Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer. Why are you running? Submit your story.
My Lovely Wife
This is my 3rd time running the half marathon with Donna. My lovely wife of 23 years died from triple negative breast cancer in November of 2007. My twin boys and I are running so that we end breast cancer forever! We will never stop running and working to beat this disease. We will run like the wind for the kind loving woman who was my best friend and the best mother children could ever have. Cancer may be able to define our mortaility but it can never ever break out spirit and our love. Breast cancer has no chance. We will persist, we will win.
Roger Luca
Myself and My Mom
Before I began running I taught aerobics for 10 yrs. even during my first preganacy with my first daughter Jessica. I have been a runner for many years since. Starting right after I gave birth to my second daughter Jordyn. Gaining 80 lbs. with that pregnancy I knew something had to happen so, I bought a baby jogger and at 6weeks, off we went. I’ve had a son since then Jakob, and did the eact same thing with him!! It’s good for the baby and I got rid of the weight, and discovered that this was my way to manage my strees, and it gave me “my time”. I have done alot of races in Jax. I love the 5Ks, 10Ks, and especially the River Run. I’ve done a few half- marathons, but never a full. So at 43 years of age I decided I needed one marathon under my belt and signed up. You see this has been a personal goal of mine until Feb. 5th when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. We are still sorting out the details, we go this week for tests, MRI’s and consult with the surgeon at Mayo, no less! By Sunday we should know what will happen, and of coarse I will have that on my mind during the race, along with everyone else running for that special someone battling the disease or those souls RIP from the disease. I know now it is not about me, but it’s for my mom going into battle.
Lisa Snyder
For Trini
I’m running in memory of my sister Trini Hartley. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 33, she fought with courage and grace for 5 years. We lost her battle nearly a year ago - so I’m running 26.2 with Donna to help win the war and end breast cancer forever. Miss you Trin ! I know you’ll be cheering me on wherever you are!
Terri
Hope For Tomorrow
I have never ran. In March 2009 I was sitting in the airport in Oklahoma with my husband and two children, bored I went and bought a magazine. I had never looked at a running magazine, but I was intrigued. I read an article that inspired me to start running. I flipped through the magazine and saw the full page ad for the National Breast Cancer Marathon, that sealed it for me. My mother has been breast cancer free for 10 years. She went through so much when she was diagnosed, she fought hard. I have been training for this marathon since May 2009 to do my little part in helping to FIGHT and FINISH Breast Cancer. I am running for hope that there will be a cure! I love my mother and this run is dedicated to her and her courage and strength. I know my story is one of thousands, it is so amazing to me how difficult things in life can bind people together from all around. Rock on runners. 
Kristina Mummau
I run for my Mom, Susan Hagerty
I’m running for my mom, Susan Hagerty..again ;o) My mom is a two time breast cancer survivor. Her first battle was in 1996 and it was a terrifying ordeal for all of us. But mom, being the striong woman she is, kicked her cancer to the curb with radiation and chemotherapy. Well, we though she kicked it to the curb, but 5 years later, it came back. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got that gut wrenching phone call to let me know about her being sick once more. But, strong willed and with incredible faith, mom beat her cancer (which had spread to her lymphnodes) yet again! Well, about three weeks ago, mom was admitted into the hospital for a horrible cough that was causing her a ton of pain. She was there for a week and I was there once a day to visit. The enitre week , the doctors ran test after test to try to find out what in the heck was going on inside my mom. On Thursday of that particular week, I went to the hospital to bring my mom and bonus dad, Quin, some food (the hospital food wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either). I walked in the room and the door was shut behind me and that’s when mom told me she had cancer. AGAIN! This time it is in her lungs. We cried and hugged and cried and talked and cried a little more. The doctors, however, did come back with good news (if there is such a thing that involves the ‘C’ word) that it is metistatic breast cancer (yup, her breast cancer cancer back, but had move to her lungs). So, here we go again! Third time’s a charm. We’re going to overcome this stupid disease for a third time. Mom starts chemo next week, three weeks on, one week off. My mom is one of, if not the, strongest person I know. Her faith in God is unmatched. She never has a negative attitude, she always is a “glass half full” lady, she makes the room shine when she walks in, everyone loves her...I love her. She’s my angel. I’m running this race for her. I’m running this race for me. I’m running this race for you. Tiffany
Tiffany Gardner
My Mom
My Mom is my hero. She’s currently going through her second round with cancer- 10 years after her first diagnosis. She is the only family member I have to actually beat cancer; and now to do it twice. She didn’t allow the doctors to tell her the stage or prognosis this time, because she said she didn’t need a timeline of expectations- or an experation date. She knew that no matter what she would make it through it. My Mom’s last chemo treatment is the 18th of this month- so I’m running this for My Mom, in honor of her strength, and in celebration of life.
Stephaniie Ricker
I RUN FOR MY WIFE AND BFF CYNTHIA MICHELLE RAGANS
i run for my wife who fought the diseae as a strong minded woman, i watch her lose her hair, months of chemo and months of radiatiion she alway stated she did not choose cancer, it choose her BUT she choose to beat it and that she did. she has spoke as a breast cancer survivor at many events about the IMPORTANCE OF breast self exam and awareness. i run so that one day we will find a cure to the TERRIBLE DISEASE.
tony ragans
Chearing from Heaven
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
Why I'm Running
I am running for my sister in-law Rachel Moyer, she lost her battle to breast cancer in May 2009. She was a beautiful person, full of life, sweet,kind and loving. She fought a courageous battle and now she is home with the Lord. She is my inspiration for this half marathon and I pray we can find a cure for Cancer. I love you Rachel. I will never forget your smile that bought sunshine to us all.
Mary German
Why I'm Running
I am running for my mother. After 10 years of being a survivor, my mom was informed that the cancer has metastasized in her lungs and liver. She fought for over 5 years of her life and passed away in April 2009. I miss her so much!
Monica Layton
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