Sammy's Tumor-Squashin' Squadron

"Because the Gray Matters!"

As many of you already know, my father, Sammy Rushing, was diagnosed this summer with brain cancer from a malignant brain tumor. On July 11, 2011, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor with the world-renowned brain surgeon, Dr. Allan Friedman, at Duke University Medical Center. Radiation and chemotherapy began a few weeks later once his wound incision had completely healed. 

The path to Sammy's recovery is a long, arduous one but his faith and determination continues to be an inspiration to my family and me as well as so many others. Once an avid runner, my father participated in several races including a few of marathons. He truly loved running and hoped to impart the same pastime in my sisters and me as we were growing up. Thus, many races we all ran together by will or by force...more so it seemed by the latter haha. 

As a child, I loathed running. Now, I've come to think of running in a different mindset--sure it still can feel a chore at times but running for a cause just seems to make it a little more bearable and, well, worth it. The donations raised by the Angels Among Us 5K and Family Fun Walk in Durham, NC will be used to help find a cure for brain tumors--a cause that's obviously close to my heart.

To quote one of my father's favorite Bible verses, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). Although the physical act of running may be on hold for my father, he continues to lead our family (his "squadron") by "running with perseverance" through any kind of roadblock he faces. 

Please consider joining Sammy's Tumor-Squashin' Squadron on April 28, 2012 to help find a cure and fight this disease! With donations from all of you and your family, we can do this. All support and prayers will greatly be appreciated!!

Thank you in advance for all of your help, 

Heather Rushing

The Eldest Daughter