Gayle Abrams

All proceeds from Athina's Ride benefit         David's Story: A Doctor Living with a Desmoid Tumour    David was a healthy, young, active 21-year-old studying for his medical college application tests (MCATs) when he first noticed a painful swelling in his abdomen. He saw several specialists in Toronto before being diagnosed with a desmoid tumour. To better understand his treatment options for this orphan disease, as well as the cause of his nightly fevers and drenching sweats, David and his parents also sought out specialists in the United States.   His physicians couldn’t agree on the best course of action. Surgeons wanted to operate; cancer specialists wanted to shrink the cells with different forms of chemotherapy.​ Ultimately, it was decided that it was too dangerous to operate. However, it could prove fatal if left untreated. David endured nearly two years of IV chemotherapy before the tumour responded.    Now 32, David is a medical doctor burdened with the knowledge that he has not been cured. The tumour is still in his abdomen. It is smaller and less painful, but still present, able to flare up and start growing again. There are few available treatment options.    If you are interested in helping people like David in the fight against desmoid tumours, please consider registering for Athina's Ride and fundraising for the Desmoid Tumour Foundation of Canada or consider a donation to help support research by clicking on the link below: https://www.athinasride.com/fundraisers/nancycroitoru/athinas-ride-55km Together, we can find a cure!