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Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer.
Why are you running? Submit your breast cancer story.
"Smile at everyone because everyone is fighting their own battle" were the words I read across the top of a client's computer 379 days ago. 2 days later my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and told that he could be looking at 2 to 3 months to live. Thanks to the Mayo Clinic, great friends, and hope he has had over 300 "bonus days" (as my mom deemed them). While the past year has been filled with ups and downs and hours (that seem like days) of waiting for scan and test results, it has also been a year filled with great joys and laughter. So I run for my Dad and for the hope that one day no one else will count "bonus days" but instead the anniversaries from the day they were cured. (And I run for Lisa and everyone else fighting their own battle).
- Jennifer Turk
- Atlanta, Georgia
My husband and I will be there to support you and make a statement for all those who have or have had breast cancer. Last August 2006, before a major running race, I was diagnosed with a life threatening condition and was hospitalized. I was not able to run for several months and when I did I started back with a new enthusiasm knowing that I a got a second chance in life. Now, I want to help give a second chance to women living with breast cancer. Running for my life.
- Eva Sanmartini
- Flint, Michigan
7/29/2007
What’s it mean to leave it all on the course that we have run? To offer up your heart and never quitting till it’s done. To take what’s stirred inside and ask the maker for his hand Empowered, to touch the places that only a survivor can. A smile that comes so easy and eyes that look within Seeming knowledge of your struggle and here to Help you win. Some of us live in what might be or what could have been To a mighty few that seems a down right sin. Its moments not days or years Its love and caring not climbing corporate tiers. To take that darkest moment and pivot it around, Grateful for light and laughter and the roaring ocean sound… That voice from up in heaven you can almost hear him say To keep it …give it all away. Thanks for giving it all away Donna. You continue to fight the good fight. It’s a privilege to watch you. Kristi (Neptune Beach) Saturday morning Galloway group.
- Kristi Pritchett
Susan Mehrlust was going to ride her scooter along with the police escort - cheering runners and friends on in this first 26.2 with Donna National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer. I told her I was going to run the event and though she is no longer with us in body I will run to honor her, her brave live-in-the moment spirit, her smile that touched her eyes and everyone else's heart. I run to say thank you Susan.
- Constance Frankenberg
My sister found a lump in April, and now we are fighting back with chemo, faith & lots of laughter. If she hadn't done her own BSE, her prognosis could be so different. I run so that every woman remembers ...TOUCH YOURSELF! I run so that women like my sister Cheena can keep their taste buds, and their hair. I run to combat the fear my two beautiful nieces have in their hearts for the life of their mother, and for their future. I run for my husband, who loves me enough to put pink ribbons on my calendars each month. I run for the 1 in 8 to someday be 1 in 8,000,000. I run for all of you, because nobody knows strength more intimately than a survivor, and if one step can bring courage or encouragement to you, then I should run a million miles for your honor and for your life.
- Joynicole Martinez
- Rocky Mount, NC
I run so that I can eat chocolate!!! The reason I'm doing this race is for my Auntie Kay that is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after her oldest daughter was killed tragically in a car accident. She stayed so confident and positive in both situations and I've always admired her for her bravery and gumption. I also run for all women especially those that can't run due to illnesses. I run because God gave me the ability to do so.
-Jen Wren
- Atlanta, GA
My precious wife lived with cancer for six years. After two different primary tumors three years apart and then numerous recurrences, she finally won the final victory on April 23, 2007 when she was called home to heaven. I want to run to help alleviate this dreaded disease that can be so devastating to women but also to their husbands and children. My Marla leaves behind two boys, nearly 6 and 10, who desperately long for their momma to tuck them in at night and a husband is mourning her moment by moment. We don't want anyone else to have to journey where we are. Together, let's keep fighting and running to end this disease and all of its pain.
- Steve Quinn
- Sugar Hill, GA
My wife is a 5 year breast cancer survivor. I am extremely proud of her efforts and accomplishments over these past 5 years. I, on the other hand have let her down a number of times during the last 10 years. In February I came within "pills" of committing suicide. Things that saved me were the constant flashbacks of my family from the past 27 years. My wife and 3 kids faces actually gave me the strength to discard those pills and walk away alive! I have recently begun running, again. The last time I enjoyed running was when I was in prison, during 10/99 and 3/01. I was in a federal camp for a white collar crime. But none the less it was still prison. Running gave me a sense of freedom, accomplishment, satisfaction and motivation. So I decided to begin again. I am 52 years old and what I feel relatively good shape compared to many others I am around. I plan on doing a 5K run toward the end of July, then a 8K run in September, maybe a half-marathon this fall and then your marathon next year. I intend to fund raise my way to Florida with also a big donation! God willing I will make it there to help "all" breast cancer victims and to a lesser degree, myself. Thank you for your time, I hope someone reads this...
- John
When I was 7 my grandmother, the foundation and core of who I am, was taken away from me at the age of 59 after a long drawn out battle with breast cancer. Her fight was lost 17 years ago, and not a day goes by that I don't think about her. I became a runner in Junior High and continued on through college. I have never run a marathon and am excited to run my first one in memory of my grandmother. I have great respect for any survivor and consider it a great honor to run next to many of the them. Good luck to all.
- Kelly Ryan
Hi there!
| Anne Priddy (AKA Mama Penguin) |
 |
Anne
(left) with Lynn |
I am breast cancer survivor and I am a runner. I
have been cancer free for five years, and to
celebrate this milestone, I started a group of
walkers at my school, who have turned into runners-
The Priddy Penguins. What a great group of fellow
teachers from my high school, Lawton Chiles, in
Tallahassee, Fl. We started walking in late
November, 2006, and we are finishing the year with 4
mile walks. Four of my buddies
decided that they wanted to do your
half marathon, in 2008,and
another friend Lynn, pictured
with me here, decided that
her first marathon would be yours,
so I am running the marathon
with her! She is amazing-
so positive in all our training.
We are all making plans to come to Jacksonville in
February of 2008, to run the "good race. There are two breast cancer survivors among us,
and another is the son of a survivor, who plan to
run in February. You have presented a positive
challenge for all of us, and we are so grateful.
Everyone of us is at a different ability level, but
we are all working to meet the common goal of
finishing.
Facing breast cancer is like running a marathon- it
takes a lot of hard work, and mental toughness; it
takes determination; and it takes a POSITIVE plan of
action to deal with all the reality. We all have
hope that one day we all be free of this disease,
and we are running to make our statement of hope.
Look for a bunch of happy Penguins in February. We
will be waddling with the best of everyone else!
Why I'm Running,
I have embraced the fact that I am a breast cancer
survivor. I was diagnosed January 11, 2005. I am ready
to move forward in my life. I feel so good now! I know
how enjoyable running can be because I ran the Gate
River Run way back in high school with my cross-country
team. I stopped running, had a family career etc. I am
running for many reasons:
1. It brings a lot of
awareness to those around me my employees, co-workers,
family and friends about breast cancer and research and
I am proud of the Mayo connection to this event.( I work
for Mayo)
2. I am running for my 2 sisters, daughter, 6
nieces so we can find a cure and they won't have to go
through this too. My mom and her sister are breast
cancer survivors too. My mom's aunts all had breast
cancer.
3. I am running because I am a survivor and life
is precious and I don't want to be on the sidelines
anymore!
4. I am running because I can, I know the
reconstructive surgery/muscle flap I am having done next
month will set me back some- that is why I am training
as a beginner in the Jeff Galloway program ( I can
walk/jog 2 miles currently) to do the 1/2 marathon. When
I was first recovering and tired I didn't want to wake
up every day and think about cancer. Feeling good has
given me renewed perspective and I a proud to tell
people I am a survivor and look how good I am doing!
There are many nurses that work where I do that are
breast cancer survivors I am just one of many. We are
all touched by this disease. I have a new friend who has completed her first month of chemotherapy at the Mayo
Clinic. I want to be an example for others to follow as
a survivor, I will be running for my new friend too.
There are so many who cannot run, if you can then you
should do it for you and for others!
- Laura Brown
I'm a brain tumor survivor who loves to run and raise money for such a good cause -
On 9/11/02, as I was training for a 100
mile century cycling event as a fundraising mentor for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Team in Training, I was diagnosed with a meaning
brain tumor the size of an orange.
I had always loved endurance sports and had completed
two olympic
distance triathlons, numerous half marathons and had
raised thousands of dollars to fight blood related cancers. My world
changed on a dime. My daughter was eight months old and I didn't know if I
would see her first birthday.
After two surgeries, brain radiation, and taking steroid
medication for
16 months to control brain swelling I gained 60 pounds.
I could hardly move. A couple of complications following surgery and
treatment nearly proved fatal. I have never been able to return to work
full time and as a result our family has had some financial challenges
that have been very stressful.
In 2005, I joined the Galloway training group in Safety
Harbor, FL. I
am not fast and after running an event, I must rest a
lot. I have never completed a full marathon but I am so motivated to train
for this because of the cause. It is really a double whammy when someone has such a terrible illness then they have financial
problems follow. One of my fellow brain tumor survivors lost her home and her
car during her illness. Through the experience with my own illness, I
felt so helpless financially. Now that my health is better, I have the
opportunity to contribute and that makes me happy. I am a bit nervous
about the thought of going 26.2, but one step at a time I suppose
I can do it.
- Susie
Why I'm Running -
There are so many reasons I'm running
the inaugural Breast Cancer
Marathon. First, I'm a five year survivor that has been
blessed. I
have a fantastic family and friends that helped me
emotionally,
incredible doctors that got me through physically, and I
was fortunate to have good insurance that covered the majority of the
cost. So today I'm taking my last parricide and celebrating my entering
the marathon--I'm officially cured!! Now I want every
person, women and men, to come as close to my good fortune as possible.
Second, I have run 23 marathons, three for Team n'
Training (for
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society); three 3 day, 50 mile
walks for
Multiple Schlerosis; and countless Race for the Cure
5K's here in Denver. (Which every year has the largest
participation, 60 thousand plus, of all the Race for the Cures.) I also trained
for the Breast Cancer 3-Day, 60 mile walk while under going chemo and completed the walk two months after my last treatment. So naturally I
HAVE TO do this, the inaugural Breast Cancer Marathon!
Third, I'm training with my sister-in-law who will be
running her first marathon and she's so excited! She's even talked
her sister into doing the half marathon. And last but not least--Florida in February beats Denver
(unless you're on skis of coarse!) Looking forward to meeting and running with a bunch of
awesome people!
- Stephanie McLaughlin
- Denver, CO
Dear Donna,
My reason for running. My sister in law,
she is a survivor for 8 years.
She is now going through test for possible recurrence.
Let's all pray it's not there. I also have 3 new sisters, our parents
married last June. They are wonderful women. They lost their mother to
breast cancer. Anyway I want to pay tribute to these two women by
completing this run. Run, walk or crawl - I will finish!!!
- Daryl Owen
Donna,
I am running for my Mother that died of
breast cancer in 1990. Every
year since her death, my mamograms have turned up with
suspect and begine cysts. I live in constant fear. It is my hope
that through
research and through the efforts of everyone getting
this involved with breast cancer that no woman lives in fear of her body
and this disease.
My daughter is joining me in this marathon and hopefully
there will be no need for my granddaughter to join us in the future.
- Susan Ferry
- St. Augustine, Florida
My reasons for running the Donna Hicken 1/2 marathon are many. What first motivated me to sign up for the 1/2 marathon was the energy and courageous spirit I have seen in Donna Hicken with her two-time battle with breast cancer. She is a role model to our community and seems to have a contagious personality that made me want to be a part of her marathon. After running the Gate River Run, I wanted another running goal to look forward to that would allow me to keep up the consistency of running several times a week.
I have the Jeff Galloway training guides printed and learned from the Gate River Run that I need to follow his training plan to the letter. I have been fortunate that I do not have a family member that has had breast cancer, although when I ran my first 5K in Charleston, South Carolina for the Susan G Komen Foundation, I felt part of a bigger cause. I was hooked!
I was not only happy to run the race, I was even happier to be part of a wonderful cause that hits so close to home for so many people.
I look forward to the challenge of running my first 1/2 marathon while thinking of all the people who battle bigger challenges daily conquering breast cancer. When I turn 40 in July, I cannot wait to start training intensely for what seems to be a first class event for Jacksonville. As a 40th birthday present to myself, I want to finish the 1/2 marathon without walking. As a gift to all who battle breast cancer daily, I will be praying for you as I train and run the race on February 17, 2008.
- Anne Nichol
Why am I running?
While there are so many women who have battled Breast Cancer, I feel drawn to run for one person in particular. She is an amazing person, with baby blue eyes, freckles across her nose, and a smile that will melt your heart. This amazing person is my beautiful 8 year old Natalie.
She dreams of one day being the zookeeper in charge of the Jacksonville zoo, of saving the earth, and of one day becoming a mommy. I run so that hopefully she will never have to worry about Breast Cancer, so that she can live her life chasing her dreams instead of worrying about a lump in her breast. I run because I never want her to have to fight this horrible disease like so many others have had to do. So for my darling daughter, and all of the little girls out there, I run for your future.
- Rebecca Manning
Dear Donna,
My daughter Stacey Smith and I had great pleasure in finding your Breast Cancer Marathon booth (and you) at the Boston Marathon expo! It was neat that you remembered Stacey's finish-line joy at the Jax marathon in December.
You were gracious enough to allow me to take a photo of you and Stacey together, and asked me to send that picture and one with us wearing the jackets. I'm amazed that the pix of you two even turned out, considering there was not enough power to use the flash. We both wore your Breast Cancer Marathon jackets in the Boston Marathon.The jackets were a big hit and they stimulated a lot of questions about the marathon, which we gladly answered as best we could.
We also laughed often during the race because many encouraging spectators were hollering "Go, Donna" as we passed them. Many people also mentioned 'Breast Cancer Marathon' as we passed them, so it looks like your jacket designer's did a great job of making the event name very visible.
I'm looking forward to running in your marathon! I sincerely believe that your efforts to put it all together will result in a huge benefit to many thousands of breast cancer victims in the long haul.
Very sincerely,
Paul Smith
PS - Please pass our congrats to Tim for having a great race on a very tough day!
Here is my story.
After years of trying to get me to run and being "guilt ridden" (it's a Catholic thing) I have FINALLY given in to my childhood friend, Donna Hicken (aka my boss) who has convinced me and I quote "You are going to fall in love with it. You will be in the best shape of your life"! Well, we will see about that! Shall I purchase those designer size 6 jeans and hang them in full view to see every day? I would rather paste pictures of Carmen Elecktra and Jessica Simpson all over my refrigerator, but I will give it my best shot. I began a few weeks ago and it was only up until yesterday that I felt REALLY good out there. The days of me worrying what I look like to my neighbors as I run through the neighborhood panting like someone who just spent a few days in the desert without water are OVER!!! I AM going to do this!! Why might you ask?? Well, several things come to mind. I think about my aunt who passed away at the age of 49 from breast cancer a year after I graduated from high school. My mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, my childhood friend, Donna, who was diagnosed in 1999 and again in 2002 and one of the most fascinating people I will meet in my lifetime who has touched my life, Susan, who passed away in Dec. of 2006 from breast cancer. All of these women had to live with the word "Breast Cancer". They endured countless hours of treatment, feeling helpless and here I am worried about being able to run a marathon, not having to think about the possibility of losing my life. What am I worried about? I have thoughts of can I make the last couple of miles over the Intracoastal bridge? Well, I think these women who have been such a big part of my life have had a much steeper "bridge" to cross than I. I may never know how steep their bridge was, but like they did, I will endure with everything I have and be determined that the word "marathon" will not get the best of me. See you in February 2008!
-Julie Terrazzano, Director
-The Donna Hicken Foundation
Hi Donna-
You've changed my life.
I bet you hear that a lot, in fact, I'm sure you do, because I've read the same thing written by hundreds of people in your book. But, I thought you deserved to hear it again. I'm not a runner. Maybe soon, I will be. Since January I've been training for your race. I'll be joined by some of my more experienced friends soon, and then we all start training for real in August. I'm going to need ever day from now until then to build up my base, but I am more determined than I have ever been in my entire life to do just that. I've had one goal for the past two or three months, and it's been to finish your marathon. My friends mother was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Friends and I planned to run a 5k for breast cancer in her name, but it just didn't seem powerful enough. We wanted, as you said,"a long arduous race that challenges the body, mind, and spirit."We decided that if we're going to do anything at all, we might as well Go Big or Go Home. On my runs, when it feels as though I can't take another step, I think of my friend's mother. Every day, she is fighting for her life. Suddenly, it's easier to put one foot in front of the other again. As she fights the cancer, I fight the pain in my legs, and that little voice in my head that says I can't go any farther. Your race has allowed me to stand with her, fighting my fight because I can't fight hers. So for that, I thank you. You have given me an incredible gift, the opportunity to believe in myself and fight for a cause. I'll make you proud on race day! I've created a training website for my team in order to chronicle our progress and help us with our ambitious fundraising goal. I can't imagine how busy you are, but I invite you to take a look at the link below!
Thanks so much,
Jeff - "Dubbs" at Click here to view his Blog
My 50+ Marathons for your Cause
Hi. Last year, I was attempting to run 60 marathons. I made it to 36: I had to stop in August when a family member was diagnosed with breast cancer and I stopped to take care of her. Believe me, we know about "living with breast cancer" now.
She is doing well, and I am running again. I have decided that I want to run 50 to 60 marathons around the US between 1/8/07 and 2/17/08 in her honor. The final one would be, of course, the National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer.
Thanks,
Robert Lopez
Marathon Maniac #111
The blog: http://moostronaut.blogspot.com
It is also being advertised at my national running club's homepage:
http://www.marathonmaniacs.com
I am a contributor as well on http://coolrunning.com, where I generally file race reports.
The Donna Hicken Foundation raises money for First Coast women living with breast cancer.
The Mayo Clinic is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Galloway Training Program is the official training program for 26.2 with Donna. Learn more!