank you, Talia. Did a 5K for brain tumor research this summer-the love and the determination in the crowd I will never forget.
October 24, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Hi Carol,
I’m sorry to hear about your mom. I’m happy I was able to somehow help you. I would totally do a brain cancer walk if we had them in Israel, but we don’t, at least not that I know of. I imagine it will be just as powerful, even if it doesn’t really apply to what we went through. At the end of the day, it’s all the same.
October 24, 2010 at 10:21 pm
[...] spoke about it on my last blog post, but now that it’s crunch time – 3 days and counting – I thought I’d give it [...]
November 24, 2010 at 4:57 am
sorry to hear about your mom… i hope you will be stronger each & every day of your life…. i send you my love from far….