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Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer.
Why are you running? Submit your story.
I run for life
I am running in memory of my cousin who lost her battle with breast cancer around age 40. She left behind a husband a children and she is dearly missed. I also run in the hopes that some day we will find a cure. I run for life. Each day is a blessing we are here. None of my immediate family members have battled with breast cancer, so we are lucky, but I still feel I would like to do all I can do to "race for the cure".
- Jennifer Fox
My Mom the Miracle
My Mom was only 18 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through the surgery and treatment alone. She exemplified what it meant to be a true survivor. I don't want to be scared and I don't want to be a survivor. I am running so there will be a cure. I am proud to say that I will be running in my Mom's honor, not her memory. My Mom is now a 37 year survivor!
- Jennifer Lambert
Why I am Running
I am a 46-year-old runner from West Hartford, Connecticut. I am also a very recent breast cancer survivor (diagnosed in March 2007, surgery in April 2007), and one of those people who has refused to let breast cancer interfere with running or other parts of life. My sister, Debbi Zimbler, is the program director for Galloway in Manhattan, and ever since she heard about this new marathon, she has been trying to convince me to participate. Although it’s very difficult to train for a February marathon during the Connecticut winter, that’s my new goal. However, there is a lot more to my story…
In January 2007, I had my annual mammogram just like I have every year since I turned 40. I have dense breast tissue, which I know, and I have also been fibrocystic, which the doctors and I know as well. The mammogram did not detect any problems. Six weeks later, I was scratching an itchy eczema patch under my right arm, and I felt something odd. That area had always been “more fibrocystic” than anywhere else, but it felt somehow different. After a few days of worry, I called my ob/gyn’s office on a Monday, and got an appointment for that Friday. Upon examination, my doctor thought it was an inflamed lymph node, but she did a needle biopsy anyway and put me on an antibiotic. I made a follow-up appointment for a week later. The antibiotic did nothing. On Friday, March 9, 2007, I went back to the doctor’s office for the follow-up appointment, and received the news: evidence of ductal carcinoma in the cells obtained through the needle biopsy. Naturally, I was devastated, just like anyone who is told they have the “c-word” by a doctor. My only risk factor was having had my first child after age 30.
The next morning I ran six miles with my sister. It was a great way to clear my head, and remember that I was still an otherwise very healthy person. I had been worried that running would make things worse – somehow revving up my metabolism would spread the cells faster – but my doctor assured me that it was probably the best mental therapy available. A whirlwind of doctor’s appointments and tests followed – appointments with two surgeons, ultrasound, MRI and core biopsy. The core biopsy seemed to indicate that the cancer was non-invasive, but they couldn’t be sure until it was all removed. My surgery was scheduled for early the morning of April 5, 2007 – just before Easter. I ran up until the day before, but was told that I would have to take six weeks off afterwards to let the delicate tissues heal.
The pathology report following the surgery indicated that the cancer was all in situ, but they didn’t get enough of a clear margin, so I still wouldn’t believe the diagnosis. So, on April 16, the day I had originally dreamed of running the Boston Marathon, I was back in surgery. (Note – My hope had been to qualify for Boston last fall in the Hartford Marathon, but I sprained my ankle over the summer and wasn’t ready for a full marathon last fall.) On a sunny warm April 20th, I received the positive news that the cancer was, in fact, all in situ.
Radiation was the next step, and I started that as soon as possible, on May 8, 2007. I wanted to finish the regimen before my children (ages 9 and 12) were out of school for the summer. I tolerated the radiation well, getting a moderate sunburn by the end, but never really feeling fatigued. I had started walking in the mornings about a week after the second surgery, and by about four weeks post surgery I added brief bursts of running. I was still pretty sore, though.
The goal I had set for myself: running the Race for the Cure in Bushnell Park in Hartford. The race was scheduled for June 2, 2007 – not even seven weeks after my surgery. My surgeon, who was the honorary chairwoman of the Race, said not to worry if I didn’t feel up to running; there was nothing wrong with walking it this year. You can’t tell that to a dedicated runner! On May 29th, I ran three miles! I ran again a few days later, and on June 2nd, I ran the Race for the Cure with three good friends. I finished in 26:25 – and was 5th among survivors. It wasn’t anywhere near my fastest race, and next year I hope to be in the top 3 survivors, but I was proud to have accomplished it so soon after surgery.
I have continued to run, and even ran home from one of my radiation treatments, a distance of about 5.5 miles. The doctors and technicians said no one had ever done that before! Over the summer, after I was all done with treatments, I got back to a regular running routine. In September, I completed the “Reach the Beach” ultramarathon relay in New Hampshire as part of a 10-person team. I ran a total of 23.5 miles over the course of 29 hours. I ran the Hartford half-marathon this October, and should be ready to tackle a full marathon next year. The Breast Cancer Marathon in February is my new goal. Other than some residual numbness on the back of my right arm, I feel great!
My surgeon and my ob/gyn have both told me that I am a “poster child” for early detection. I am the editor of a local lifestyle magazine, so I am fortunate to have a platform through which to inform others about my story. I feel that if I can spur even just one woman to have her cancer detected while it is still in situ, I will have done something worthwhile.
- Ronni Newton
I have decided to participate in the National Breast Cancer Marathon under Team Genentech. I am dedicating my run to a very special group of ladies from Bakersfield California who call themselves the HER2 Sisterhood. They are breast cancer survivors who have HER2 positive breast cancer and who have received Herceptin, some for several years. They are not defined by their cancer. They dedicate their time to help others navigate through their journey with HER2 positive breast cancer. They are inspiring. They are strong. They are survivors. I have not had breast cancer and no one in my family has either but I am inpired by these women daily. I am blessed to work for a company that puts the patient FIRST!! Here's to my Bakersfield girls!!
- Lori Lanphere
Macy
I'm running for my sister Macy, in honor of her legendary battle of 8 years with breast cancer wherein she conquered so much and lived every minute between diagnosis and her death on July 4, 2006. I'm running also for those survivors and currently-under-treatment in my life: Gail Andrews, Cay Welsh, Vicky Rivizzigno, Dell Connell, Kathleen Bousquet, Sr. Pat O'Brien, Alice Conway. I'm running for my daughter Ellary, my sister Jenna, my friend Martha, my friends Kate, Cordelia, and Lupita, and for a world where breast cancer moves from fatal to chronic to completely curable or avoidable!
- Lois Wims
Why I'm Running
I started running the year I turned 40, I told everyone that I was running away from aging. My husband, an occasional runner served as my coach and companion. He taught me all about pace, running form and injury prevention. During that first year we gradually increased our distance, I still remember feeling smug the first day I ran a mile without stopping. From there it was on to 5ks then 10ks and then….. our first marathon. (Thanks to Jeff Galloway’s walk-run program). We got hooked, joined a running group and haven't looked back. Little did I know this endurance training would prepare me for another type of race…
This year I turned 50 and was diagnosed with breast cancer. It really wasn't a shock, my mother had breast cancer. I knew my future as soon as I discovered the lump in late June. Plans for the Marine Corp. Marathon went by the wayside. In July I underwent a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and now radiation (I just finished week 2 of a 7 week course). In December I will begin tamoxifin and kick start menopause.... Oh the body image changes!
Fortunately I have been able to "run" intermittently throughout this experience. Running has been like an old friend. It transports me to a familiar place and allows me to remain "normal" despite the changes in my outward appearance. I know these things are temporary, my breasts are under "reconstruction", my hair is starting to come back (if you count a 5 o’clock shadow) and my complexion is not as pale. Everyday I am getting a little stronger. Fortunately cancer causes a more permanent change to your internal makeup. My mettle was tested and resulted in a stronger faith and a greater appreciation for all of the people in my life.
My surgeons and oncologists all agree "I am nothing special." They frequently cite favorable statistics about staging, treatment protocols and survival rates. Although the words "I am nothing special" sound insensitive, they are exactly what you want to hear following the words "you have cancer".
I will be on the starting line February 17th for two reasons. First because I am blessed, my cancer was detected early and I received state-of-the-art care. I have been supported by a wonderful family and group of friends and have every reason to believe that I will not die from breast cancer. Second, I know that everyone’s experience is not the same. Some women still don’t know about the importance of early detection through yearly mammograms and monthly self-breast exams. It broke my heart to learn that one of my friends was ashamed to talk about her breast cancer diagnosis. She felt like she had done something wrong. We have to keep working to raise awareness, share our stories and ensure that every woman has access to breast cancer screening and treatment. I will be in Jacksonville running for my life and for the life of all the women who need to know!
- Jodi Strudwick
I run for all...
I am fortunate to be running. I am fortunate to be alive. I am a niece of two Aunts ( one maternal/ one paternal) diagnosed with cancer. One is a survivor, the other an angel. The angel was my godmother. She received her wings April 29, 2000.
I had set a goal to run a Marathon before I was 45. I wanted it to be special, not just any Marathon, but for a true cause. When I was searching, I came across this website. I knew this was my cause, and why.Never having run more than 3 miles on any given day my entire life, I was in some way guided to do this particular race. I thought about it, dreamed about it, and discussed it with a close friend, my angel's brother, my dad. He was so close to her and knew she would guide me through the training and race in a special way. Well, he was right.
In the beginning of my training, I fractured my ankle. I was out for 12 weeks. When I signed up for my "first recovery race", it was the Race For The Cure" in Central Florida. I was not up to full speed yet, completing 3 miles more than 15 minutes longer than before. But it was a start.
I ran that day with my angel. I was struggling. At one point in the run, disgusted with myself, I looked down. In my view was my race number, 1943. I felt a rush of tears start to flow, as I realized this was the year my Aunt was born. She was with me in my first recovery race. I felt a burst of energy explode in my legs and ran to the finish line. My angel was carrying me.
I have just finished my first 1/2 marathon, (12.01.07; 2.21 hours), with my angel. This is the half way point in my marathon training I kept saying, and I'm glad you are with me.
I am proud to be running. I am proud of those that have survived. I am proud of those who fought the battle and earned their wings.
My race bib is pinned to my wall as an inspiration, that I can and will survive this incredible event. Not for me but for my godmother.
I run for all....
- Lori Elliott Oakes
Why I'm "not" running
I registered for 26.2 with Donna on 02/02/07. I never dreamed that exactly 9 months to the day I would be diagnosed with breast cancer. So I won't be running, but I at least hope to be there to share in the sisterhood and fellowship of all involved. My friends will run and I will be there to cheer them on.
- Donna Nelson
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!