Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer. Why are you running? Submit your story.
Inspiring Divas
With faith I, a newbie, will run my first half-marathon in memory of my two inspiring angels. My great friend and cousin (as she called me), Donna Hinkle and my aunt Norberta Taylor both fought an amazing battle. Donna was a 5 yr breast cancer survivor with 3 recurrences, multiple chemos and surgeries. Despite all she endured, she gave everyone of us strength and courage. Donna was gone too soon, less than a month of her 35th birthday, in 2007. But not before leaving she made sure her legacy lives on with a baby girl named Gabrielle, who is now 3 yrs old. My aunt Norberta was a 23 yr breast cancer survivor with 3 recurrences and multiple chemos and surgeries as well. She was a carefree soul who lived everyday as her last. She danced like there was no tomorrow. She was gone in 2008. Donna and my aunt met at my wedding in 2005 and I saw the sisterhood that only those that have gone through it have. I have them in my heart always. I thank Donna for all the courage and strength she has given me and my aunt for her carefree soul that I now possess. I run in memory of these inspiring Divas.
Odette Oliveras
We Run for Joy
Barbara, Jim, Julie, Mary & Bryan
Barbara
26.2 with Donna
In 1970 I met and married my wife Barbara and became aware of the harsh reality of Breast Cancer. Her mother had been fighting it for 14 years. On our second anniversary we buried her. That was the beginning of our life together, filled with cancer. First, she lost her grandfather to leukemia, then her grandmother of bone and brain cancer. With her family failing slowly one by one, Aunts, uncles and cousins all were losing the battles. Her favorite aunt is on her third round and still fighting. Her sister Wanda just reached her 5-year mark of being free after Breast Cancer. Her cousin Cathy now 2 years free. Her cousin Marlene just finished chemo and radiation and waiting to see how it works. A second cousin, Angela 8 months from 5years free, 4th generation of cancer. As if that was not enough, I have lost my dad, and his two brothers to cancer. 39 years of cancer in both of our families was more than enough reason for me to run with Donna in the Gate River Run then on to the Breast Cancer Marathon. I have been pushing for other runners to run with us. I have spent many hours running over the Main Street and Acosta Bridges. Some call me "The Blinking Beacon" with all the flashing lights that I normally run with. In 1983 I wrecked a motorcycle and was told I would never walk again. But a runner always finds a way to run. I did until this last fall, October’s Marines ½ Marathon, at the end of the race with two hundred yards to go, both my hands and left arm went numb. I finished but something bad was wrong. I have since found out I have a bad value in my heart. So I can’t run any more, but I will be on the JTB Bridge to cheer all of you on. Good Luck and may the wind always be at your back. Thank You, Mike Head
Mike Head
Why I run
I run so my daughter will NEVER have to go through what I went through!!! I was a 35 year old wife and mother of a 6 year old son and a 3 year old daughter. I never dreamed I would be hearing the four words everyone dreads "you have breast cancer." Although that experience was the most difficult thing I have ever been faced with, I am greatful for it. It has shown me that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be and what is really important in my life. I was furious when I was diagnosed because I knew it could take me away from my family. I made up my mind to fight with everything I had and with the love and support of my family, friends, and God I am here to participate in my third half marathon. SO LET"S FINISH BREAST CANCER!!!
Jennifer Morton
Why I'm Running
February 2008 was incredible running with my best friend Steph on the beautiful beaches of Jacksonville. It was an experience I will never forget. February 2009 was bittersweet running without Steph who passed away 11/19/2009 after her courageous 13 year battle with breast cancer. I cant think of any place I would rather be this february 21st then Jacksonville running in memory of Steph and all who have lost there battle with cancer and in support of all those who are in there own personal battles. Be proud Donna of what you and all the people of Jacksonville have accomplished, See you at the starting line !!
Bill Kreger
26.2 or Bust!
My mom found out she had breast cancer about 11 years ago and after a 3 year fierce battle with the disease she finally beat it and has been cancer free ever since. I saw first hand how painful and emotional treatment for this disease is. It’s something I’m seeing again right now in my friend Claudia Stoltz, who just this week had surgery to remove the tumor after many months of chemo. Seeing how strong these women are and how they preserved was inspirational to me. A couple of years ago I would have NEVER thought I could run a marathon, nor would I want to frankly, however if my mom and Claudia can suffer for months and years to get better, well then I can do the same for them and for all the other people have have fought breast cancer. Last year at the National Breast Cancer Marathon I volunteered at the finish line. This SUNDAY I hope to cross it myself as a runner with my partner Stevie running beside me. We have run as far as 20 miles in training. The race is 26.2 miles (42 kilometers) but I’m sure we can make it with all the adrenalin of the day...especially knowing my mom will be waiting at the finish line for us. If you can spare $5 or $10 to donate for breast cancer research please click on our link below. We are hoping to raise $1,000 and 100% of this will go to breast cancer research and care. Wish us luck (we need it 
) and here is the link to donate. The race is this Sunday morning at Mayo Clinic and the beaches if you want come cheer us on! Stevie and I are sharing a donation page. Thanks for your time, Wade Wade Griffin- Realtor® Coldwell Banker Devonshire 3614 Saint Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 Mobile - 904-534-0969 (preferred) -Fax - 904-384-9567-Office - 904-777-8888 http://www.rewade.com
Wade Griffin
I Run for Her
I run for selfish reasons. I run because I want to believe I can run away from a disease that only others get. I run for my two aunts who succumbed to breast cancer decades ago when the word cancer was as sure a death sentence as any. I run for a dear friend now in remission, but in constant fear of news that will break all our hearts again. I run for her husband…my best friend. Who in the face of the most devastating news he ever had to hear was a tower of strength for those of us who were weak. And most of all I run for a cure. That in this world I may never hear that same news from the lips of the one I love most…where there isn’t one. I run for her.
T.J. Cobey
4 U MOM
I’m running for my Mother, (MARY MCCOY)who lost her Earthly battled with cancer on 11-13-09 after fighting for 6mo. I spent 96 of those nights in the hospital sleeping next to her in a reclining chair, then going to work then next morning. I love her with every fiber of my being. Watching my mother lie in a hospital bed in her final days/hours, gasping for air, and unable to communicate, was the worst thing I have ever witnessed. I recall feeling so helpless and angry knowing there was nothing I could do for her. She gave me unconditional love, guidance and support for so many years, and never asked for anything in return. I would have given up my life to make her well. That final day, I could only stand there, unable to help while she struggled with every breath. She died a few hours later. Mom, I hope you’re watching, because this runs for you! Mom inspired me to live every moment to the fullest. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about her and shed it least one tear. I love you and thank you for being the amazing woman you were. I only hope that one day my children feel as lucky to have a mom like me as I do to have had you as my hero and role model. Why am I running? My hero is now an angel and I want to honor her in every way I can. Cancer didn’t take her smile or her spirit or her faith! She went home to be with the Lord. My life changed on this walk with her. She was so brave. She was so kind and so generous. She was a very strong and courageous woman who never gave up on her Miracle of Healing (her healing was when she entered into heaven, it was not here on Earth). I love you and miss you so much Mom, This is for you!! I run because Mom inspired me to live every moment to the fullest. 2 years ago I couldn’t run I could barely walk (I had arm crutches-screws in my ankle). I was so overweight I couldn’t walk very far without pain. I lost 225 pounds. I never thought I would be a runner! It doesn’t come easy to me screws in my ankle makes it difficult. My ½ marathon is in memory of my Mom that Lost the Earthly battle of cancer and has gone on to Heaven to cheer me across the finish line. Next year full 26.2 here I come!!!! Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson
Why I Run
I run because over 10,000 women UNDER the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. On January 14th, 2009, I became one of them. I was diagnosed with 4.5 cm of high-grade, multi-focal DCIS at the age of 26. Having grown up as a competitive figure skater and having completed the Marine Corps Marathon only 3 months before, I was a picture of health. After all my surgeries, I decided that I would run 26.2 with Donna as my first post-cancer marathon. One year out from diagnosis and only 5 months after my final surgery, I am in close to the best shape of my life. On race day, I will be wearing the names of all the other women I personally know that have been diagnosed with breast cancer under 40… There are so many more women out there than what will be on my shirt, but I will run every step with and for them. Breast cancer does not discriminate at all… You can be any age, fitness level, gender, etc… We need to find a way to PREVENT it…
Kristin Bagby
Why I Am Walking
In May my best friend asked me to go to the Galloway Training kick off. I signed up thinking in the back of my mind, “We will get bored and never make it to February.” Little did I know that I would begin to enjoy meeting each Saturday in the blistering Florida summer heat. Even though my friend joined a faster running group I stayed with the girls in my walking group. Kelley and Leah have been an inspiration to me and I cannot wait to go though the finish line with them. Along the way my husband and my friend’s husband have joined the half marathon. Our Saturdays are now a family affair. During the week I take my children to work outs and the two of them cheer Mommy on! I now have wonderful plans of running the full marathon, lose more weight and continue to improve my life. I started barely walking 20 minutes and two weekends ago I walked 13.5 miles and felt great! I am so excited about what the future holds!
Elda
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