“Everyone has something to contribute. When we’re faced with something painful or difficult, we may feel overwhelmed and powerless to do anything. I know that by participating in the CureSearch Ultimate Hike, I am doing something very important,” shared Katie Oursler. 

When Katie was in graduate school, she spotted a Facebook ad for the Ultimate Hike (UH). An avid hiker, she knew that she wanted to be part of it. She completed the 2019 Canaan Valley Ultimate Hike in West Virginia, trekking 21 miles. Now, she is looking forward to the 2021 Shenandoah hike on May 15 and plans to start training soon.   

“The sense of community from the hike is so strong. It brings together people of compassion all backgrounds: doctors, nurses, researchers, kids, families, friends and individuals who care about children with cancer. And I know first-hand how great the need is to find new treatments and cures.” 

As a Child Life Specialist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, Katie helps children and families cope with illness and loss, throughout their treatment. Working in the hematology and oncology units, she teaches kids about their bodies, the hospital and the procedures they experience. “The biggest satisfaction I get is when I work with a child. I can see how stressed out they are before a procedure. I offer what I can give, explaining what they are going to see, taste and smell, and I answer any questions they may have. It helps to put them at ease. Then, we try to play and have some fun.” 

On a daily basis, Katie sees the need to find better, less-toxic treatments, tailored to children’s bodies. She wishes that more people could have an understanding of what children and families go through. “I see kids at the beginning, middle and end of their of their treatment. They may be remission or at the end of life. I see how much their bodies can change from the disease, how the cancer attacks the body and the debilitating side effects that medications can have. It’s hard to see a child who should be running around and playing outside, who has to live hooked up to tubes in a hospital.” 

That’s why Katie encourages everyone to participate in finding the cures. “We may think that what we have to offer is small in the scheme of things, but our gifts and talents are important—whether that’s fundraising, organizing, research, interpersonal skills, communications or hiking a trail. Everyone can bring something to the table and make a difference.” 

To get involved in one of our CureSearch events and make a difference in the lives of kids with cancer visit https://curesearch.org/fundraise

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About CureSearch 

CureSearch for Children’s Cancer works to end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research with measurable results in an accelerated time frame. CureSearch focuses on advancing the strongest research out of the laboratory and into clinical trials and development, where better, less-toxic treatments can quickly help children. 

For more information, visit curesearch.org, follow CureSearch on Twitter @curesearch or join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/curesearch. 

The post People of Compassion Can Change the Trajectory of Children’s Cancer – A CureSearch Volunteer’s Perspective appeared first on CureSearch for Children's Cancer.

On a quest for better health, Paul “PK” Klenowski promised himself that he would walk or hike at least one mile every day, no matter what. That was 10 years and 17,000 miles ago, and he hasn’t missed a single day. Most importantly, Klenowski’s fitness journey has evolved into something much greater – a mission to end children’s cancer. 

His inspiration came when he met the daughter of a family friend, a little girl named Riley who was stoically battling leukemia. “I saw the effects of the chemo on her body. Her head was bald and she had a feeding tube, yet she didn’t complain. I knew then that I wanted to hike in honor of Riley,” PK shared. 

As luck would have it, PK saw a poster for the CureSearch Ultimate Hike at a local REI store in 2018. The criminologist and college professor vetted CureSearch and then committed to the hike.  

“There were just five weeks left before the hike and I had never asked anyone for money before. I started sending text messages and making phone calls. I was overwhelmed that so many people offered prayers and asked how else they could help. My goal was to raise $2,500, which seemed like a stretch at the time, but I ended up raising $5,000!” said PK. When he saw Riley’s photo displayed at the 19 mile-mark of the hike, PK knew his Ultimate Hike adventure was just beginning. In addition to participating in the 2021 Shenandoah Ultimate Hike in May, PK is taking on an exciting new challenge this year.  On March 12, in Riley’s honor, he will take on the Conquer the Wall Endurance Challenge, a 100-mile run in 35 hours. His goal is to raise at least $10,000 for CureSearch.  

The funds raised through these hikes directly support critical research that’s on the path to quickly becoming a drug accessible to the children who are waiting for new treatment options, and provides innovative platforms that allow stakeholders to work smarter, faster, and more collaboratively. “It’s research that will bring us innovative, new types of treatments that are less harmful and less invasive. The ultimate goal is to find the cures. I was very disturbed when I learned the statistics of how little we do as a nation for pediatric cancer. That’s why raising money for CureSearch is so important,” said PK.

“Thankfully, Riley is a teenager in remission now, but she is dealing with effects from her cancer battle. Through CureSearch events, I have come to know other children with cancer, those who have survived and the families of kids who didn’t make it,” said PK. “At the beginning of each lap that I run in the Endurance Challenge, my nephew will hand me a photo of a child whose life has been impacted by cancer. And I will dedicate that lap to them.”

As an ultra-runner, PK views 35 hours as a small sacrifice to help kids who often suffer for years. “I’m glad that I can do something to fund research for children’s cancer. I do it for the 45 kids diagnosed with cancer every day, their families and the doctors.”  

Supporters can join PK on his fundraising page. You can pledge to sponsor a lap and watch his progress live on the CureSearch Facebook page, beginning 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, continuing through Sunday morning. 

About CureSearch 

CureSearch for Children’s Cancer works to end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research with measurable results in an accelerated time frame. CureSearch focuses on advancing the strongest research out of the laboratory and into clinical trials and development, where better, less-toxic treatments can quickly help children. 

For more information, visit curesearch.org, follow CureSearch on Twitter @curesearch or join the conversation on Facebook at  facebook.com/curesearch. 

About Ultimate Hike

CureSearch’s Ultimate Hike program gives people the opportunity to tell children’s cancer to “take a hike” by trekking 20-30 miles in one day on some of the country’s most beautiful trails. To date, Ultimate Hikers have raised over $6 Million in support of CureSearch’s mission to end childhood cancer.

The training program ensures participants of all fitness levels will be prepared for their Ultimate Hike adventure. Train with a group in an official training cities, or train from anywhere with online support from a coach and teammates. An Ultimate Hike event weekend includes lodging, food, transportation, trail support … and a life-changing experience. CureSearch staff provide fundraising tools and guidance to ensure you reach your goals and help change the odds for children with cancer. Learn more at ultimatehike.org or join the conversation at facebook.com/ultimatehike

The post An Ultra-Runner’s Quest to End Children’s Cancer appeared first on CureSearch for Children's Cancer.