$2,700.00

Hi, I'm Marianne, owner of Neutral Ground Coffeehouse in Pittsford, NY, and a cancer survivor. I’m here because of the amazing facility and staff at the Wilmot Cancer Institute who I owe my life to.

I was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in the summer of 2019. My treatment journey wasn’t easy at all, and there were many uncomfortable and fearful moments. Cancer sucks. Eventually, I was informed that my only remaining treatment option was a stem cell transplant. Because this is a such a serious procedure, I sought out second opinions at two of the most renowned cancer hospitals in the world that dealt with my specific cancer type, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in in NYC (drove there twice).

And the expert oncologists at both centers told me: Stay at Wilmot, they are treating you with the latest everything, they are our colleagues, we know your oncologists, transplant surgeons, and all your doctors are part of the ongoing cancer research we all do. Stay there.  

We are so lucky to have a facility like Wilmot here in our Rochester community and I am so grateful for my doctors and all the staff, my true heroes, who took care of me every step of the way. This included a four-week stay after my transplant during Covid when my family and friends could only wave to me through the windows of the parking lot below. The staff (shout out to the 6th floor, you are all angels!) could not have been more compassionate, and just simply amazing. Thank you, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It's been over three years for me since my new June 2nd birthday, and I’m finally ready to acknowledge the cancer survivor reality. Please consider joining our team to walk, bike or run, make a donation, or simple recognize and be grateful for having Wilmot right here in our backyard.  

Team Neutral Ground is a proud sponsor of the Wilmot Warrior Weekend at a Supporter Level Sponsorship, and we are participating in all the things! Please consider registering with our bike team on Saturday, Sept.30th at 7 am, we are participating in the 27 mile bike ride!  Or consider registering for the 5K run and one mile walk on Sunday!  We will have a team tent on site with t-shirts, drinks and snacks!

Wilmot Breakaway Ride
Saturday, September 30
7:00 am — 4:00 pm

• Rides featuring 27, 50, and 75 mile courses
• Post-ride celebration with lunch, beer tent, live music, team tents and more!

Wilmot Warrior Walk & Ride
Sunday, October 1st
8:00 am — 1:00 pm

• Walk featuring a one mile and 5K course
• 5K certified course
• Post walk/run celebration with food, an awards ceremony and musical entertainment!

Feel free to give me a call if interested in joining, Neutral Ground would be willing to sponsor you as a walker/rider.  Check the register page for more details about the event and what it includes regarding swag.  I hope you can join us, we are going to have a blast while celebrating WIlmot in the best way possible!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Marianne

585-944-3438