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Running for Mom

By JILLIAN COMPTON
jcompton@nwherald.com

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The 38-year-old mother of three is training for the Boston Marathon in April to raise money for cancer research. She and her sister, Kristin Mass, 27, will run in honor of their mother, Julie, a long-time McCullom Lake resident who is dying of a rare form of brain cancer.

The duo joined the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge last month and pledged to raise at least $12,000. So far, they have set up a blog, mailed letters to friends and family, and posted fliers in the community. Together, they have about $3,000.

"It puts such focus on [training,]" Lutz said.

Lutz is up to about 4.5 miles a session. Kristin Mass ran the San Diego marathon in about 4.5 hours this summer, but Lutz is starting from scratch.

"I am in the pre-training for the training, which would begin the last week in December," Lutz said.

Much of the family’s focus in the past year has been Julie Mass’ health. Julie Mass has undergone surgery, radiation treatment and two rounds of chemotherapy since she was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a Stage IV brain cancer, in October 2006.

In May, doctors found a new growth and told Julie’s seven children that she would be lucky to live a month. Now, she’s taking a steroid to ease the headaches, swelling and other symptoms, Kristin Mass said. Julie Mass sleeps most of the day.

"She’s up for meals and really that’s it," Kristin Mass said. "It’s harder for her to really converse. She’ll listen but it’s not really a back and forth conversation."

Kristin Mass and her brother, Andy, live in the home so that they can give her care around-the-clock. Lutz has returned to Boston after living in the McCullom Lake house for about six months earlier this year, but she flies back every other weekend.

Julie Mass is among more than 15 brain cancer victims who are suing five Ringwood manufacturers, alleging pollution in McCullom Lake’s groundwater caused their illnesses.

But Kristin Mass and Lutz said they focused more on making their mother comfortable than the lawsuits or allegations of contamination.

"[Julie Mass] had seven kids, and she worked really hard all her life," Lutz said. "She’s a good mom."

So now, the sisters are working hard on the marathon challenge. They hope to get most of their fund-raising done before the training runs get too long. They are selling donated items on eBay and looking for stores where they can gift-wrap during the holidays.

"I think it’s a healthy, good thing to rally behind," Lutz said.

"It’s nice to have something positive," Kristin Mass agreed.

To help, check out the sisters’ blog at www.dfmc08.blogspot.com, which has a link for online donations, or mail checks to 4525 Lake Shore Drive, McHenry, IL 60050.

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