Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer. Why are you running? Submit your story.
In Memory of My Mother
8 years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had no family history of any kind of cancer. She battled for 6 years ultimately losing her war with this disease. She was the most positive person I have ever known. No matter how bad she felt, there was a smile on her face and never a doubt that she would beat this disease. I am participating in this event to raise money to end cancer for good, but also to tell her story. Watching her go through her treatment, I learned many lessons that will make me a better man. I miss her everyday and run in her memory.
Lawrence King
Roswell, GA
Why Don Runs
I am running for my mom, my sister, and a good friends daughter.
Don Puterbaugh
Springfield, Ohio
Why am I Running?
Just after my husband returned from Iraq having served with the Marines, I learned that I had invasive breast cancer. Those words were very difficult for us and we knew that we needed to do everything we could to beat cancer! After surgery, chemo, radiation and drug therapy, I am now a three year survivor. We returned to St. Marys GA to retire after 26 years of service to this great Republic. I learned about the marathon last year the day before the race. I told my husband that I wanted to do the half marathon the next day. With his encouragement, I was able to complete the half marathon. Now, my goal is to run the whole marathon on behalf of all who have breast cancer. Thank you, Donna, for your shining example of facing this fight with the goal to finish breast cancer. May God bless you and all who are dedicated to beat this dreaded disease.
Kate Jensen
St. Marys, Georgia
Why Lindsey Runs - BRACA1
I am running for so many reasons. The cause is one very close to my heart. My mom is my hero and she is a 2 time breast cancer survivor and 1 time ovarian cancer survivor. She is my #1 inspiration and why I am running. My grandmother is also a breast cancer survivor. I just found out I tested positive for the BRACA 1 breast cancer mutation gene which means there is a 87% chance I will get breast cancer before the age of 50. I am considering radical proactive surgery to have a double masectomy. Every day, every dollar closer to a cure is a better chance I have at survival and hope if I have a daughter one day and pass the gene on to her. I will be running with my best friend who is getting married in April and I know it will be a very emotional day for us both. I have never run that far and can’t wait to push myself for something bigger than myself and cross that finish line with her.
Lyndsey Ham
Atlanta, Georgia
I Run for Daddy
It was 3 years ago that my Daddy was diagnosed with breast cancer and that is when I decided to do the Donna. I ran for him. I am happy to say that after all the surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation he is CANCER FREE!!!!! I ran for him. My brother and I were asked by our mom to get the genetic test done and luckily my brother does not have the defect, but unfortunately I tested positive for BRCA 1. So, not only do I run for daddy, I run for me too. I get 6 month tests of mammograms, ultrasounds and the dreaded MRI...thank GOD my last biopsy was negative. I will continue to run in hopes to stay on the “negative” side for me and my daddy. I don’t only run for the ladies...I RUN FOR THE MEN TOO!!!!! Keep it up Donna....you are an inspiration and I look forward to the run and the people!!!!!!!
Jaime Eason
Jacksonville, FL
My Boyfriend's Mother
“my boyfriends mother” This person tends to be someone most girls dread spending time with, but mine became someone I truly loved. After spending five minutes with her it was hard to see how anyone couldnt. Despite the fact that she had been battling cancer for years she always was more concerned with how she could help you. And after fighting this disease long and hard she finally won last march and went home to be with her savior. Running this race is my way of celebrating the short time I got to spend with her. Celebrating her life and the woman that she was, and celebrating the woman she has inspired me to be.
Abigail DeMaggio
Attleboro, MA
Melissa's Why I Run
I’m running in memory of my Mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, fought it and had a few cancer free years. It then came back in 2002 in the form of bone cancer and we lost her in 2008 at 58 years old. The pain of losing her is devastating. She was sick for a long time and I am grateful that she is no longer suffering but I still miss her so much and can’t believe she’s no longer with us and that we lost her at such a young age. She was a tough cookie, strong and independent and I admire and look up to who she was and I’m very grateful for who she raised me to be. I ran my first 1/2 last year so this will be my second. Last year was very difficult but I did it! This year, I’m in better shape so it’s not as physically taxing as it was last year. I just know this is something I will do as long as I am able. Last year was a huge challenge. It was something I had to do for my Mom and then during the race, seeing all the people cheering us on and seeing many ladies saying “thank you for running for us” was extremely touching. So, I also have to do it for them because I can and they can’t. I run so we can FINISH breast cancer, I run for those that cannot and I run for my beautiful Mom who I miss every minute of every day.
Melissa Cluesman
Jacksonville, FL
For my Mom & Friend
I’m running for my mom who is the most compassionate person I know. She’s undergone mastectomy and radiation and survived breast cancer! She will be cheering me on from the sidelines in my first marathon. In addition, I’m running for my friend Elizabeth Gardener who succumbed to breast cancer a few years ago. I’m determined to finish this and finish breast cancer. Thanks to Donna and all the organizers!
Holly Stadtler
Huntington, VT
Why I Run - Sam
I run for Kaye Lamb. Kaye was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago and underwent a partial mastectomy. Kaye, a friend and manager of Culhane’s Irish Pub was recently struck by a car as she was crossing the street and died on Christmas Day, 2010. Kaye was only 59. I run for Eloise Hagan Koerber. Like Kaye, Eloise was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago but unlike Kaye, Eloise underwent a total mastectomy. Eloise was my friend and neighbor. Eloise died of cancer on December 2, 2010 at the age of 62. Both went way too early. I run for Culhane’s Irish Pub, female owned and operated by four of the most beautiful sisters Ireland has ever produced. But most importantly I run to cure breast cancer. Let’s finish this NOW!!
Sam Froio
Atlantic Beach, Florida
Why I am Running
Several months ago, when I entered this race,thatwas an easy one to answer. I was running becuase I could.As a breast cancer survivor and runner, it was an easy choice. Now it is even easier to answer,but will be harder to do. In October, I was released by my oncologist with 10 years of survival behind me. Now just a month later, I am once again the patiedn. I found out I have cancer in the opposite breast.I am determined to complete this race. While I may run slowly or walk quickly, I will finish! Breast cancer wont stop me!
Mary Kay Donaldson
Beaufort, SC
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