Daniel Agar
- National: 4435th
- State: 206th in MI
My Story
I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in July 1996 after weeks of lethargy, bruising, and joint pain. I started treatment immediately at the Rose Cancer Center at William Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak; an intensive round of chemo to induce remission quickly, and spent 2 weeks in the hospital. At the time of diagnosis, the 5-year survival rate was 70% - the best for any cancer, but still NOT good enough.
I spent 3y3m in treatment - and I'm happy to say I'm still cancer-free.
I know this put an enormous emotional burden on my family, but in a weird way we were still lucky:
-We had health insurance.
-Beaumont RO was #2 hospital in Michigan, and was part of a consortium of over 440 hospitals nationwide (including the really big ones) that standardized treatment protocols.
-The team that treated me were extremely intelligent, empathetic, and supportive.
-The disease I had was very treatable by cancer standards.
This is not true for everyone fighting cancer. Some diseases, such as DIPG, have survival rates in the single-digits. Lots of people are uninsured or underinsured, and choosing to fight necessarily incurs large debts. Some, if not subject to these factors, still face years of treatment that is very emotionally and physically challenging.
Though we've come a long way in the past 30 years, there is so much more left to do. That is why we still raise money to fund research, provide coverage when insurance fails, build improved facilities, and train and educate staff to meet the demands of an often-demoralizing work environment.
I would like to give a special thanks to all the amazing staff, particularly Lisa Muma, RN, and Charles Main, MD, *and of course to my family who has been my solid foundation for 30 years*
Compared to the task at hand, this fundraiser is a small thing. EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS, so please consider donating.
I am riding for everyone past, present, and future who has to face this Emporer of All Maladies.
My Legacy
-
261 mi Ridden$783 Raised2022
-
92 mi Ridden$212 Raised2023
My Challenge
-
$250 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 10 days ago -
$100 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 14 days ago
My Sponsors
-
Michael Williams
$124.20Received this donation 10 days ago -
Sam Ansaldi
“I miss you buddy! Right after you moved, I received a diagnosis for a basal cell carcinoma. Nothing serious. A fully successful removal with surgery and no chemo needed. Regardless of the type, no kid should have to go through a disease like cancer. I'm proud of you for what you are doing, and for what you have overcome.”
$124.20Received this donation 14 days ago
Daniel
“Sam, Thank you so much for your generosity! I agree, but will take it a step further - no one should have cancer. I'm sorry about your diagnosis and I am very glad it was easily resolved! I miss you too. I'm coming back to Michigan in a week or two. I'll be around 4 months minimum, so you know what that means: Planet Rock's favorite climbing duo is back on! See ya soon”
-
Sean Lobos
“Love you buddy. Keep up the good fight”
$51.75Received this donation 12 days ago -
Cathrine Klein
$36.23Received this donation 13 days ago -
Daniel Agar
“Kicking things off with my own personal donation to fight kids' cancer!”
$36.23Received this donation 14 days ago