"I am a chronic leukemia-fighting mother of 4 boys and wife. In 2009, I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia. The diagnosis came after having multiple cerebellar strokes caused by a certebral artery dissection and a platelet count of 1.5 million, which is more than 3 times the normal limit. I immediately was told that I would start oral chemo called Hydrea which I would remain on indefinitely or until a cure was found. I remain very optimistic that I will see a cure in my lifetime thanks to the research and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
The term gotCureage originated in 2012 as I decided to gather family and friends for my first Light The Night event. In the time since, I have trademarked the term and begin my own non-profit benefiting LLS as well as the MPN Research Foundation. As of December 2015, gotCureage has raised over $30,000 through sales of clothing and apparel as well as our quickly growing annual 5k, The Must Dash for a Cure. What began as an idea to get family and friends together has grown into an organization dedicated to working towards a cure. It is my hope that gotCureage can serve as an inspiration for fellow cancer fighters, their families, and friends."
Lauren