The Fundraising Page of Zoe Scourtes

My family was first impacted by cancer in 2011 as my Dad fought, and later won his battle with prostate cancer. Yet, the fight was not over with cancer as nearly a year later my Mom was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She would leave for days at a time, twice a month to receive radiation, a reality confusing to me at 9 years old. But, like my Dad she fought and won her battle, becoming cancer free months later. However, in the fall of 2012, cancer returned for my Mom as uterine carcinosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer. She continued on, chemo to chemo, but by March of 2013, her fight had come to an end and it was time to say our final goodbyes. Now 10 years old, my reality felt more impossible than confusing. Since the loss of my mother in 2013, I have been reluctant to share our story, to talk about the multiple battles with cancer my family has faced. Yet, as I have decided to run for Gilda’s Club in the 2024 Chicago Marathon, I understand the power of finding community and building a support system that can uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer. As Gilda’s Club mission strives to prove that “Community is Stronger than Cancer,” choosing to support an organization like them was an easy decision. Any donations of any size are appreciated and welcomed as Gilda’s Club is a wonderful organization, one that my family and I once needed. For more information about Gilda’s Club Chicago, please visit their website at www.gildasclubchicago.org.