Ishan Rola

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! This summer, my father was diagnosed with an advanced mouth cancer. The diagnosis shocked our entire family and our friends, and has been a terrifying reminder of the devastating impacts cancer can have on your loved ones. It takes away autonomy, normality, and hope. Fortunately, we have a loving and supportive community that has allowed us to remain strong and hopeful. My mother and brother have done so much to support him, along with our amazing family and friends at home and abroad. 

Unfortunately, others are not as lucky. There are not enough resources to transition and support patients into this new diagnosis. It makes it hard for them to realize that there is a fulfilling life to live, even with cancer.  Many people view cancer as a dooming diagnosis - that the only possible outcomes are cure or death. But that usually is not the case and can be a distraction from what truly matters. It can be particularly hard in patients who come from cultures that believe supportive care is "giving up" and do not reconcile well with death. However, I do not view cancer as an acute condition, but rather as a chronic condition. It can be managed and lived with for years if patients are given the right tools and support.

I am in my final year of medical school and my dream is to become a cancer doctor.  I want to do my part to help people who were recently diagnosed get the support they need to continue to live a fulfilling life. I am running this specific marathon to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. This fundraiser will support social, financial, and navigation resources for newly diagnosed patients. I also aim to finally complete a half-marathon for the first time ever, a goal that I've always pushed aside. I'm excited to start training at home so I can continue to fight with my Dad.