On August 7 I am going to participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a bike-a-thon spanning from 25 to 192 miles accross the state of Massachusetts in support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). 100% of the donations are designated for clinical care and research into all types of cancer. DFCI is one of the leading cancer institutions in the world and we are very fortunate to have it near us, in Boston. I have set a donation goal of $10,000--hopefully more--and I very much need your generosity to achieve this mark.
As many of you already know, I personally owe a great deal to Dana-Farber and to Dr. Richard Stone (Chief of the Adult Leukemia Section) and Ilene Galinsky, NP, who have seen me through an amazing medical experience. In December of 2014 I was diagnosed at Dana-Farber as having Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and the prognosis at my age (82) was at best guarded and more likely quite dire. Ginny and I decided to face this unexpected development with the absolute determination to overcome this sudden disruption of our life. You might say we were intrepid. However that was not enough, and I probably would not have survived without the genetic studies being performed at DF. Dr. Stone noted that I had a particular genetic mutation that occurs in only 15-20% of AML patients and luckily he was a principal investigator for an experimental drug (AG-120) that was specifically designed to inhibit the action of the mutation that was causing my cancer. Very few centers in the world have the sophisticated genetic technology to detect this mutation and I was so fortunate to be treated at one that does. Since the only alternative was basic supportive care with a short survival prognosis, Dr. Stone recommended that I enter the Phase 1 study for the AG-120. This involved weekly and sometimes week-long visits to Boston during the never-ending snowstorms of last winter. While I was still waiting to participate in the trial, I was hospitalized for three days with the flu, and then once I had been admitted to the study, I had to be taken off the medication because of a severe rash. But finally Dr. Stone found a dosage level that I could tolerate and in a mere 4 weeks, I went into complete remission. I was one of very few participants who achieved that response. Currently, I continue in remission and now I am actively training for the Pan-Mass Challenge. I have set up a virtual bike trainer in my basement and, under the coaching of a triathlete in my hometown, I am determined to celebrate my survival and the incredible work of DF by making this ride. It is my way of signifying my immense gratitude for the lifesaving research and care I have received at Dana-Farber.
I hope I can count on your help with a generous donation. I promise to give you the best ride I possibly can, and we all will benefit knowing that DFCI continues to offer cutting-edge cancer care and research for everyone who enters its doors. I very much appreciate your support.
Harry
Use the links below my photo to donate online or send your checks to me, made out to PMC:
Harry Beskind
57 Main St
Yarmouth, ME 04096
On August 7 I am going to participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a bike-a-thon spanning from 25 to 192 miles accross the state of Massachusetts in support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). 100% of the donations are designated for clinical care and research into all types of cancer. DFCI is one of the leading cancer institutions in the world and we are very fortunate to have it near us, in Boston. I have set a donation goal of $10,000--hopefully more--and I very much need your generosity to achieve this mark.
As many of you already know, I personally owe a great deal to Dana-Farber and to Dr. Richard Stone (Chief of the Adult Leukemia Section) and Ilene Galinsky, NP, who have seen me through an amazing medical experience. In December of 2014 I was diagnosed at Dana-Farber as having Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and the prognosis at my age (82) was at best guarded and more likely quite dire. Ginny and I decided to face this unexpected development with the absolute determination to overcome this sudden disruption of our life. You might say we were intrepid. However that was not enough, and I probably would not have survived without the genetic studies being performed at DF. Dr. Stone noted that I had a particular genetic mutation that occurs in only 15-20% of AML patients and luckily he was a principal investigator for an experimental drug (AG-120) that was specifically designed to inhibit the action of the mutation that was causing my cancer. Very few centers in the world have the sophisticated genetic technology to detect this mutation and I was so fortunate to be treated at one that does. Since the only alternative was basic supportive care with a short survival prognosis, Dr. Stone recommended that I enter the Phase 1 study for the AG-120. This involved weekly and sometimes week-long visits to Boston during the never-ending snowstorms of last winter. While I was still waiting to participate in the trial, I was hospitalized for three days with the flu, and then once I had been admitted to the study, I had to be taken off the medication because of a severe rash. But finally Dr. Stone found a dosage level that I could tolerate and in a mere 4 weeks, I went into complete remission. I was one of very few participants who achieved that response. Currently, I continue in remission and now I am actively training for the Pan-Mass Challenge. I have set up a virtual bike trainer in my basement and, under the coaching of a triathlete in my hometown, I am determined to celebrate my survival and the incredible work of DF by making this ride. It is my way of signifying my immense gratitude for the lifesaving research and care I have received at Dana-Farber.
I hope I can count on your help with a generous donation. I promise to give you the best ride I possibly can, and we all will benefit knowing that DFCI continues to offer cutting-edge cancer care and research for everyone who enters its doors. I very much appreciate your support.
Harry
Use the links below my photo to donate online or send your checks to me, made out to PMC:
Harry Beskind
57 Main St
Yarmouth, ME 04096
| 2016 | $13,370.00 | Wellesley to Patriot Place (25 mile Sunday) |
