Paul Marzen

Our son Jude, 7, did it.  He beat brain cancer and is in full remission.  It was a long road from his diagnosis and surgery in September 2022 to this milestone.  One group that played a major role in this amazing outcome was the neuro-oncology and radiation teams at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where Jude received proton radiation therapy in fall 2022. Those 2 months at CHOP literally saved Jude's life and without the amazing care there and at Lehigh Valley Hospital, we wouldn't be celebrating this success story.  CHOP not only provides world-class care but also is doing research that has led to outcomes like Jude - which only decades ago wouldn't have been remotely possible.

But this wasn't our family's first CHOP life-saving story.  In 2016, our Cora, now 11 but then 3, developed a rare form of pneumonia which caused kidney failure, required an airlift to Philly, and a month in CHOP's PICU for intubation and dialysis.  Again, CHOP was there to save our child's life.  So without CHOP we can honestly say Jude and Cora would not be with us here today.

When I was in Philly with a son recovering from brain surgery and coming to terms with his newly diagnosed with cancer and the daily struggle of his radiation and all its challenges, one thing that has helped me "keep my sanity" was running.  Thus, when I heard CHOP was forming a team for the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon, I knew this was the perfect way to celebrate Jude's victory and all the work CHOP does for cancer kids.

I hope you will consider supporting me as I prepare for the race. 100% of all donations will benefit Children's Hospital of Philadelphia' Oncology program and all donations are tax deductible. Your gift will help make today’s innovative ideas, tomorrow’s reality for kids in the Philadelphia area and around the world.

Thank you for supporting me!