By M.C. BESECKER
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
See the Foot Power calendar on the No Sweat, York blog
Dustin Rhodes of York used to run long. Really long. As in ultra-marathon long.That's one of the reasons why it was so surprising when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme in December.
Glioblastoma multiforme is a debilitating form of brain cancer. Visit Rhodes' web page at http://dustrhodes.com to learn about Rhodes and the disease.
"I was diagnosed with stage 4 (severely rapid and aggressive) glioblastoma multiforme," Rhodes explains. "Apparently I am approximately 1 of 200 people in the world that have this in their 20s. It is fairly close to my brain's 'motor strip' which apparently controls all movement."
There are roughly 140,000 people in the world with this disease, and the typical age of those afflicted is in the 50s. Rhodes, who turned 29 on March 11, is definitely not the norm.
Rhodes began running cross country in high school and has been an avid runner for years. In September 2012, he completed his first 24-hour race, logging 71 miles.
He said he has "never really been sick in my life until now." In fact, when Rhodes first noticed his symptoms last November, he originally thought it was because of all the mileage he had been logging.
After undergoing a biopsy at a hospital in Tallahassee, Fla., Dustin was checked out at Johns Hopkins, the Duke University Medical Center and Geisinger Hospital. Duke's Neurosurgeon-in-Chief, Allan H. Friedman -- one of the most respected neurosurgeons in the world, according to Rhodes -- agreed to do the surgery, which took place Jan. 6.
Rhodes has an 8-month old son, Michael, and is married to fellow York Catholic graduate Rebecca. The family has been through a lot in the last six months.
Rhodes stayed in North Carolina until late January before heading back to Pennsylvania to continue
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Rhodes returned to the Duke campus with his family to take part in the Angels Among Us 5K on April 20. The 20th year of the event raised more than $2 million for brain cancer research.
"Dustin was extremely motivated to participate and took quite a few strides during the walk," said his brother, Dillon, a contributor to the website. "He's dedicated to going back next year stronger than ever. I'm so proud of him, and he motivates me every day."
That same weekend was the Run For Rhodes #Anywhere 5K, and 153 people from nine different countries participated to show their support for Rhodes.
Just when things were looking up, there was more bad news. On April 1, Rhodes lost his job with the Florida First District Court of Appeal. As of May 1, he became responsible for his rising medical costs.
Instead of getting down, however, Rhodes keeps pushing forward, determined to be a cancer survivor who makes a difference.
"His strong, perpetual faith is definitely a blessing in this time of need," said Dillon Rhodes. "His faith has not been shaken, but strengthened. He appreciates each and every person who has reached out to him."
Despite the progress he has shown, the fight continues for Dustin. Anyone interested in helping him can visit the "How You Can Help" section on the website listed above.
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SPRRC Summer Series: The South Penn Road Runners kicked off its eight-event Summer Series on Tuesday at the Long Arm Dam. The second race in the series is May 21 at the South Western High School track.
Find this and many more upcoming events in the calendar.Each run in the series will use a different handicap system, so everyone has a chance to win. Runs are open to all, and the cost is $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers. Go to the club website at http://sprrhanover.org/index.html for more info.
Bob Potts Marathon: York County's only marathon, scheduled for May 26, is officially sold out. There will be more on this inspiring event real soon, but if you didn't get into the field this year, don't say you weren't warned.
M.C. Besecker covers local running and biking. Email him at mcbesecker@comcast.net.
See the Foot Power calendar on the No Sweat, York blog
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