Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer. Why are you running? Submit your story.
Why I'm running
"I started running, really running, in 2002 having just turned 35. I had an 17-month old son and a nearly 7 year-old son, and a husband who had run competitively for 20 years. Not-to-mention, I was a mountain biker - NOT a runner! I didn’t even like to run. I started running with and for a life-long friend of mine whose mother is currently battling end-stage metastasized breast cancer.
Cathy and I slowly and methodically trained together for the 2003 Blue Angel (Half) Marathon, and we both finished our first outing in an endurance event. I knew then that I had found my niche! Since then, I have run six other half marathons including the Disney World Half Marathon with Team in Training this past January (2007) along with several 10K and 15K events.
During the last 5 years of running and training, a near and dear friend of mine - almost like a sister - was diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than a year later my mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer. And, another fabulous friend of mine is currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic (JAX) for breast cancer that has returned in the pleura lining of her lungs. So, I guess for many of the same reasons that I chose to join Team in Training, I now choose you, Donna. Too many people in my life had been touched by Leukemia and Lymphoma, but there are those even closer to me - my family - who have been victimized by breast cancer.
For this event, I am going to ATTEMPT the Full Marathon distance for the first time. It seems fitting: My first marathon at this Inaugural event. I know that your event will be a tremendous success, and I am hopeful that my completion of the 26.2 miles will be successful as well."
Lori Abbey
Tallahassee, Florida
I run to feel alive
A distance runner before my breast cancer diagnosis at age 41, I kept running throughout treatment, which luckily consisted "only" of radiation and not chemo. Instead, I chose hormonal treatment that threw me into a crisis menopause in my early forties. Running kept me sane through all this time. I asked my surgeon when I could run again and he said "No bouncing for eight days." I put on two sport bras on day nine and headed out the door. Even when radiation rendered me as tired as a slug, I went for my regular runs because maintaining my routine was important to feeling "normal." While straining and feeling the effects of the treatment, I was in touch with my body. I run because I feel the most alive when I test and challenge my body--a body that betrayed me. I want to keep it healthy as best as I can and exercise is key to that goal. I will never break any speed record, but I can run forever! I am looking forward to running with like-minded people, many of them survivors like me. I ran for Susan Love’s Breast Cancer Foundation in Dublin in 2002 and will enjoy this new challenge, my 25th or so marathon!
Dana Loewy
My Reasons
I have so many personal reasons for doing this event - Too many to even name. I’ am a walker- not a runner. When I walk this 13.1 miles in February, it will be my 4th half-marathon. I have walked 2 half-marathons for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s team in training, I am walking a half-marathon in December as a St. Jude’s children’s hospital hero, and in February this one. My husband, my mother, both of my grandmothers, and my aunt to name a few have all had cancer. My husband and both of my grandmothers have passed on. My mom and my Aunt are survivors. This is my way of giving back. This is my way to help someone whom I have never met. This is my way to show other that I care. 13.1 miles—26.2 miles—as a runner or walker is hard—but can be done. As our team in training motto goes—If you think training for a marathon is hard, try CHEMO! I proudly walk and will continue to proudly walk in honor of all of you survivors and in memory of those lost. I have been graced in my life to have many wonderful people in my life. On February 17th this one is for you mom!
Pamela Matherne
New Orleans, Louisiana
I run in memory of Karin Harrell
My friend Karin died in 2007 of inflammatory breast cancer, after fighting it for 5 long years. It’s just a crime against nature that her two kids should have to grow up without her loving influence in their lives, and I want to do what I can to prevent other children from going through such a rough time. Karin was one of the most beautiful spirits I have ever known, and my life is much less bright without her in it.
Amy Hoover
In honor of a leader
I run for a very good friend who is a two time survivor of breast cancer. She has literally created new organizations, moved mountains, and helped countless women in this fight against breast cancer. She has served as an inspiration to I’m sure to millions. She has written a book, spent many sleepless nights working, and has accomplished the impossible. This woman has helped me when I was diagnosed four and a 1/2 years ago. She has also listened in times of other personal crises and shared expert advice. She is an angel ~ with a tough, but beautiful, exterior and boundless determination. Many people know her, but they really do not know how hard she works in order to serve others. Donna ~ you have fought the good fight. You will never know how many lives you have changed for the better!
Kristie Naines
Why I'm Running
I am running the Run with Donna half-marathon because I have never had breast cancer nor have my three sisters or our Mom. No female in our family has had breast cancer. This is such a great blessing for us, yet I want to support in any way possible, those women that have suffered from this disease. I run for them, their courage, strength and beauty. I run for our family’s blessing.
Debra Davey
Jacksonville, Florida
Why I'm Running
My friend Steve lost his wife, I lost my Mother and Sister both died from cancer.. we are running to help the fight on cancer...I will help anyone who needs someone to run with in the atlanta area to get in shape for a marathon...not fast pace but will walk and run based on the Jeff Galloway method we ...run 4 mins and walk 1 min...we will be increasing 1 mile a week...no charge for Training or encouragement ..our pace will average around 10-11-12 min per mile.... Runners for Christ…
Charles Dorman
Marietta, Georgia
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