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ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — When her sister living in Utah was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, Michigan resident Liz Dewitz felt the distance rendered her helpless.
Instead of joining the mass of friends and relatives who were able to physically help her sister, Alayna Williamson, on a day-to-day basis, Dewitz was inclined to think of another way she could help.
That’s when her mind turned to the Iron Man triathlon.
When Williamson, a 38-year-old mother of four, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a rare, slow-growing cancer in the blood, her doctor advised her to remain physically active, so when the disease took its toll on her body, she’d be strong enough to fight it.
Williamson took that advice and ran with it — literally.
Since her diagnosis, Williamson has completed multiple Iron Man races and marathons.
Knowing that the Iron Man was close to her sister’s heart, Dewitz decided to do a fundraiser for cancer research by completing the triathlon herself.
“I feel so helpless as she’s going through this, and, to me, this is the best thing I can do at this phase to help her,” Dewitz said. “If she can do [the Iron Man] with cancer, then I can do this to raise the funds to make a difference.”
People with cancer don't have an option of whether or not they're going to opt in for the cancer. Every single day they have it no matter what. So I have no excuses. I get to do this to help out.
–Liz Dewitz
Dewitz will run, bike and swim the Lake Placid Iron Man in July for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. By signing up for a slot in the race with this organization, Dewitz committed to raising $5,000 before the race.
Although Williamson does not have multiple myeloma, it’s also a blood-type cancer, and it was founded by two sisters, one whom had cancer, the other did not.
The MMRF has put out six FDA-approved treatments — two in the last 24 months — which is unparalleled in the world of oncology, Dewitz said.
“These medications are able to treat 20 different types of cancers, including leukemias like my sister's,” Dewitz said. “They’re actually finding medications and cures that give longevity to lives.”
So far, Dewitz has raised nearly $3,000 since launching her crowdfunding campaign.*
“I want to eradicate cancer,” Dewitz said. “I want to be done with it. I don’t want this to affect any other family ever. So if I can do this small part in the big scheme of things, then that’s what I’m meant to do right now.”
Although Dewitz committed to $5,000, she said she’d love to raise more, calling excess funds the whipped cream on top of the fundraiser.
Dewitz continues to train for the 2015 Iron Man, even with four children of her own.
“I don’t get any excuses,” Dewitz said. “People with cancer don’t have an option of whether or not they’re going to opt in for the cancer. Every single day they have it no matter what. So I have no excuses. I get to do this to help out.”
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
