By Kim Pietro
When my father John was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer in August 2008, his world did not stop. He continues to rise to the top of his class with a will to live for his family, for the Jets, the Yankees, his home and for his work as a mason contractor. Two years since symptoms were evident, this is a man who provides and relies on love to carry him through the best and worst of times.
Right now, pancreatic cancer is essentially an unsolvable problem. If staying power is any sign of victory, we are very blessed to have it. We realize not every person can be healed, but we believe that any disease can be cured. We live by high expectations of ourselves, our friends and family, of our society and now of the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
I became personally involved with the Hirshberg Foundation when I was looking to utilize my 2009 Lake Placid Ironman triathlon as a platform to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer research. The Ironman is the ultimate one day endurance event that is propelled by the human body and driven by the mind. 2009 was a victory- John is still with us and I finished the Ironman in a very respectable fashion. We share the same goal in 2010: to each get stronger and tougher mentally, physically and spiritually.
Under the great guidance of my parents, I feel a responsibility to be part of something much bigger than myself. To promote a more just society, to serve others and to stand up for things that I believe in. Together, we are committed to helping the Hirshberg Foundation find a cure.
