For his very first marathon, Daniel will be running in memory of his mother-in-law, Makiko Moni who passed away from esophageal cancer. Daniel has created an online fundraising page to help raise funding for esophageal cancer research. With less than one month until race day, we hope you will take a moment to read Daniel’s story, share his campaign and consider supporting his efforts through a donation. On behalf of The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, we would like to thank Daniel for bringing awareness to esophageal cancer and raising much needed funds for awareness and research!
Daniel’s fundraiser: Running for Maki
As many of you know, we suffered a great tragedy earlier this year with the passing of my mother-in-law, Makiko Monji. She was so kind, generous, stylish, talented, loving, and full of life – Maki was truly a special person who was beautiful in every way. We miss her dearly. Sadly, she was afflicted with a terrible disease, esophageal cancer, that ended her life far too quickly.
On November 3, 2019, I will be running the New York City Marathon, my first marathon. I have been training hard and I am proudly dedicating my run to Maki’s memory and life. She was always so supportive of everyone and inspiring to others – I know she will be with me as I run.
I have decided to use this opportunity to raise money for the Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation in Maki’s honor. Salgi funds research into methods for early detection and treatment of esophageal cancer, which, unfortunately, is a devastating disease that is often caught too late to be effectively treated. Esophageal cancer is also one of the fasting growing cancers in the world (600% increase in diagnoses over the last 30 years), but is relatively unknown and is lacking in research funding and awareness among the general public. Please visit salgi.org for more information regarding esophageal cancer awareness, early detection, and research.
Your support would be greatly appreciated – every contribution will help carry me to the finish line and will go towards the fight against esophageal cancer!
Thank you!
PS: If you want to track me as I run, my bib number is 32610 (use the New York Road Runners app). I hope to see you out there on race day!
Learn the Facts:
Esophageal cancer is considered one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancer in the United States and western world. Esophageal cancer has increased over 700% in the past three decades and has an overall 5 year survival rate of only 19.2%. There are no routine or standard screenings to improve early detection of esophageal cancer and symptoms often arise late, once the cancer is considered advanced or “distant” (spread to lymph nodes and other organs.) Stage IV esophageal cancer has a survival rate of only 4.8%.
Despite these facts, esophageal cancer research is extremely underfunded. In 2015, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded esophageal cancer research funding for the very first time. Then, in November, 2018, we have once again awarded funding for esophageal cancer research. Both grants were given in honor of all the men and women affected by esophageal cancer.
Click here to visit Daniel’s fundraiser: Running for Maki or visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/running-for-makiko/danielhittman
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation 