Jack H. Marston Melanoma Research Fund
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. "
~ Nelson Mandela
August 2012
In This Issue
Seeking Marathon Runners
Jacks Team - Chicago
Jacks Team Captain
Runners Reach New Heights
Runners at High Risk
SEPT 8 - Free Skin Cancer Screening
4th of July Parade
TRFJ 5k October 14. Registration opens August 27
Website Links
Join Jack's
Marathon Team

Jack's Team - Why They Run...
Jack's Team 
Why They Run...

Join Our Mailing List!
Dear Friends:

Courage is defined as strength in the face of pain --- the ability to do something that frightens one.  Few things in life can truly challenge courage like a cancer diagnosis.

Through the years, we've been honored to journey with many cancer patients and their families.  And, the one thing that stands out is their unwavering courage to fight and cross that finish line. 

In a small way, the same can be said for Jack's Marathon Team members.  Marathons have a way of testing ones mind, body and spirit. It's a connection to the cancer journey that Jack's Team members often reference.

Many of Jack's Team members are melanoma survivors or are running in honor of a friend or family member diagnosed with the disease. Please take a minute to read their stories in the sections below.  

At Jack's Fund courage is defined as SPF.  It's printed on our shirts.  It's our battle cry.  It's our connection.  Strength. Passion. Focus.

Please support our marathon team as they train long hours, run hills and battle this summer's heat in preparation to cross that finish line and make a difference in the fight against melanoma.  Or, join the team.  We are still welcoming runners.

Your donation supports cutting-edge research efforts, awareness events, educational presentations and free survivorship programs for patients and family members. Every step, every dollar makes a difference.


With gratitude,
Sharon Marston

** Jack's Team Seeking Runners! **
 
new york marathon logo

It's not too late to join Jack's Team and train for one of the world's major marathons. 
There's no place like New York City and no marathon quite like the ING New York City Marathon.

NYC Expo girls with banner 2011

Jack's Team offers runners great benefits, including a free team shirt, dinner in New York and access to great training and fundraising resources.  

Please join us.  

You will truly make a difference in the fight against melanoma.  
 
 
Questions, 
contact Team Coordinator 
Teresa O'Brien  630-853-2669.

Support our

Jack's Marathon Team-Chicago

Gear up for October 7, 2012

Bank of American Chicago Marathon

 

They run in honor or memory of loved  ones ... or they themselves are melanoma survivors.  Each has a unique story and a personal goal supporting Jack's Fund Mission.  

 

At Jack's Fund, we don't spend money on flashy commercials or celebrity affiliations -- we simply promise that every donation entrusted to us will make a difference in the fight against melanoma.       

2011 Chicago Marathon
Jennifer Marston and Tom Johnsen

 

Click here to meet our Chicago team 

and to read their stories. 

   

If you already secured an entry, 

you can still join Jack's Team.   

 

Jack's Team benefits include:   

  • Team shirt(s)   
  • Team dinner   
  • Fundraising and training support  
  • Entry into Balbo tent (free massages, gear check, food, drink, music, potties)  
  • Race day rally station for friends and family at the 13 mile mark.

 

 

 

  

Steve Lutz running
Steve Lutz - Jack's Team Captain
Jack's Team Captain Runs for Those Who Can't ...

 Friends ... I hope this note finds you all well and having a blessed summer! We are within nine weeks of the Chicago marathon and again as I have done the last five years am running this race for a cause, Jack's team. For those not familiar with Jack's team it's in honor of a great friend Jack Marston.  Jack died of melanoma cancer in 2004 and since then a team of runners has come together to raise funds to find a cure for this disease. We run in honor of other loved ones as well. I lost my Mom to liver and bone cancer in 1992, 49 at the time and also my in-laws, Don and Gayle Peters, both passed away from cancer.

We run for friends that have passed away and friends who are battling cancer right now.

I'm asking you to help me in this cause, this battle, this fight!! I will tell you my part first and then explain to you your part.   Read more ...

Runners Take the Fight to New Heights

 

This year Jack's Team member Eric Baker is running the St Louis Marathon and Rebecca Scott is running on Jack's Team-Chicago, but this summer they each represented Jack's Team at the summit.

 

Eric scaled Yosemite's Half Dome and placed the shoe angel flag at the top in memory of his dear friend, Steve Ochs.

 

Eric at Summit of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

Rebecca Scott, in memory of Katy Sirovatka, summited Mt. Washburn in Yellowstone National Park, wearing her new Jack's Fund cap. 

 

Rebecca at Mt. Washburn,  
Yellowstone National Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

To read more about their Strength.Passion.Focus and to support their marathon efforts, 

go to Eric Baker's Page and Rebecca Scott's Page.  

Runners:  Reduce Your Risk 
Yet Maintain Your Mileage
 
Outdoor endurance athletes are at high risk for skin cancer including the deadliest form, melanoma.  
 
Why the higher risk?  In addition to prolonged sun exposure and its UV rays, a study in Sports Medicine has shown that the extreme intensive training leads to marathon runners having depressed immune systems which may promote the development of skin cancers.

 

How Do You Reduce Your Risk and Maintain Your Mileage?  A large responsibility falls on the athlete.
  • UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm so train early morning or in the evening.  
  • Wear sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF and reapply every 2 hours.  
  • Sunscreen wipes are a good option for long runs. They are easy to carry and quick to apply.  
  • Choose UV protective athletic wear. Look for a tag stating UPV of 30 or more.  
  • Wear dark or bright colors to help block the UV rays.   
  • Hats and sunglasses are also recommended.
 

 


Free Skin Cancer Screening  
Saturday, September 8, 2012 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Center for Advanced Care  
First Floor 
 
 
Jack's Fund Scholarship recepients:
David, Tim, Victoria, Maddie, Dayle
4th of July Parade Temps reached 103

On a very sunny, hot and humid afternoon, a large group of committed young leaders and volunteers braved the heat to handout 2,500 sunscreen wipes to grateful families along the parade route in Glen Ellyn, IL.

A heartfelt thank you to this special group!

Because of all your efforts, a fun and sun safe 4th of July was enjoyed by all!

Watch for us next year!
5k course

"This Run's For Jack"

A race of hope and healing  

October 14, 2012, 8:00 AM Start

~fighting melanoma every step of the way~   


Rated one of the best 5k courses in Chicagoland.

Long sleeve shirts, skin checks, melanoma family tent, food, music, chip timing, medals, ribbons, awards, team challenge ...

 

REGISTRATION OPENS August 27

Early registration receives a free black magnet car ribbon (details below) 

 

2012 SPONSORS:  Sponsor contributions help to offset race costs, allowing 100% of a participant's donation to fund melanoma research, awareness and survivorship programs ... more in the next newsletter.   Interested in a sponsorship - please contact Amy

 

WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS:   To volunteer, please click here. 

black ribbon
"fighting melanoma every step of the way"

REGISTRATION FOR "THIS RUN'S FOR JACK" OPENS AUGUST 27. 

**  Watch for next Newsletter  **

 

Free Black magnet car ribbon if you register for "This Run's for Jack" 5k 

BEFORE October 1st.

  

  • Donation must be $25 PER PERSON or more to qualify - no exceptions.
  • Please use this coupon for mail in registrations.
  • Coupon is available with on-line signup at signmeup.com.  




Offer Expires: October 1, 2012