Team Katabasis

In the last 3 weeks, I've assessed over 40 people either finishing, starting, or wanting to start at my clinic, which is why my posts have been non existent. And today I'm still going to cheat a bit by just copying someone's email. His name's Dave, he had esophageal cancer, and he's my brother's friend. I'll put his whole email after the jump (it's about 2 fundraising events in Texas that will be fun--one a charity run/walk, and the other a charity screening of Dodgeball at the Alamo Drafthouse), but I wanted to copy his little inspirational quote first.

"Katabasis - In ancient epic tradition, the journey of the hero into the underworld. Upon return to the fields of sunlight and strife, the hero, through profound experience, often has greater knowledge and resolve. Fighting cancer - it is like that."

Hi all -

 

You are getting this email because last year you either participated in or showed interest in joining the LIVESTRONG Challenge 5K team in Austin (or because I think you might be interested in what I'm up to). I have created the team for 2011 and you are welcome to join if you want to run/walk with us or even if you want to participate virtually. The 5K run/walk is Saturday, October 15th, here in Austin.

 

The link is: http://austin2011.livestrong.org/katabasis

 

There is no requirement to fundraise if you are running the 5K -- and ALL abilities can participate. My wife and kids walk it while I run it at a moderate pace. Just being on the team raises cancer awareness. Last year, our little team raised about $2,300 for LIVESTRONG's cancer awareness and community programs. In addition, I was grateful to have friends travel from as far as Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to join me on my first run after treatment for esophageal cancer.

 

This year, however, I'm not doing face-to-face fundraising (I HATE fundraising, particularly during these stressful economic times). Instead, Team Katabasis is hosting an event at Austin's amazing Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on October 2d (LIVESTRONG Day). The special matinee showing of "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" will benefit LIVESTRONG with the proceeds from the ticket sales. Why "Dodgeball?" Because that silly film has a cameo by Lance Armstrong that motivated me to persevere through pain even when I didn't know I had cancer at the time. Also, because fighting cancer requires a healthy sense of humor.

 

Waging war against cancer as a patient or as an activist can seem overwhelming. But from a recent LIVESTRONG newsletter, it is clear that a little goes a long way. It takes less than $20 to fully fund an artist with art supplies to help cancer patients battle isolation, depression and so much more through the Creative Center: Arts in Healthcare program. For $111.25 LIVESTRONG can serve one person through Cancer Transitions, Life After Cancer, helping survivors deal with post-treatment issues.

 

I invite you to participate in whatever way you wish, but of course it is entirely voluntary! There are many anti-cancer causes out there to support, and all are part of the effort against this disease which at some point touches us all. If you are in Austin and simply want to come to the movie, I will send out info about how to buy tickets at a later date!

 

Thanks,

Dave Harper