I am a family physician who was inspired by a patient 10 years ago to join Team In Training (TNT) and run in the Disney Marathon Week races in January.
I formed Team Decker, made up of my wife, sons, and daughters-in-law, 10 years ago. We have participated in the series of races each January for 10 years (minus the COVID-19 year when we ran locally). We have run all the different races at one time or another. In the first year of races, I ran for four patients with blood cancer.
Ten years later, I will run for 167 patients (deceased or survivors). Early in the morning on race day, I solemnly pray for each of my honored patients just before the start. I have never finished any of these races without tears in my eyes, remembering all my patients in their struggles and triumphs.
God willing, I will come back again year after year to honor more courageous people. I am proud to say that Team Decker has raised nearly $200,000 in the last 10 years. God bless everyone associated with Blood Cancer United! Some day we will beat blood cancer!
Dr. Gene
Supporter and fundraiser
