On June 9 2017, just 29 years old at the time, my dear sister Molly (Brown) Irwin was diagnosed with Stage III Peritoneal Cancer. This is a rare cancer that falls under the umbrella of Ovarian Cancer. She struggled with symptoms for several months before getting a correct diagnosis. She immediately underwent major surgery, recovered, and then endured 18 weekly chemotherapy sessions. The photo above is of Molly and her husband Dennis, celebrating the completion of chemo.

The cancer is not gone completely, but Molly and her doctors have been battling it aggressively and creatively for two years now, and they are winning. Molly is a warrior, and I am in awe of her strength. Her family and friends are with her every step of the way, and always will be.

On November 3, I am taking a whole lot of steps, and asking for everyone to support her and me on this journey. I will run and finish the New York City Marathon, to raise money for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. There is no effective screening for ovarian cancer. Molly wants to make early detection a reality, and we are going to help provide the funds to get it done.

I have never run a marathon. The longest race I have ever completed was a half marathon, nearly nine years ago. That changes in November.

Below: Molly and Dennis after they got married in our parents’ living room, with me and my wife Caitlin. Dennis proposed to Molly on the night before she started chemo.