Please join Shantel and Team DD in 2023 in support of the Lung Association
Cathrine Jakobsen
Raised
Hi! I am Cathrine from Norway, and I started who supporting Lung Force and American Lung Association through Shantel VanSanten (the team DD captain) when she shared her grandmothers journey with lung cancer so bravely. Little did I know how personal this fight would become when I this August lost my own grandmother to lung cancer. Previously I have attended almost every event in Southern California (and Austin, Texas) for the past 6 years in person. This is the third event I have to miss out on, but I am hoping to get back to traveling and being able to attend in-person somehow soon. I am determined and hopeful that will be next year. As long as we breathe, we hope. If you are able to help support #TeamDD in any way, shape or form - I will forever be grateful for your support.
First I want to start by sharing my gratitude… to you… yes YOU as you read this! I am astounded how many of you have participated and donated to Team DD in support of lung cancer and lung health year after year, SO I want to start by thanking you from the bottom of my heart. We were the TOP friends & family team in the NATION out of 40+ Climb events last year. I hope you know how grateful I am to each of you for your generosity and love. We have carried on the legacy of my grandmother, Doris Dooyema, and all your loved ones, together as a force for change. Last year, my beloved grandfather joined her and I miss them both very much.
I made a promise to them that I would continue on her fight and honor the life she bravely fought for. I wish I could tell her now, 9 years later, how our team continues to grow and give, and that TOGETHER we have raised over $175,000! I know her story has helped save lives, brought some comfort to those who have also a loved one, and continues to educate people on lung cancer for nonsmokers and the deadly effects of radon. I know some of you may be new to my initiative and fight, so I encourage you to PLEASE take a moment and read my grandmother’s story below… it can save a life!
Thank you for all of your support, generosity and love. I know that together we can raise awareness and funds that are so needed at this time.
1. Donate by clicking the DONATE NOW button above.
2. Join Team DD and fundraise along side me AND get to climb with me virtually or at the LA Memorial Coliseum on February 26th. This also qualifies you to win additional Lung Association swag at $100 or more.
3. Become a corporate sponsor at $2,500 or more. Contact [email protected] for more details.
Team DD at the 2022 SoCal Climb at the LA Coliseum
If by now you don't know my Grandma's story, I want to share it here in hopes it inspires you to join our force!!!
About Grandma Doris and Her Fight Against Lung Cancer
Doris was one of the most influential people in my life and a living example of love to all who encountered her. She was a selfless, vibrant, goofy, healthy, NON-SMOKING 79-year-old woman. The brightest of souls and tough as they came! She had survived breast cancer 5 years before and knew to cherish each given breath. The day after her 60th wedding anniversary she went to the doctor and was told she had bronchitis. She remained sick for a while and was diagnosed weeks later with stage 4 lung cancer. The cancer was very aggressive and spread quickly. To our shock and despair, after less than 6 months, she was taken from us! It wasn’t until a year after her death that we found out the cause of her lung cancer.
Radon.
Radon is the breaking down of uranium and was found in the soil around the basement of their home. It's odorless and colorless gas BUT can be tested for in homes ... if only we knew! The levels in their home and time of exposure eventually poisoned her and caused her lung cancer. I share this in the hopes that some may choose to test their homes and maybe, save a loved one.
Lung Cancer is the #1 Cancer Killer of Women in the U.S.
Radon causes over 21,000 deaths a year in the US alone, but it can be stopped! It wasn't until she was sick that I learned all these facts about lung cancer. I learned lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of women in America and the death rate has doubled in the last few decades. I learned there is no early detection methods and it can happen to anyone, INCLUDING non-smokers, like her. She told me before passing she wished to have more time to inspire people with her story. So, I carry on her desire each day now with her strength beating in my heart. In her absence, I have been given an opportunity.
The opportunity to share her story to help others. The opportunity to use my voice and outreach. The opportunity to fight alongside those who are fighting for lung health, healthy air and put an end to this pandemic and let them know they aren't alone. But more than that, TOGETHER we have an opportunity to evoke change through the American Lung Association. Fighting lung disease takes victories in all forms and one dollar, one patient, one life and one breath at a time. I will do exactly this in honor of my Granny and hope you can be by my virtual side.
Join me in the fight against lung cancer, clean air, COVID-19, and all lung health threats. Together we can make a difference!!!
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