Lynnfield Residents Taking Stand Against Lymphoma

Researchers have been making substantial strides against lymphoma in recent years, and they're doing so with help from individuals all over the country - including some Lynnfield residents.

Lynnfield resident Toni Klonsky, a mother of two, was diagnosed with lymphoma about three years ago. Since then, she and her husband Mike have taken an active leadership role in Massachusetts to help rally support for lymphoma research.

Looking back on the diagnosis, Toni recalls being told that the disease was "incurable but treatable." She added that as she and her husband began doing research, they found that they had received particularly strong support from the Lymphoma Research Foundation right from the start.

Toni also recalled how soon after her diagnosis, her husband, who ran in his high school and college years, trained for the Falmouth Road Race and raised over $50,000 for lymphoma research in that effort alone.

2011 Lymphomathon Set For Wakefield

Mike is now the president of the Massachusetts chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, which is organizing the 2011 Lymphomathon around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield on Sunday, May 1st.

"It's a great way to get out with your family on a Saturday morning," said Toni.

The chairperson of the 2011 Massachusetts Lymphomathon is Sheila Craffey, a Lynnfield resident and friend of Mike and Sheila Klonsky. The past two events were chaired by Mike's sister, Stacy Cohen.

Working To Help A Friend

"You don't mind asking people to help when it's your friend that's sick," said Craffey, going on to emphasize that the event is a non-competitive walk where individuals can go at their own pace.

It's not uncommon to see entire families or mothers with strollers participating in a lymphomathon, she added, although Craffey notes that some people also choose to run the course.

She also encouraged people to consider becoming "virtual walkers" if they are not able to do the actual walk but would still like to show their support. According to Toni, Craffey has already gotten many people involved in the cause over the past two years, even if this is her first year chairing the walk.

The organization moved the 2011 walk to Wakefield from the Salem Willows in part because they are hopeful that a location more accessible to Route 128 will allow the event to continue growing. In May, about 400 participants at the Salem event raised more than $83,000 to help fight lymphoma.

Foundation Plans More Initiatives

According to Michael Klonsky, the Lymphomathon is just one way the Lymphoma Research Foundation will work to help those stricken with the disease in the coming years. He added that nationwide, the organization has given nearly $40 million for lymphoma research over the past decade.

Klonsky is currently in his third year as chapter president and also works full time as a wealth advisor. He reports that the organization is developing other fundraising initiatives, such as spin-a-thons at area YMCAs and other health clubs.

Other projects reportedly under development include get-togethers for those who have survived lymphoma, an effort to enlist prominent corporate executives to spearhead short fundraising drives, and transportation assistance for those receiving treatments.

The group is also looking to add new Lymphoma Research Foundation chapters in New Hampshire and other parts of the region. Klonsky is also encouraging individuals to consider volunteering some time on behalf of the organization - with a secretary especially needed in the short term.

Not Backing Down Against Lymphoma

"It's  not something that's going away," explained Klonsky, adding that there are 67 different variations of lymphoma and that researchers are making progress in the area of more individualized treatments.

Earlier this year, Klonsky was named to Mass. General Hospital's 2010 list of "The One Hundred" individuals fighting cancer, a distinction he called a "pretty cool honor."

"There's a lot to do," said Klonsky. "We just haven't reached anywhere near our pinnacle yet."

To make a donation or to learn more about the 2011 Massachusetts Lymphomathon, to be held Sunday, May 1 in Wakefield, visit http://www.lymphomathon.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=445335.