Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer. Why are you running? Submit your story.
Why I Run, Audra
I am running for my mother who is a breast cancer survivor. When I heard about this race I knew I had to do it! I thought if my mom could battle cancer I can run a marathon. I know when I am running I will think about the tears, the fear, the loss of hair, the surgery, the tubes, the chemo and her brave face who smiled throughout it all. She is my strength and I run for her!
Audra
My Running Partner and Friend
I’ve run dozens of races to contribute to the search for the cure for breast cancer ... The Race For The Cure, The RITA Race and this past February, 26.2 With Donna. I’ve been extremely fortunate in that breast cancer has not effected anyone really close to me such as familly members or close friends. That is, until now.,, When I begain my training for the 26.2 With Donna last year I gained many things. Strength, endurance, self-confidence, and one other thing I hadn’t counted on. A new best freind and running partner, Val. Val and I have covered hundreds of miles during countless pre-dawn hours together not only getting our bodies ready for one of the biggest challenges of our lives, but also getting to know each other and forming a deep and lasting friendship. Three weeks ago Val was diagnosed with breast cancer and now faces an even more daunting challenge. For me her fight becomes my fight and breast cancer has become a very personal enemy. Last Saturday Val was on the sidelines cheering me on at the Race for the Cure. This Sarurday will be the first time I will run a long 16 mile run without Val there to share the experience. She may not be able to run by my side, but she will be in my heart every bit of the way and I will run with a little bit more determination than before. I’ve decided to use another hobby of mine to help fight breast cancer. I love to bake and plan to sell what I call my Pink Ribbon Cheesecakes. All my profits will be donated to the National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer in honor of Val and all those who are living with breast cancer. The saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Well, I make triple chocolate cheesecake! I know my running partner will return to training as soon as she is able. In the meantime, I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other to help fight breast cancer one step at a time. I love you, Val and can’t wait to have you back by my side. Luanne Kovacs
Luanne Kovacs
Atlantic Beach, Florida
Running for Past, Present, and Future
Plain and simple, they need us. One day it could be me.
Kimberly Church
Mom and Grandma
My mother and Grandmother give me strength; the strength to train for and complete the Marathon. My Grandmother died of Breast Cancer when she was only 53, 35 years ago. I still think of her daily for the strong wonderful person I remember. My mother is bedridden, taking morphine daily for the pain she suffers as she struggles with what little time we have left. But she still smiles; she continues to bring joy. It is unfair they were struck with this disease; As their son and grandson, I can love and honor them. Which I do. I run for them. I run for all who survive, and those that don’t. Last year as I crossed the bridge near the finish, I passed so many survivors walking in celebration of their surviving and their life. To each I gave a congratulations and great job. The smiles and pride were so big; I carry them with me. This event is a wonderful and carthartic one for all who are touched by it. It is an honor to start; it is an honor to finish.
Robert Frary
26.2 with Shannon
I met my fiance through marathon running, and she has just recently beaten breast cancer (at the age of 26). She wanted to run with me, but isn’t quite back to marathon running yet, so it will be a very special race for me.
Matt
Why I Run, Tracy Gooden
I am running because of my Mom, Linny. She battled breast cancer for 7 years and lost that battle 4 years ago. She was the strogest woman I know. She taught me so much. I have previously ran in two other 1/2 marathons and Mom was my biggest fan. This is the first race I have done since she died. Not only will this be physically hard but emotionally as well. I know she would be so proud of me!! I love you Mom!!
Tracy Gooden
Why I Run, Michael
I have thought of every excuse known to man not to run a marathon and then I saw the ad for 26.2 with Donna for breast cancer. How appropriate that this would be my first marathon since I lost my Mom in 1986 to breast cancer. The doctors told her she had 6 months to live but she fought for 5 years! She was only 53 but I was lucky enough to have her for 21 years of my life. We have come so far since then and we have to keep going today to find a cure. So, I am running for her and all the women fighting for their lives. I love you and miss you so much Mom, This is for you!!
Your son, Mike
Why I Run, Taneka
Why I’m running. I’m running because of the physical and mental battle that my Aunt Melissa is going through right now with breast cancer. I can’t physically struggle with her, but I can concur this half marathon. Before my Aunt Melissa was diagnosed, I would run weekly, but no further than about 1.5 to 3.5 miles at a time. To run a 13.1 half marathon is going to be my physical and mental struggle for her. So for you Aunt Melissa, I will run. I love you.
Taneka
Why I Run, Jodi Lisi
I run because because 6 years ago I couldn’t. I decided before I turned 40 I wanted to be healthy. I was so overweight I couldn’t walk very far with out such severe back pain that I would have to stop until it subsided. I started a weight loss program evenutally incorporated working out. I lost 90 pounds. I never thought I would be a runner! I met my future husband who is a marathon runner and went to a 5k race to watch him, I was so surprised to see so many different types of runners, short, tall, skinny, heavy young, old and even blind.. I thought I can do this!!! I started a program and have been running since I turned 43, I am now 46 and have done several 5k’s and 2 half marathons. It doesn’t come easy to me, I am very slow but I am doing it and when I feel like I can’t I run I run on behalf of people who can’t and wish they could!!! I think of them and friends and family that have passed on. I dedicate my runs o them especially when I am really struggling. My dad was a runner for years and is unable to run now but is still very active mostly bike riding and walking. My only regret is I didn’t take control of my health earlier so I could run with him!!! He is so proud of me and out of my 2 other siblings everyone is shocked to find out I am running!!! I hope to be running for the rest of my life.
Jodi Lisi
Running
I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 25 years.I made a decision that I would quit smoking on my birthday July 30,1992 at the age of 44. I started training 3 or 4 months prior to quitting, because after trying to quit numerous times, I knew I would need all the help I could get. It worked. I have not smoked a cigarette since then. I run to quit and I quit to run. I have completed over 30 marathons since then, who knows how many triathlons, and 3 half ironman triathlons. Many people dont realize that nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs in our society today. It is available in every store in your neighborhood and every country around the world. The prevention of cancer and heart disease can start in your neighborhood if you can convince someone to run to quit and quit to run.
Lloyd Burnett
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