Each year, over 14 million people are diagnosed with cancer -- and that’s just in the United States. Essentially, cancer is everywhere. Growing up, I have witnessed the devastation caused by the deaths of several loved ones who had fallen victim to this horrible disease.

However the rate of cancer deaths is decreasing drastically due to the work of organizations such as the Jimmy Fund of Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund raises approximately 8 million dollars per year to dedicate to patient care and cancer research. Yearly, the Jimmy Fund holds a 26.2 mile marathon walk, with close to 10, 000 walkers who, together, raise cancer awareness throughout the New England Area.

One of the many Jimmy Fund Walk Teams, Seshu Strong, started by Rao Kandukuri Uncle (in honor of Seshu Kandukuri) has been actively participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk for the past 4 years. Two years ago, I joined the team along with my dad, having little idea of the work Seshu Strong has been doing.

The day of the walk itself is the most life changing experience. As you walk side by side with other walkers, you hear their stories-- one carries his parent’s (who passed away from cancer) shoes around his neck, those undergoing chemo yet braving the 26 mile challenge, some on crutches, and many more, one exceeding the other. I started to become very interested in this disease. I researched more and more, scanning websites for information, and I learned how far we have come in conquering cancer but realized how much further we must go.

So for the 2015 Fourth of July, Seshu Strong decided to hold a booth at the Chelmsford Country Fair in Massachusetts. With five of my very best friends - Harini Boddu, Melinda Yu, Yashika Singh, Aashna Shah, and Pooja Patel, we pulled off an outstanding booth, offering henna, face paint, games (such as the duck pond and the lollipop tree) and various snacks. With the support of Rao Uncle and the hours of help from my friends, we were able to raise over $700 for the Jimmy Fund of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute!

As the team captain this year, I was given the opportunity to accompany Rao Uncle to a few Pacesetter events. Hearing the breakthroughs made and the milestones crossed, I am able see the impact of each dollar as it goes its long way in giving back to the community and those affected by cancer. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Rao Uncle and all my friends that put in all the time for something that means so much to me and helped raise this outstanding amount of money dedicated towards Cancer Awareness and Research.

Along with our Seshu Strong Team members and my friends, I will be participating at Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on September 27, 2015.  I request everyone please support this noble cause. Our Fundraise team page is www.JimmyFundWalk.org/2015/SeshuStrong.

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