Have you spotted one of these bright green Team CMMD magnets on a recent errand? During your commute to work? At your child's Little League game? Chances are the person in the car has a really big heart (and possibly very tired legs.) It is also possible that the person in that car has been somehow affected by cancer, directly or indirectly. Somehow or another, that individual became involved in Team CMMD in an effort to fight cancer, right here in our community.
Team CMMD started with a frustrated niece and an aunt with a cancer diagnosis. How familiar does that sound? All too, most likely. Dr. Christine Meyer, frustrated with this grueling disease and the toll it was taking on the people she loved, cared for, and treated, decided to do what she could to change things. It began a few years ago with a team of runners committed to run the Broad Street Run as "Team CMMD" - a group of local runners, walkers and "woggers" committed to fighting cancer.
Today, as this message is reaching you, Team CMMD has a team of over 1,000 total members and 282 of those team members will be running the Broad Street Run this year, Sunday, May 3rd to be exact. As a Broad Street Team, Team CMMD aimed to fundraise for the American Cancer Society. The team goal was to raise $250,000. A quarter of a MILLION DOLLARS. Because do you know what cancer cures need? Research. Do you know what research needs? Funding. Additionally, in the meantime cancer patients can receive things like support during treatments, rides to and from treatments through Road to Recovery, and one-on-one support through Reach to Recovery. All of these programs need funding, and the team was committed to make it happen.
The team reached that goal and is still going. (As this article was being published, I kept checking for updates and the amount kept rising! Go Team!). This weekend will mark a major milestone for many team members and it will likely be an emotional one. After Sunday, though, the fight continues.
Did you know that Team CMMD (a 501c3 charity) also supports local cancer patients and their families? There is currently a scholarship, to be awarded to a Downingtown Area School District Senior, in honor of Karen Baker a local mom and cancer fighter. The team supports the community in so many other ways too - including food, clothing and other drives to support local community members. This past fall was the team's first 5K race - This Run's Personal and a group of Team CMMD kids trained for and completed it (along with many other community members!) If you want to be a part of something amazing, something that will make a difference, consider joining the team. No running or walking is necessary, but if you decide to join up for some exercise, you can expect to be surrounded by terrific and welcoming people. (If you're worried that no one in the group will move at your pace, you're wrong - every speed and ability are represented! Join the fun!)
Joining up with the members of Team CMMD has been one of the best decisions I have made in the past year. It is more than a group of like-minded, terrific people. It's a force, a powerful and positive one. It's more than just rising before the sun to workout, it's the camaraderie. It's more than just hating cancer together, it's when a teammate runs for your mom or dad at a dedication run. It's more than just charity, it's spreading kindness throughout our local community in many many ways, big and small. Next time you see a green magnet in a parking lot, you'll know why the owner is so proudly displaying the Team CMMD logo.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
Find out more about Team CMMD, the impact that has been made, how to get involved and how to ask for help!
Check out the Team CMMD Lip Dub Team CMMD Lip Dub - it's a tear jerker, but it sums up the team perfectly! All the participants in white "I Fight" shirts are cancer warriors!
