Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer. Why are you running? Submit your story.
Why Debra Runs
I was diagnosed in 2009 with breast cancer. No one in my family had ever had cancer, so it was a total shock. My great husband, family and friends got me through the surgery, radiation and chemo. My wonderful supporter and friend Susan ran for me last year when I couldn’t, and this year, she and I are walking the half marathon because I can. I am so thankful that a year after finishing chemo, I am strong enough to do this. We will beat this disease!
Debra
Fernandina Beach, FL
Why I am walking...beside my Sister!
My sister Tammy is a 10 month survivor! When she gave me a call one day of telling me of her news…I was sadden. She mentioned of this marathon that she wanted to attend the ½ as a survivor. At the time she didn’t even have her first chemo treatment. I told her I would be there walking it with her by her side through the training & the marathon. She trained through thick and thin, sickness & soreness through all her chemo & radiation treatments with a great big smile on her face! She did not let it bring her down. Now, she is still a little weak but, oh so strong! She is so ready for this to go as a survivor! I am also honoring two others 1 whom has always been close to my heart, my friend Tammy that has been fighting for her life several years to breast cancer and is losing. She too has had high spirits through her course; I hope one day there will be a miracle for her to change it around so that she may continue on giving her love that she is so full of to others. The other person I am honoring is Karyn, she is sister-n-law to my other sister that has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, she has a bad case (I was not told what stage), and may she find the miracle too. I also honor all whom I have not met yet, will meet, have met, that has been diagnosed, fighting the fight, won the fight, is a survivor, & has lost the fight. You all are truly very strong woman! I’m walking to help finish this disease!
Karen Goodner
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Why Shawn Runs
my grandpa died of cancer in 1990. i used to be a smoker for 10yrs and i was scared of dying early also. the main reason for running for me was to support the cause cause i know it means alot to alot of people. plus, i wanted to challenge myself to run my 1st marathon. i’ve run 4-5 half marathon’s and it was time to step it up a notch. i got alot of motivation seeing people from “the biggest loser” run the marathon with no prior athletic training. since i’ve been relatively athletic, i figured i should give it a shot. but despite a personal accomplishment, it is and never will be “all about me”. others have suffered with cancer and i want to help fight/run for them, even if i dont know them personally.
Shawn (O.C.) Oconnor
Jacksonville, FL
I'm Running for a Cure!
I am running for my Mom who is surviving breast cancer for the third time in her life! She has more strength and determination than anyone I know. I know if she’s strong enough to beat cancer three times, I am strong enough to honor her while participating in my first half marathon. I am running to stop cancer for all of my family, friends, and everyone affected by this terrible disease! Let’s race for a cure!
Jessica Audit
Ocala, FL
Why Brenda Runs
I’m running in memory of 2 aunts lost to breast cancer at very young ages. One at 31, the other at 36. I’m also running as a breast cancer survivor. I was diagonsed with breast cancer in 2006, only one month after my 37th birthday. Thankfully, it was caught early and with surgery it was gone. I underwent chemo and radiation as a precaution given my family history. Being the stubborn, hard-headed fighter that I am, a month and a half after completing my last radiation treatment, I competed in my first figure competition and took 2nd and 3rd place in each of my respective classes. I continued to compete the following year and made it to a national level. I am now on hiatis from competing, but have continued hitting the gym with a vengence. So for everyone out there fighting the fight, your determination, strength, attitude and sense of humor, will conquer all. Never Quit!!!! To all of those who have lost someone in the battle… Keep fighting for those who can’t! God bless!
Brenda Chobanian
Jacksonville, FL
Why Rachel Runs
My mother, grandmother and great grandmother have all had breast cancer. I’ve seen incredible strength and drive from my mother and grandmother which I know is not possessed by every woman. They are true heroes who live every day to the fullest. All three generations share the same name, Rachel. I am also blessed to have the name Rachel. If one day I am brought under the same circumstances as them, I know that all will not be lost because of the lessons they have taught me. “All is well with my soul.”
Rachel Manning
Annapolis, Maryland
For a Great Pair
I am running this marathon for two special people in my life. While deployed to Iraq in 2005, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is from England, a survivor of WWII and a tough woman of quiet strength. She beat the cancer and is still with us today...at 78 years old. Then on a Christmas family trip, we were driving through North Carolina where my best friend from high school now lives. Our families met up and we discovered that his wife had been told the news on December 24th. We kept in touch throughout the year and she has gone through the worst of it and is a survivor, now just over a year later. Because of these people, I have dedicated myself to running this marathon in honor of them.
James Spartan
Modesto, CA
Why Wouldn't I Run?
Why wouldn’t I run? I’m one of the lucky ones who has been fortunate enough to survive breast cancer. I was diagnosed at the age of 42. The diagnosis really shouldn’t have come as such a shock considering my mom at the time was a 14 year suvivor and my sister was an 18 year survivor. Still it hit me hard. I’ve since lost my sister and my mom is struggling with Parkinson’s Disease and Early Dementia. My heath is my most valuable possession and I’m thankful everyday for it. I’ve participated in several events that raise money for awareness and research. So as long as I can run I will. I just hit my 3 year mark so here’s to 13.1 miles and many more years of good health.
Jennifer Mour
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Why Donna Flaggs Runs
32 years ago I lost my Mom to cancer. They bombarded her body with drugs and radiation and she died from radiation pneumonia. As I sat in the chemo ward this past summer with my friend Kelli, who is battling breast cancer, it dawned on me that research saves lives! The treatments are so tailored now as compared to 32 years ago when Mom was diagnosed. My friend Kelli is 28 years old. She has spent the spring and summer undergoing a variety of surgeries and treatments for her breast cancer. I am so proud of her!! I feel that running a marathon is a metaphor for the battle with cancer. You go thru so many emotions in those 26 miles. On February 13, I am proud to run the full marathon in Kelli’s honor.
Donna Flaggs
East New Market, MD
Why Alan Runs
I’m from the Metro Detroit area and I’ve participated in several Susan G. Komen races over the years. Not really for any presonal reasons, other than to support a great cause that affect millions of people. Until May of this year. I had just enlisted in the Navy in March and 6 weeks before I shipped to Basic Training my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 48. I knew the challenges of the military would be rigorous and rewarding, but had a hard time accepting that I wasn’t going to be there with her for her challenges! As it turns out part of my military training is in Kings Bay, which isn’t very far from the 26.2 w/ Donna. I’ve never attempted a race longer than a 10k, but felt I needed to push myself to commit to the half-marathon. The thing I’m looking forward to most isn’t finishing my first half-marathon, but having my mom there to put my first medal around my neck! I love you mom & I know your going to win your race too!!
Alan
Shelby Twp., MI
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