Lindsay MacIver was only 21 years old when she lost her battle with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma characterized by tumors that develop from muscle or fibrous tissue and can grow in any part of the body.
“Lindsay was a great person and unfortunately her life was cut way too short,” said Nicole Garigen, friend.
At the time of diagnosis in March 2002, Lindsay`s cancer was already at stage IV, but her determination to beat “rhabdo” carried her almost two and a half years. She had undergone extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Buffalo`s Roswell Park Cancer Institute in addition to major surgery at Women and Children`s Hospital of Buffalo. Her never-ending smile, bravery, and optimism were an inspiration to all medical staff, social workers, family and friends.
“Throughout her whole battle you would have never known she was in so much pain,” said Garigen. “She always had a smile on her face and she fought every step of the way.”
Garigen said what was even more admirable about Lindsay was that she worried about others more than she worried about herself. After facing this terrible battle herself, she hoped to come back to Roswell and help children in need.
“She really wanted to help other families that were battling cancer,” said Garigen.
That’s why at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 the 12th annual Lindsay’s Legacy 5K will take place to raise funds for Carly’s Club, Roswell Park Cancer Institute`s official pediatric fundraising division, an effort that Lindsay would have loved to support.
The 5K Run starts and ends at Clinton Park, Broad and Clinton Streets, Tonawanda. The entry fee to race is $30. Race-day registration/packet pick-up begins 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Eldredge Bicycle Club, 17 Broad St., Tonawanda. There will also be a post-race party, which is $5 at the door for the general public and free to race participants.
If you cannot attend the event and still wish to make a donation, you may do so by visiting http://lindsays5k.com/register.htm.
