Miles for Moffitt has raised $3.2 million and counting to support cancer research.
Throughout her career as a nurse practitioner, Leah Clark made it her mission to make her patients her No. 1 priority. She cared for them, treated them, supported them and celebrated with them in times of triumph. When it came to her patients, Clark knew what to expect. What she didn’t expect was that the small spot on her upper left arm would turn out to be more than just a blemish.
Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, head of the Sarcoma Department at Moffitt Cancer Center, was a friend and colleague of Clark’s. He was the one who removed her tumor and delivered the terrifying news: she had Stage IIIB melanoma.
Despite her diagnosis, Clark was determined to beat her cancer. Even while she was exploring different treatment options, she continued practicing medicine. She never let her sickness get in the way of her passion. To commemorate the end of her cancer journey, she decided to focus her efforts in giving back to a meaningful cause.
She’s participating in Miles for Moffitt. On May 13, you can join her at Miles for Moffitt presented by AutoNation as the event welcomes runners and walkers to the USF Sun Dome to participate in the 10K, 5K, 1-mile run/walk, wheelchair race and Kids Dash. Supporters can also participate as a virtual runner from the comfort of their couch. As always, 100 percent of all registration fees and donations go directly to support cancer research at Moffitt.
“When I was diagnosed, I only had three options,” Clark says. “Now there are many more choices for melanoma treatment. That’s because of the progress we’ve made through research.”
This article was originally posted on Moffitt.org.
