FIFTH ANNUAL MILES FOR MERAK: A VIRTUAL DAY OF MOVEMENT
Please join us for the Fifth annual Miles for Merak: A Virtual Day of Movement! This year’s one-day event kicks
off on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and
benefits gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cancer research.
PARTICIPATION IS EASY!
Simply donate, walk four miles or do a 40-minute activity of your choice on Wednesday, October 2.
Tag @Miles4Merak on social media platforms.
#miles4merak #movement4merak #moving4merak
We encourage all participants to make a gift of $40 or more to the GIST Research Fund. Event proceeds will benefit the GIST cancer research of Jason Sicklick, MD, FACS, at UC San Diego Health in loving memory of Merak Melikian Hatounian.
Please invite family, friends and colleagues to donate and join you in the Miles for Merak: A Virtual Day of Movement. Your support is helping to move GIST cancer research forward. Together, we can do this!
If you would like to donate by check, please make your check payable to the UC San Diego Foundation GIST Fund 3661. In the memo line, please note "Miles for Merak." Mail your check to:
The UC San Diego Foundation
9500 Gilman Drive # 0940
La Jolla, CA 92093-0940
ABOUT THE CAUSE
Miles for Merak is a movement challenge in memory of Merak Melikian Hatounian. It was initiated by Maura Caffrey, RN, and Merak’s care team at Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health. It has been championed by Merak’s mother, Debra Melikian, as well as his friends, his family and cancer research supporters across the country.
Merak Melikian Hatounian
Merak Melikian Hatounian was diagnosed with a rare hereditary form of cancer known as SDH-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor at the age of 20. Currently, there is no cure.
Merak refused to let this cancer define him. He lived his life on his own terms with drive and fierce determination. He learned how to persevere regardless of his cancer by watching his late father bravely fight a related rare cancer. No matter how difficult the challenges became, Merak never complained.
Merak continued to maintain his positive attitude and outlook — and kept fighting — all while inspiring and motivating others near and far. Sadly, in February of 2020, Merak passed away at 25 years old with his loving mother, Debra Melikian, by his side. Merak touched so many lives, and his memory will live on with everyone who knew and loved him.
Debra Melikian
Debra Melikian is a mother on a mission, an advocate whose passion is to raise awareness and financial support for GIST cancer research led by Dr. Sicklick at UC San Diego Health.
"What a difference one person can make in the life of another. Please help us find a cure so no other family has to endure the despair and destruction that this cancer brings."
- Debra Melikian
Jason Sicklick, MD, FACS
"The day we met Dr. Sicklick was the day that changed the course of Merak’s care and all of our lives… forever." - Debra Melikian
Jason Sicklick, MD, FACS directed Merak’s care from January 2016 until his death in 2020. He is a highly skilled surgeon, a brilliant translational scientist, and a compassionate clinician. He and his clinical and research teams worked tirelessly to give Merak’s family the precious gift of time. Dr. Sicklick has never given up on the search for a life-saving treatment for GIST.
“Merak’s legacy will be one of hope that benefits GIST research and GIST patients for years to come. I hope that in the near future, there will be a cure for this rare and terrible cancer; and when there is, it will be in part because of Merak Melikian Hatounian.”
– Dr. Sicklick
