11th Hour Racing's Leadership Team

"We Run For Those Who Cannot..."

The 11th Hour Racing team just before participating in the 2017 Love Run Half-Marathon.

By Nicholas Malfitano

With both a recent transition and growth in the 11th Hour Racing organization, we wanted to take this opportunity to formally introduce the public to our leadership team. Acting as the central nexus of the group, each individual on the leadership team plays an integral role in achieving the collective core mission of 11th Hour Racing: To support critical patients by reducing their financial burden, so they may concentrate on fighting their illness and spending time with their loved ones.

In their own words, here are the stories behind the people on the leadership team. Read on to learn how they came to the sport of running, how they were introduced to 11th Hour Racing and their thoughts on participating in the group's special chosen cause.

Regina Hastings

President

A high school English teacher and writer, Regina Hastings joined 11th Hour Racing's team during the summer of 2016. Having just received a breast cancer diagnosis, she channeled her energy during the treatment process into teaching yoga before the Saturday morning bridge runs and organizing fundraising events. In Spring 2017, Regina moved into the role of President of the organization. Loving the support and camaraderie of the group, she is putting energy into developing the junior running team, as well as connecting with patients and survivors who seek wellness outlets to handle health issues. When you ask about her involvement, she'll easily reply: "11th Hour Racing's ability to connect runners from across so many areas to run extra miles for those in need is truly incredible. It's a true testament to the generosity of spirit found within this awesome community."

Mary Wierzbicki

Development Manager

I started running intermittently after my divorce 5 years ago. Then, about 4 years ago, a friend of my brother's completed her first half-marathon as she finished chemo. So I figured if she can do that, I needed to start appreciating my healthy body and get moving. I think I've completed 7 half-marathons to date (1 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and recently, my first Broad Street Run.

I met Regina last summer and wanted to get involved in something bigger than me, with a purpose to help others...again, because I am healthy, I should do more to help those who are not as fortunate. She asked me to be a link between fundraisers and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital personnel running the website, and here we are. I have 2 teenagers and a dog, lol.

Mary McBride
Social Media Manager 

My name is Mary, but my whole family and most of my close friends call me "MC". I have lived in Philadelphia my entire life. I LOVE this city. I went to school for chemistry at Temple University (Go Owls!) and work for the Philadelphia Police Department, supervising the Forensic Drug Chemistry unit. I am the very proud mother of a little diva named Lorelei; she is the light of my life.

I started running in 2004 or 2005, kind of on a dare. I had been working out consistently since 2002 or so, and managed to shed 40 pounds of college weight. A co-worker, who was a runner, challenged me to get on a treadmill at the gym that night. I did, and ran 3 miles. I spent a good while running on the treadmill before finally venturing outside, and boy, am I glad I did! Hitting the pavement allowed me to connect with other runners, nature and myself. I've made a ton of friends and most importantly, met my boyfriend, Keith, through running. The running community is one of the most dedicated and supportive communities out there. Enter 11th Hour Racing. I met Mike Rowe at a Yards Bridge Run and learned about 11th Hour. I attended some fundraisers and donated money to my friends doing the #WinterSelfieChallenge; but, it wasn't until Regina reached out to me to ask if I was interested in managing social media for the team that I really became involved on a regular basis. The offer came at a time in my life when I really didn't have any extra time, but I couldn't pass up the chance to be involved with such a wonderful group. And, honestly, those of you who know me know that it's not a stretch for me to be posting about running on social media daily already! I am proud to be on the 11th Hour Racing Leadership Team! 

Karen Werme

Patient Services Manager

Hi! My name is Karen Werme and I'm a single mom to a 10 year-old daughter, a marathon runner and a volunteer for multiple organizations. I'm also a business owner, I own multiple child care centers in Old City, Philadelphia. People often ask me how I got into that business, it's what I always wanted to do. Literally, in my eighth grade yearbook next to my graduating photo, I wrote: "I want to own a daycare when I grow up." One of my favorite quotes is, "She believed she could, so she did", and I try to live my life by that on a daily basis.

Chalie Craige
Development Advisor

Chalie has been in the non-profit/volunteer world for quite some time. He was a Board Member and eventual President of the Council Rock South Ice Hockey Program and Current President of the Danny Craige Foundation, which was established to assist children reach their educational goals. Also a Board Member of the Philadelphia Citizens Crime Commission, where he received the "Award Of Merit" in 2014 for his assistance in local crime solving. He is also a member of The DVIC Round Table (a Law Enforcement Information Sharing Community), Chairman of the United Way at his place of employment, Co-Chair of the "Adopt-A-School" program at Waring Elementary School and Board Member of the "Friends Of Waring" community group. He has also assisted other non-profits get their start, such as "Lauren's Angels", "The Ryan Lesher Foundation", "The Mary Barb Bell Foundation" and "David's New Day" by lending guidance, assistance and getting them off the ground. When not running, he is the Director of Asset Protection and Security for Parkway Corporation, covering 90 locations in 2 countries. Chalie is a product of St. Martin of Tours, Cardinal Dougherty and LaSalle College (yes, "College", that dates him :-).

Chalie started running just 18 months ago, after sponsoring a friend's charity. His blazing speed of 32 minutes on his first 5K nearly ended his running career...he tried a few more and now consistently runs 23:15 or so 5K's, and has completed 4 half-marathons. He came to 11th Hour Racing last year, and will assist in events and consult on fundraising ideas. When 11th Hour needs something, his general response is, "I gotta guy", and that generally turns out to be accurate. Chalie's personal goal this year is to run 1,000 miles.

Nick Piscitelli

Team Manager

I started running faithfully in March 2015. I was overweight and my health was not where I wanted it to be. It was very difficult at first, but I had support. I would run a mile, and feel like I ran 10. But with each day/week/month, I got better, and I started to absolutely love it.

I then found all the running clubs, and 11th Hour Racing in particular was one I gravitated to. Just being able to help cancer patients in need that are going through some really difficult times was very rewarding. I continue to help where I can, and will do so for as long as I can. "We run for those who cannot."

Kevin Mulvey

Team Manager

Born and raised in Northeast Philly. I was an athlete in high school, but after that, I proceeded to gain weight, year after year, until I was close to 300 lbs. In 2012, I made a decision to change my life. I had two kids under 3 years old at home and wanted to set a good example. I quit all my unhealthy habits, started eating right and signed up for a 5K. At this point, I couldn't even run a quarter-mile. As the weight started to come off, the distances got longer. In 2013, I lost 60 lbs. and ran my first 5K, 5-miler, 10K, and half-marathon within 9 months. From that point on, I was hooked. For the next 2 years, I completed several more halfs and finally decided to commit to a full marathon. In 2015, I completed my first full marathon with my kids waiting for me at the finish line. This was a true life-changing experience. Throughout this time, I also took up triathlons as a sport, and competed in several over the last few years with friends. In 2016, myself and two other friends decided to start our own triathlon team, so we could race together and mentor athletes who were interested in getting involved in the sport. We formed the "NE Philly Triathlon Team."

Around the same time, I was introduced to Mike Rowe and we became friends through the running community. He introduced me to 11th Hour Racing and I got involved in several of their charity functions. His passion for the cause was contagious, and we started discussing ways that we could partner together to expand 11th Hour's reach throughout the running and triathlon community.

Nicholas Malfitano
Team Manager & Writer

I began running in January 2013, upon my move from my hometown of Toms River, New Jersey to my then-new residence of Salem, Massachusetts. After my time in Massachusetts came to an end, my commitment to running did not and I continued to lace up the sneakers both for fun in my free time and for occasional races. However, I took my interest in and devotion to running to another level when I moved here to Philadelphia in September 2014. For the following two years, I gradually immersed myself in Philadelphia's running community and found myself a part of a family: One not connected by blood, but by friendship and common purpose. I knew I had found where I belonged. In that period of time, one of the runners I met was Mike Rowe, the founder of an organization called 11th Hour Racing. 

In September 2016, Mike privately contacted me and asked me to consider taking on the role of 11th Hour Racing's Writer, specifically taking over content production for the organization's online blog titled "Philadelphia's Champions". The blog showcases local warriors who are battling cancer, those who have defeated cancer and 11th Hour's allies who assist in fulfilling the group's mission. I was both honored by the request and somewhat confused, as I didn't remember telling Mike about my professional career in our conversations. At that point in time, I was a working journalist with 10 years of experience — and I can only infer Mike had seen a sample of my work before offering me the Writer position. But beyond that, a more personal reason led me to accept the role: Cancer has deeply affected my family. I've lost both of my grandfathers and one of my uncles to the disease, in addition to extended family members and friends, and have a godmother who survived two rounds with breast cancer. Having the opportunity to use my talents to showcase those fighting cancer and those assisting them in that fight? It may have been the easiest answer of my life: A resounding "Yes". Since that time, it has been my honor to participate in assisting 11th Hour's cause and I hope to have the opportunity to do so for years to come.

Matt Hastings

Team Manager

I have been married for 27 years to my wonderful wife, Lori. I have 3 great kids: Joe, 25; Emma, 23; and Jenna, 20. My job, when I am not running, is I buy houses and fix them up to rent or sell. I have been into running for most of my life. For the last 16 years, I have gotten really serious about running. I have run in most of the popular races in the Philly area, and I have done some traveling to do marathons. I have completed 7 marathons, with one of them being Boston. 

Regina and Lori had both talked to me about running with this group that ran the Ben Franklin Bridge every Saturday. The first event I attended was a fundraiser at Donna's Bar, and I could not believe how many people showed up and the passion they had for this cause. Mike Rowe had said he wanted to start doing work on some homes of the patients at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and wanted to know if I could help out. We partnered with Wells Fargo to do this house in South Philly with about 25 people. From that point on, I was hooked, and saw the great impact that 11th Hour Racing could have on the community. Running and helping out cancer patients: What could be better?

Fred Druding — Team Advisor

Julie Sierra — Team Advisor

11th Hour exists because no family should endure the added burden of financial hardship while they are fighting cancer. We seek to lessen or even eliminate these burdens, so patients may focus on recovery, and their families on spending time with their loved ones.

If you are able, please help 11th Hour Racing support people in our city fighting cancer, and unable to pay their bills by making a tax-deductible donation. Your support will prevent evictions, purchase food, clothing, medicine, and ensure utilities are not shut off.

Support A Local Cancer Patient

Check out the new crowdfunding page for 11th Hour Racing at the following link, as a new way to support the group! Thank you so much for your generosity!

Support 11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing's Mary Chicorelli

Ally/Legal Advocate

Attorney Mary Chicorelli advocates on behalf of the underprivileged community in Philadelphia, including patients of 11th Hour Racing, through her firm Equal Access Legal Services. (Photo Credit: Kelly A. Burkhardt)

By Nicholas Malfitano

A dedicated attorney and ally of 11^th Hour Racing, Mary Chicorelli offers her practiced legal expertise to those most in need of it.

A holder of a B.A. from Salisbury University, an M.A. from Rutgers University and a J.D. from the New England School of Law, Mary began by explaining how she first came to ally herself with 11^th Hour Racing.

“I think I first heard of Mike Rowe on the RUN 215 Facebook page,” Mary said. “Sometimes he posts stuff on there and he’ll talk about 11^th Hour Racing. Last year, I was involved in this called “A Prom To Remember”, which is a prom dance for kids with cancer.”

That event, created by organization in Florida, was in need of more volunteers last year, and Mary accepted the invite.

“[Later], I think I needed help. One of my buddies, Charlie Ellison, who’s pretty involved in community stuff said, “You need to get in touch with Mike Rowe.” My first initial contact with him was last year. I reached out to him again, because they were planning “A Prom To Remember” again for the spring of 2017. I was trying to figure out who to contact in the medical world, because that’s not my realm at all,” Mary said.

Mary added Mike learned she had started a non-profit law firm in Philadelphia named Equal Access Legal Services in August 2016, geared towards providing pro bono legal consultation and services to the financially-disadvantaged in the community.

“Recently, one day, Mike reached out to me and said, “We need a lawyer for this one issue,” Mary said, referring to an 11^th Hour Racing patient who was involved in a billing matter with Philadelphia Gas Works over her heating bill. That was more of making phone calls to people I know, rather than representing her. Although if it comes to it, I’d obviously be happy to do that as well.”

Mary explained the resident patient in question was afflicted with Stage IV cancer which had spread to her lymph nodes, and was first diagnosed back in 2014.

“She stopped working and I think her husband had lost his job, so they weren’t able to pay any of their bills. So then, you start prioritizing your bills, right? Which ones am I going to pay with what dollars I’m going to get?” Mary said.

Mary said between unpaid bills, fees and fines, the PGW obligation had accrued to an amount of nearly $5,000.00.

“Somebody at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center contacted Mike about the bill, and Mike was trying to raise money. They were able to raise a substantial amount to cover this winter, but PGW required the payment in full. Basically, I was calling anybody and everybody, and every politician I could think of, to try and get [their service] turned back on without them having to pay the entire thing,” Mary said.

At this point, Mary said a member of the Philadelphia City Council who she preferred to leave anonymous had contacted the patient in question and was actively assisting her with the PGW billing situation.

“Hopefully, it works out. Fortunately, this has been a pretty mild winter,” Mary added. “That was a no-brainer for me [to get involved]. Too many people just need a little help, you know? What I have definitely learned since opening this practice is that a very small amount of compassion goes a long, long way. You just don’t realize how people are treated on a daily basis until you start actually listening to people and trying to help them.”

In that area, Mary commented she has had nothing but positive experiences in consulting her clients. Mary also mentioned other areas of the law her legal practice would address for those in need, such as immigration issues, plus probate and wills.

Mary herself is a distance runner, with her last long run taking place during the Philadelphia Marathon in November 2015. However, she was badly injured during the race with plantar fasciitis in both of her feet and was forced to take a year off from running – but is now slowly rebuilding her running endurance.

“Once I go back to my longer runs, I’m going to go out running with Mike for one of his fundraising things. My goal is to get back up to a 6-mile to 7-mile run so I can run with [11^th Hour Racing],” Mary stated.

Mary added she would enjoy the opportunity to participate in fundraising events with 11^th Hour Racing and offer more legal advice to those in need of it.

  

“Any time you need legal help, I hope Mike knows that, that I’m only a phone call away now. If I can’t help you or help the person, I’ll definitely try to find someone who can,” Mary stated.

Mary also detailed her own individual connection to the cause of 11^th Hour Racing.

“I think what you guys do is amazing. I have a family member that has cancer, so it is extremely personal to me, what you guys do. I think that if there were more people like Mike, there would be less people to worry about. You guys are doing really good things. Altruism personified,” Mary said. 

Runners, this is a call to action! If you would like to directly support 11th Hour Racing and enjoy a great race through one of the oldest and most storied university campuses in the country in the process, sign up for the Rutgers University Unite Half Marathon! The race takes place at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on April 9.

For all registered runners, regardless of individual or team participation, free bus transportation will be provided to and from the race. The bus will pick up all runners in front of City Tap House in Logan Square at 5:30 a.m. on race day. In addition, City Tap House is hosting the race after-party upon runners returning to Philadelphia, featuring happy hour-priced drinks. A cover charge of $10 at the door will be directly donated to 11th Hour Racing! More information may be found on the race's Facebook page, and please confirm your attendance on 11th Hour Racing's Facebook event page for the race.

11th Hour exists because no family should endure the added burden of financial hardship while they are fighting cancer. We seek to lessen or even eliminate these burdens, so patients may focus on recovery, and their families on spending time with their loved ones.

If you are able, please help 11th Hour Racing support people in our city fighting cancer, and unable to pay their bills by making a tax-deductible donation. Your support will prevent evictions, purchase food, clothing, medicine, and ensure utilities are not shut off.

Support A Local Cancer Patient

Check out the new crowdfunding page for 11th Hour Racing at the following link, as a new way to support the group! Thank you so much for your generosity!

Support 11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing's Will Craig

Husband/Father/Warrior

Will Craig at home, with his wife Brittany Slaughter and sons Ian Elliott (right) and Fox (middle).

By Nicholas Malfitano

Husband. Father. Brave. Fighter. Each of these words and countless more aptly describe 27 year-old William “Will” Craig of Philadelphia. 

Will resides in North Philadelphia with his wife of six years, Brittany Slaughter, and children, 12 year-old Ian Elliott and 5 year-old Fox.

“I worked at Drexel University as a security officer, I did mobile security,” Will said. “I drove around the campus making sure everything is OK, checking for lost items or if people are hurt, or for someone who needs help.”

Will added he soon plans to transition into another career as a corrections officer, after completing future training in Philadelphia – a professional pursuit slowed only by his learning of his cancer diagnosis, just under one year ago.

“It’s Stage III colon cancer. I went in for a routine check-up in February for my asthma. It was my wife who let the doctor know that I was very cold, because I don’t go to the doctor very often,” Will explained.

Will ascribed this aversion of doctors and hospitals to suffering the loss of his brother at age 17, followed by the passing of his mother when he was 20.

“We got blood work done and the results came back, which said I was extremely anemic. I got a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, and that’s when they noticed I had polyps. From there, I met Dr. Benjamin Philips [of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital], and he is the one who removed my colon [in May]. It was like a week-long process of being in the hospital,” Will recalled.

Will said at that time he had never undergone surgery before, and experienced complications during the procedure; something he described as both “scary” and “painful”.

About a month later, Will said his doctors had examined his colon and told him that his cancer, which they initially believed had been caught early, was instead at Stage III. This urgency caused Will to begin chemotherapy treatments with Dr. Michael Ramirez at Methodist Hospital in June.

“I used to go to chemotherapy with my mom [during her illness]. So, I was kind of freaked out at first about the whole process. But once I got started, it was good. The nurses were very nice, the doctors were very sweet. They really took care of me,” Will stated.

Will Craig and family with Philadelphia runner Amy Murphy Pohl, who presented the family with tickets to "Disney On Ice" at the Wells Fargo Center as a Christmas gift.

Will explained how from there, he was put in touch with Jodi Sandos of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. From that connection, Will was introduced to 11th Hour Racing and its founder Mike Rowe, in mid-to-late July.

“They asked me about my family,” Will said. “They’ve been helping me, helping us, ever since. With support, financial, emotional, everything.” 

Will said he and his family handled the difficulties resulting from his diagnosis the best that they could on their own prior to 11th Hour Racing’s intervention, but making ends meet proved to be a challenge.

“We didn’t have anyone to lean on. We sat down with Mike and he was telling us about the program with 11th Hour Racing, and how they had helped a lot of families,” Will said.

At that meeting, Will remembers his 5 year-old son Fox drew Mike a picture of a pink bunny, with his own name next to it. In the coming weeks, Will spoke of many benefit events 11th Hour Racing conducted, in an effort to help him and his family with the new burdens they found themselves faced with.

“The biggest stress for me was financial. They helped with all of that. The bills, the rent, gas. They also helped with the kids, for food and for their uniforms. They helped with Christmas. We had a great Christmas because of them.”

Will explained the organization secured tickets for he and his family to see “Disney On Ice” at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, a show which he said he and his family enjoyed greatly.

  

Volunteers from 11th Hour Racing, CoreFitness and Torresdale Beer Runners recently assisted Will Craig and family with the move to their new residence.

A recent change in circumstances necessitated Will and his family to secure new housing. With the aid of approximately 10 volunteers from 11th Hour Racing, CoreFitness and Torresdale Beer Runners, Will said he and his family’s recent change of address went “very fast” despite moving the entirety of their house in the process.

“We got in and got out. It was really quick, maybe an hour and a half to two hours, tops,” Will said. 

After the move, the organization’s volunteers, plus Will and his family, enjoyed a cookout together and mutually relaxed after the relocation.

As far as his medical prognosis, Will explained he was feeling “much better” as of late, and is due to attend a cancer assessment check-up this month. The first of many as it were, since Will must receive regular examinations twice a year for the rest of his life, in addition to an annual colonoscopy. However, Will was happy to share the news that he recently completed his chemotherapy on Dec. 1.

Furthermore, Will stated though he has never been a runner before in his life, another goal in his battle is to recover enough physically to one day run with 11th Hour Racing.

“I’m trying to get myself together so I can go out there with them,” Will said, who complimented the organization on their dedication to its mission of assisting cancer patients and their families.

Will concluded by offering a special note of tribute and gratitude to his wife, Brittany. 

“She took a lot on from this, she had to take everything on herself. From helping me with my appointments and getting me to my appointments. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t even be here. She’s been one of my biggest supports throughout this whole process, taking care of me and being there for whatever I need,” Will said.

Runners, this is a call to action! If you would like to directly support 11th Hour Racing and enjoy a great race through one of the oldest and most storied university campuses in the country in the process, sign up for the Rutgers University Unite Half Marathon! The race takes place at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on April 9.

For all registered runners, regardless of individual or team participation, free bus transportation will be provided to and from the race. The bus will pick up all runners in front of City Tap House in Logan Square at 5:30 a.m. on race day. In addition, City Tap House is hosting the race after-party upon runners returning to Philadelphia, featuring happy hour-priced drinks. A cover charge of $10 at the door will be directly donated to 11th Hour Racing! More information may be found on the race's Facebook page, and please confirm your attendance on 11th Hour Racing's Facebook event page for the race.

11th Hour exists because no family should endure the added burden of financial hardship while they are fighting cancer. We seek to lessen or even eliminate these burdens, so patients may focus on recovery, and their families on spending time with their loved ones.

If you are able, please help 11th Hour Racing support people in our city fighting cancer, and unable to pay their bills by making a tax-deductible donation. Your support will prevent evictions, purchase food, clothing, medicine, and ensure utilities are not shut off.

Support A Local Cancer Patient

Check out the new crowdfunding page for 11th Hour Racing at the following link, as a new way to support the group! Thank you so much for your generosity!

Support 11th Hour Racing

Legacy of Hope

July Challenge Medal

In July 2016 a group of runners from Philadelphia set out to run enough miles, and raise enough money to prevent a mother with stage four cancer from losing her home. 3500 miles later this remarkable group of runners exceeded all expectations, and raised enough money to prevent two local cancer patients from losing their homes. More than their 3500 miles run in a single month, the group's resolve and solidarity shown throughout the July Challenge was a shining example of the Philadelphia running community's potential to help local cancer patients in their 11th hour.

Please join us at 7:45pm, January 11th on the first floor of Jefferson's Hamilton building as we recognize these inspiring runners, and several others who have shown an unwavering dedication to 11th Hour Racing and Philadelphia cancer patients. Friends and family are invited to this informal event where food and drinks will be provided.

Runners of all abilities, and from any group are encouraged to join 11th Hour Racing as we take a road trip to the Unite Half Marathon. The bus is free for all runners who taking five minutes to set up a fundraising page to help support Philadelphia cancer patients (no minimums). More info can be found by visiting the event page.

"We race to ease the burden of those fighting cancer; we race for those who cannot...we are 11th Hour Racing."

11th Hour Racing's Paul Vidal

Runner/Business Owner/Philanthropist

Paul Vidal taking in a run along the Manayunk Canal Towpath

By Nicholas Malfitano

An avid runner and dedicated philanthropist, Paul Vidal is a familiar face to both local runners and running-based charities. 

Paul resides in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia with his wife Natacha and their children.

“We’ve been living in Philadelphia for about 7 years now,” Paul said. “We first moved into Center City, then South Philly and now Manayunk. We moved from France and I moved for my work.”

A sales director for a technology company, Paul explained Natacha was a physical therapist in France who worked with athletes and other patients.

After later moving with Paul to the U.S., Natacha acquired her professional license and the couple began their business in earnest in 2010. The business, PhilaMassages, has two locations – one in Rittenhouse Square and the other which recently opened in Manayunk.

Paul explained that massage and stretching helps with circulation and therefore, race recovery.

“Anybody on our staff is very competent and we've spent a lot of time training them. They go through a training period before even starting. That's super-important. There's no one better than us at sports massage in Philly. What we do well, we do it the best,” Paul said.

Paul also recalled the time when he initially became a runner, which also served as the first occasion he became involved with Philadelphia’s running community.

“I remember somebody asked me if I wanted to be part of a race for Back On My Feet, In24,” Paul said. 

In its most difficult of five iterations, the race is a 24 hour-long endurance event which tests its participants by challenging them to complete as many loops as possible of the 8.4-mile distance from the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Fairmount Park to the Falls Bridge in East Falls, encompassing both Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Drive – a route commonly known among Philadelphia runners as “The River Loop”.

“[The organizers] said we should go and bring our [massage] table, people will appreciate it and it will give you a bit of publicity,” Paul said. “I had never really run in my life before except on treadmills, and I did three loops that day. From there, I started reaching out to the [running] community.”

Paul & Natacha Vidal's business, PhilaMassages, generously supports several running-based charitable organizations in the Philadelphia area

Paul said he contacted the retail store Philadelphia Runner and trained with Team Philly, before registering for and participating in the Harrisburg Marathon in 2010. With humor and a generous amount of self-deprecating humility, Paul remembered his first experience running a marathon.

“I made every rookie mistake you can think of: I messed up the nutrition, I went out too fast and I paid the price. I had gastric problems at Mile 20 and it was the most exposed [route section] of all the race, where everyone could see everything,” Paul laughed.

Paul added he increased his training efforts for the Ocean Drive Marathon, held in Cape May, N.J., in 2011. His hard work paid off, as he completed the race in a breezy 2:59:55, but he was soon sidelined by a pair of stress fractures.

After recovering from his injuries and putting in more hours of training over the next few years, Paul succeeded in PR’ing at the Philadelphia Marathon a few weeks ago, putting down an impressive time of 2:53:52. With running having become “a part of his life”, he hopes to break 2:50:00 for a marathon at some point. 

In addition to road running, Paul loves trail running and counts the half-marathon as his favorite distance. The dedicated runner is also putting in more time to increase his speed in the 5K, from its current mark of just over 17:00. 

But Paul remains humble and self-effacing about his running prowess, calling the opportunity to participate in the sport “a privilege.”

“I don’t like to talk about my speed much,” he explained.

  

An avid runner, Paul completed the Rocky Run 10K in 2014 among many other races.

Paul turned the conversation to PhilaMassages’ efforts to help the local community.

“We focus on runners and other athletes. We love to help out 11th Hour Racing, we’ve worked with Back On My Feet, we’ve worked with Students Run Philly Style,” Paul said. “We try to give back as much as we can. Within the company, we are extremely inclusive and we try to be as fair as possible, all the while maintaining something that is affordable for people to come in on a regular basis.”

“Ultimately, the people that you meet in the running community, running is very easily unifying. You see that at 11th Hour Racing, it’s a great way to bring people together,” Paul continued.

Paul commented how much he enjoyed running with the Back On My Feet crew, whose mission is to assist the homeless community of Philadelphia, and that it was also great to have the assistance of local runner David April and the club he founded, the Fishtown Beer Runners, whose support Paul called “amazing.”

As for 11th Hour Racing, Paul explained that connection began with a telephone call in the summer of 2015 from group founder and fellow runner Mike Rowe.

“He gave me a call when I was running. We talked a little bit and he told me what they were trying to do. Of course, I was happy to help him. We’ve been working with them since then,” Paul remembered.

As far as a defining factor that inspired Paul to lend his assistance to 11th Hour Racing, Paul said it “came down to the people.”

“The conviction that I saw and the energy that I saw in the group itself, the consistency and reliability was definitely a factor,” Paul said, who concluded he was amazed by the work the group does.

11th Hour exists because no family should endure the added burden of financial hardship while they are fighting cancer. We seek to lessen or even eliminate these burdens, so patients may focus on recovery, and their families on spending time with their loved ones.

If you are able, please help 11th Hour Racing support people in our city fighting cancer, and unable to pay their bills by making a tax-deductible donation. Your support will prevent evictions, purchase food, clothing, medicine, and ensure utilities are not shut off.

Support A Local Cancer Patient

This is a call to action! Check out the new crowdfunding page for 11th Hour Racing at the following link, as a new way to support the group! Thank you so much for your generosity!

Support 11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing's Tiffany Duncan Kidd

Leukemia Survivor/Half Marathoner

Tiffany Duncan Kidd completing the 2016 Love Run Half Marathon

By Nicholas Malfitano

Whether it’s navigating the race course or in battling leukemia, Tiffany Duncan Kidd knows how to go the distance.

A native of Ontario, Canada, Tiffany resides in Northeast Philadelphia with her husband of 8 years, Bob. The couple first met in 2006, while participating as marching band musicians in a drum and bugle corps.

It was during that experience that Tiffany would be faced with the fight of her life.

“I really didn’t present having cancer at all,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany explained she began feeling that something was not quite right near the 4th of July in 2008, when she had difficulty remembering routines for her marching band activities.

Moreover, she recalled a key moment where a young lady accidentally hit her in the thigh with a flagpole – an innocuous moment which Tiffany later credited with saving her life.

“She hit me with the flagpole and my leg didn’t bruise,” Tiffany explained. “The instep of my foot turned black-and-blue. I thought nothing of it.”

Tiffany’s symptoms of disorientation continued, which she chalked up to heat and stress in rehearsing her intricate marching band routines. She would soon learn differently.

A fellow member of the drum and bugle corps encouraged Tiffany to go to a doctor to get the bruise and other concerns checked out.

Though preliminary examinations at her family doctor appeared normal, Tiffany stated she was still concerned and had now started to hemorrhage.

The hemorrhaging led Tiffany to Holy Redeemer Hospital’s emergency room; Tiffany remarked that’s when the proverbial “stuff” hit the fan.

“At that time, all they could tell me was there was something wrong with my blood. Later that evening, the preliminary test came back and they came back and told me and Bob, who was in the room, that I had cancer,” Tiffany recalled.

 To complicate the matter, hospital personnel informed her she had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a condition which causes proteins in charge of the body’s blood clotting to become overactive. In addition, as the coagulation process consumes clotting factors and platelets, normal clotting is disrupted and severe bleeding can occur from various sites.

The situation became urgent, as Tiffany was then admitted to the hospital for blood and platelet transfusions. At the end of that weekend, a bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Tiffany was diagnosed with a form of acute myeloid leukemia, also known as Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Her treatment began with induction therapy starting around July 16, 2008, but her body rejected the initial ATRA treatment plan.

“I ended up in the ICU a few short days into treatment. They were concerned about fluid that had surrounded my heart…” Tiffany said. “But I survived the week in ICU, continued the rest of induction treatments, three consolidation treatments (totally nearly 6 months in and out of the hospital, numerous blood and platelet transfusions) and then 2 more years of maintenance chemotherapy...8 years later, here I am.”

But, subsequent to the completion of the induction round of chemotherapy, a wonderful occasion took place as Tiffany’s then-boyfriend Bob proposed marriage at the site of their first date in December 2006, the Oceanaire Seafood Room restaurant in Center City (which has since closed).

Tiffany Duncan Kidd met her husband Bob Kidd in 2006. The couple recently celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary

The couple were married in October 2008, and Tiffany would return to the hospital directly following the wedding ceremony. But no matter what came to pass, Tiffany displayed the resilience and will to battle on.

“You can choose your attitude, you can choose how you’re going to approach it, you can choose how you’re going to deal with it, and you can choose how you’re going to move through it,” Tiffany said. “I will do what it takes to get to the next step. And I’ll just keep getting to the next step, because there’s always going to be a next step.”

Speaking of steps, Tiffany began her running endeavors in Philadelphia by participating in a “Light The Night” walk in FDR Park for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in 2009; a tough task, as she dealt with overcoming atrophy in her legs following her long hospital stays.

  

Involvement with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society inspired Tiffany Duncan Kidd to sign up for her first half marathon, the Philadelphia Half Marathon

A later meeting with members of Team In Training, the flagship fundraising arm of LLS, inspired Tiffany to sign up for the Philadelphia Half Marathon in 2010. “It didn’t dawn on me to not do it. Why wouldn’t you?” Tiffany said.

 Though the event proved a challenge, particularly since Tiffany missed many days of training while she was still going through maintenance chemo treatments, she remembers that she was doing her best to keep her eyes on the prize, not look back and get to the next mile. Support from her Team In Training coaches and fellow cancer survivor Steve Brown kept her focused in the race’s concluding miles, as she walked the entire race.

“I remember being incoherent, I remember not being able to talk, I remember not being able to walk, my feet were all turned in to each other towards the center line,” Tiffany said of Miles 10-13 in the Philadelphia Half Marathon.

When warned that she could be pulled off the course if necessary, Tiffany responded by gutting it out and walking across the finish line. She would later go on to participate in “11 or 12” half marathons, win the Spirit Of Valley Forge - Triumph Over Adversity Award in the 2012 Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run, completed numerous local 5K-10-Mile distance runs and is currently training for her second marathon.

Initially, while trying to gain strength back in her legs, Tiffany walked and used a Run/Walk/Run method to complete her races. It wasn’t until The Philly 10K last year that she finally completed an entire race while running.

“The mantra of it is what really mattered; step-by-step, mile-by-mile,” Tiffany said. “I live. I do it because I can. So you pick what you can do, and do it too.”

Tiffany added she tries to participate in as many fundraising events and races as possible, including those for 11th Hour Racing. “I love that they paint houses, help clean up yards, grocery shop for people and help provide money for bills that are extraneous,” Tiffany commented.

Tiffany also reaches out to other people with cancer, who are fighting the same battle that she has. Her emphatic message of resilience resonates still.

“You spend your life with cancer living, not dying. There’s an opportunity that can still be held onto,” Tiffany concluded.


11th Hour exists because no family should endure the added burden of financial hardship while they are fighting cancer. We seek to lessen or even eliminate these burdens, so patients may focus on recovery, and their families on spending time with their loved ones.

If you are able, please help 11th Hour Racing support people in our city fighting cancer, and unable to pay their bills by making a tax-deductible donation. Your support will prevent evictions, purchase food, clothing, medicine, and ensure utilities are not shut off.

Support A Local Cancer Patient

Nick Malfitano

Many of you already know Nick as he is an active member in Philadelphia's running community, and a reporter for the District Court. The first time I spoke with Nick was at the start of a Fishtown Beer Runners' benefit run to Donna's Karaoke Bar, where over a hundred runners sang and drank to raise money for 11th Hour Racing. I specify at "the beginning" of the run because Nick is fast, and was quickly a mile ahead of me. This is remarkable as he has only been running for four years, and is currently training for the Philadelphia Marathon on November 20th.

I was honored to be chosen as the new writer for 11th Hour Racing's blog, Philadelphia's Champions. It is my goal to imbue these stories with a sense of depth, compassion and strength, and provide hope to those fighting cancer. -Nick Malfitano

Whether it's running or writing stories about overcoming struggles; Nick's passion for life can be seen in all he does. After reading through some of his articles such as a story written about a man with a rare liver disease, I approached Nick about being the lead writer for 11th Hour Racing's blog Philadelphia's Champions. Not only is Nick a talented writer, but his ability to capture raw emotion in his writing, and his passion to advocate for those fighting cancer make him a perfect fit at 11th Hour Racing. We are excited to have Nick write for 11th Hour Racing, and believe his talent will help capture the remarkable stories of runners who beat cancer, and those racing to support people fighting cancer.

Cancer has deeply affected by own family, and this assignment is personal to me. I've witnessed firsthand the courage it takes to battle the disease. I'm very proud to communicate that courage, and the stories of these local warriors through Philadelphia's Champions. -Nick Malfitano