Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer. Why are you running? Submit your story.
Why I'm Walking
My sister, Genell, is a 20 year breast cancer survivor. Our Mother died of breast cancer 12 years ago and I was diagnosed July of 2009, so am a 1 year survivor. I’m walking for all of us, as well as my nieces (especially my sister’s daughter Nancy), who are so at risk for this disease. I’m walking for precious friends who died from this disease, as well as two I know who are fighting it now. I’m walking to help finish this disease.
Margaret
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Why I am Running
I am running to show that I can make a difference along with everyone else who has signed up as of today 12/29/2010. I am a breast cancer Survivor and at first I thought “I’m not a runner, I don’t like to run, I can’t do this”. But now, although I’m still not a runner, I am a Survivor and after reading Mary’s story who has not developed cancer in her other breast I know that I want a second chance not only for me but for millions of others who may have to enter this battle unvoluntarily. It’s hard going through the meds, the hospitalizations and the surgeries, but I made it. And although I may not run the whole race, I will Survive it. Wanda Kindall “I AM A SURVIVOR!”
Wanda Kindall
Morrow, GA
Why Jay Runs
I’m running in honor of my mother in law who has been and is still fighting this terrible disease and in hope that due to continuing research her daughters and grand daughter and all the other women of the world will not have to fight it any longer.
Jay Medlock
Davenport, Polk
Why Paula Runs
This will be my 4th year running. The past 3 years I have run for my sister-in-law’s Sheila and Judy and my good friend Kathy. Last year I wrote on my number “I am running this race so hopefully next year no one has to run for me”. Well this year I am running for myself. I was diagnosed in May 2010 with Breast Cancer Could’t believe it but knew I’d do everything I could to beat it. I have had chemo, radiation, surgeries and everything else that goes along with Breast Cancer including being scared. But I always knew I was going to do this race in 2011. It meant more to me than every. I know I am stronger than Cancer and that I am going to “Finish It”. Looking forward to crossing the finish line!
Paula Curran-Hayeck
Boylston, MA
In Memory Of...
Oct 28, 2010 I lost a dear friend to breast cancer. Kisha Pruitt was one of the kindest women I have ever met and I am running this race in honor of her. I was not ready for her passing and I decided that day that I would do whatever I could to help bring more awareness to this cause. While I have run this race once in the past, this year the meaning will be a far more significant one for me. One of Kisha and I’s great bonds was music. She was my “concert buddy” and I have been using the music we loved to listen to as inspiration during my training and hoping that it will also help me push through the finish line on Feb 13th. Kisha fought all the way to the end of her battle with cancer and I know she is on my side helping me fight to finish the 1/2.
Morgan Tanner
Jacksonville, FL
Why Shelby Runs
When I was eleven years old, starting middle school- which is scary in itself- my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a superwoman through every surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation she had to endure. As scared as I was, I frequently went with my mom to her radiation appointments and sat in the waiting room doing puzzles while she was being treated, or “poisoned” as many call it. She was in remission for 8 years until they told her on her 51st birthday that it had spread to her liver. Once again, right around Christmas she was undergoing chemotherapy and losing her beautiful hair. She finished chemo in spring of 2010 like a champ, however, she just started back on chemo again this new year because the spot started growing again. She is confident in her doctors, family, friends, and most of all, the LORD to get her through this- and I know she will. I am running this race to prove that you can FINISH IT, and also to help those who aren’t as fortunate to have the best finances to help them battle cancer.
Shelby Grimes
Jacksonville, FL
Why David Runs
I have run 11 marathons before. I swore them off about 5 years ago. A close friend of mine was registered for the race for 2011, I told her I would help her train, but no way was I running another marathon. After a couple of months of training with my friend, I heard that another running friend of mine was going thru breast cancer. With the best of intentions, I thought, I have to call her. I need to send her an email, something. I never got around to it. About a month later, while on a run, in a location I haven’t run in months, I came around a curve and there was my friend. She was out running between her chemo treatments. She said that the chemo really wiped her out, so she would rest a few days after before she could run again. As I stood there trying to choke back tears, I thought, if she can do this, I can damn sure run a marathon. And the fact that my other friend was already signed up for the marathon, and it benefits breast cancer, how could I do anything else. Every time I have struggled to go another mile, or go out when it is too cold, or too early or too dark, I think about my friend working her runs around her chemo treatment and I think, I can do this, and hope and pray that she can finish her race as sucsessfully.
David Symonds
Birmingham, AL
My Mom
Last year I organized a trip to Jacksonville to honor my mom’s fight with breast cancer. It was one of the fondest memories I have with my mom--she so enjoyed getting out of Minnesota in the winter (so did the rest of us). This year with a heavy heart I am running in her memory. . . . her battled ended January 8th just two days shy of her 66 birthday. I miss my mom and every step of this marathon is to honor her couragous battle. I will keep running this marathon until there is a cure!
Jennifer Hansen
Stillwater, MN
Why Jodi Green Runs
Why am I running? I am running/walking the half marathon for my amazing sister Julia, who lost her 14 year battle with Breast Cancer Nov. 10, 2010. Together we have traveled to Jacksonville from Missouri since the First Year Donna started the Marathon. This year my daughter and I will run/walk in Memory of the most amazing person I know...my sister and best friend. Julia was admired by so many and had the strength and will to live more than anyone I know. You would have never known she was sick in Feb. 2010 when we walked the half marathon...nor would you have known when she walked her last 3.1 miles at the Susan Komen 5k in August 2010. Although it will be a bitter sweet day Feb. 13, 2011 ... I know that Julia and many others who have lost their battle with cancer will be with ALL OF US in spirit. And really....I feel as though she didn’t lose her battle… she just got tired and God is letting her rest now and giving us the strength to carry on the fight for her!! After all, a fight for 14 years is amazing! And what an amazing legacy she left and what great lessons she taught on courage, strength, hope, and love. I know that everyone that will run with DONNA ... will have an emotional tie somehow...so lets ALL carry on the FIGHT and WIN !!! I RUN-WALK For Julia - and so many others!!!
Jodi Green
Smithville, Missouri
Why Donna Nelson Runs
Why am I running? Well, it’s very simple...because I can. Because I beat the beast 3 years ago. I can get up every day and kiss my husband, hug my grandchild, see my friends, lace up my shoes and run. I am a survivor. I do not take my survivorship lightly. I value each and every day. I will run this race as long as God allows me the honor. I will continue to run for all my sisters who unable to and for all my sisters that the beast took from us. God bless all the runners, all the supporters, the survivors, those who have gone, and especially you Donna...thank you.
Donna Nelson
Altamonte Springs, Florida
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