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Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer.
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My story, my life's purpose
I have just finish writing a book based on true events in my life. I must share my story to help heal someones life before it is too late. On October 17,1995, my dear beloved mother died from complications of the heart. Then a week after my youngest sister was found at home dead. I never found out for sure if it was suicide or heart failure. How many of us silently live our daily lives without talking or sharing any part of our struggles . Then on May, 1998, Nicholas, my husband of eighteen years decided to leave. He had a garage sale on our anniversary and sold everything. I ended up having to find a place to live with no money. My daughter pregnant, son on drugs and I'm homeless. In the meantime I'd found a studio, had my daughter stay with me and my son's whereabouts unknown. On March 3, 2001, on my mother's birthday, I found out that I have breast cancer. On March 28, 2001, I had, to have a bilateral mastectomy, and on October,17, that same year, I had a total hysterectomy which change my life. I felt as if everything about me being a woman was gone...and why? I refused to stay silent, so I still kept writing in my journals. We must cry out...people! One moment we are here; then the next moment our love ones and dear friends watch us die without us saying one word. It is selfish to keep something so traumatic to ourselves. We do not have to be alone. I also want men to know how important "support" is to many women who have suffered. I know that we do not usually ask for it. We try to be strong as women and truthfully it is impossible to do this alone. Many of my sisters of all colors are quietly dying emotionally, spiritually and physically. It is hard for any woman to share this experience of losing any part of their body. It is devastating to say the least to wake up each morning and see what was no longer exist. Losing a big part of our femininity is a great lost and an a emotional set back!! Many of us are so sick that we can barely keep an eight hour job. There are no financial organizations to help support women like us, who have gone through breast cancer or still fighting this deadly disease. I believe that not only losing our jobs but also relationships causes even more stress. Disability does not even pay the bills. We either end up dead, in debt or losing a great job opportunity. We are not alone in this struggle. Someone must cry out and I am that voice! Even during my eighteen years of marriage I did not understand that there are different types of abuse. I truly believe that it was a normal lifestyle. My mother lived it, and I just thought it was normal. I did learn during our separation that I was going through verbal, emotional and mental abuse. Then my daughter was going through domestic violence from 2001 to 2002. She then moved in with me to escape the physical and verbal abuse. During this time Nicholas, did not support our daughter emotionally and financially. So she and I struggle with money while going back and forth to the hospital in San Francisco for all of my life threatening surgeries. At this time we were still residing in Stockton, so the financial burden was left on our daughter. My last surgery has ended and I was beginning to heal. Nicholas and my daughter's abuser were popping up around our home. I then had to scrap up what I could and filed for a divorce in October, 2004. It was the most hardest thing to do, did not believe in divorce. So we decided with the manager of the apartments' help to sell everything and move to the bay. With no where to go, we slept in hotels. Fortunately, my daughter was receiving benefits; so we went to the county to have her benefits transferred to the bay area. At that time, I saw a life changing phone number, WOMEN'S FIRST. This organization found us shelter and from then we found our future. I was blessed to have found this place. This is why I am writing this book, I want women to stop being silent or feeling embarrass behind the four walls at home. Hibernating and feeling that no one notice. "I" kept quiet about my pains and fears. To even think of having relationship with a man is enormously painful. Just the explanation alone to any man on why I have these scars is just the beginning. I started writing my journals in 1995, I know that there our women like myself who are afraid to speak out. It is hard to share something like this. Many of us stay in unhealthy relationships due to financial reasons. I am that voice that will help to share how we feel and how to heal. I know that there are plenty of women who are also in relationships for the fear of being alone. We must learn how to heal "ourselves" first, before finding that special person to love, appreciate and supports us. We go to work every day without anyone knowing the deep pain we're suffering. My "self image" was the one thing that kept me sheltered. After losing my breast I did not know how to dress. Then I was not sure how others were going to look at me. Whenever I mentioned that I was a breast cancer survivor, I would notice how they looked at me, and it was not my eyes at first glance, but my chest. I bought certain dresses that would camouflage my look. When it came time to shop for a prosthesis, well it felt so awkward to say the least. I try to avoid help from any organization. I felt that I can do this without going to any groups. I found out later that I did need support. There are organizations out there for many of us, but how many of us want to share our life stories? How many women are just putting on a "front" each and everyday just to save face? If no one speaks out on this subject of breast cancer, the physical and emotional changes after surgery it will continue to go unnoticed. Now, I continue to search for my beginning. It is time to live and fulfilled each day as if it is our last. I yearn for the return of my soul. Just when we believe were having hard times, as a reminder someone suffers even more. I praying this book will help women triumph through all adversity. Peace and Blessings
- Jewel Julieann
I run for life
I am actually running thanks to Jeff Galloway. I am a new runner, as of January 2007, and was looking for a training program for the Walt Disney Marathon when I came across his training. It was designed for the Breast Cancer Marathon but coincided perfectly with Disney. It was after his training-meeting a number of Wonderful Survivors and learning about the Donna Hicken foundation that I not only wanted to run her Marathon, but needed to.
The reasons I run grow every day. First and foremost, for my most precious gifts, my children. I run for my husband and the loss of his mother, and my children's grandmother, to breast cancer. I run for my mom and for every mom, sister and daughter who wonders waits for their test results. I run for all of the brave women and their family and friends who have told their stories here, and for those who have not.
I run so that no one will ever again have to say they lost someone to this horrible disease.
God bless you all and I'll see you on the 17th!
- Amy Barrett
Why I'm Running
I'm running in honor of my friend's mother who passed away from breast cancer in 2007. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, as she lived in France. This is for my dear friend, Laurent Gauthier's mom. Also, my grandmother passed away... I never had change to know her.
- Graciela de Leon
A Course in Miracles
I'm "running with Donna" in recognition of my wife and hero, Laurie who is just finishing a year of treatment for breast cancer. I used to think that running a marathon was a difficult thing to do, but it pales in comparison to all of you courageous individuals who have had to battled the physical and emotional pain in your fight against breast cancer. So I run for all of you who have endured through it all. Throughout this last year, Laurie has taught myself, our daughter Julia and son Reed to believe in the miracle of hope, as she constantly reminds us of to live our lives as Albert Einstein encouraged us to do by saying "there are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle". She reminded us that everyday and everything that it entails is a miracle.
Thank you for the work you do in the search for a cure. You are making a difference in the lives of so many.
P.S. I would love to connect with any other runners who are coming down from Canada for the Run with Donna.
- Peter Ferguson
London, Ontario Canada
Why I'm Running
Thank you for organizing this race. I want to help raise money for Breast Cancer Research and to help eliminate breast cancer in my lifetime. Here is my story. In 1997, my mother, Mona Anderson was diagnosed with breast cancer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , MN at the age of 54. She went through radiation and had a successful lumpectomy and radiation in the spring and summer of 1997. She was doing great until the winter of 2005/2006. After suffering through pain in her hips and pelvis area for several months after a fall on the ice, she returned to the Mayo Clinic for an evaluation for her pain. After tests, blood work, and a full work up, it was determined that her cancer had returned and this time it had metastasized to the bone and she had pathologic fractures to the pelvis, ribs, and femur resulting in her pain. Upon more diagnostic tests, it was also determined that the cancer had metastasized to the liver. On February 16, 2005 we received the news of the recurrence of my mom’s cancer. On February 17, 2005, (the date of this year’s marathon) we met with Dr. Matthew Goetz, MD and Katie Zahasky, nurse practitioner at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine our treatment plan to fight the cancer. After nearly 10 months of chemotherapy a dose of radiation and two weeks ago a second dose of radiation, I am happy to say that w e are now approaching the two year mark of the recurrence of my mom’s breast cancer and she is still fighting strong and doing extremely well. Thank you to the Mayo Clinic and Breast Cancer Research.
I would like to help in any way possible and would like information on starting a fund raising effort here in Wisconsin. I go with my mother to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester every three weeks. Each visit we are in the Oncology Dept and I would like to help distribute as much information as possible, bot h at the Mayo Clinc in Rochester and in my local town (just outside of Madison, WI). I also would like to see if locally, there is a source to help raise money. Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can get the fund raising started. Can we contact local media outlets? Flyers? Newspaper ads? What can I do to help out?
There is not an hour in a day that goes by that I do not think of my mother, her fight and all of the women fighting this terrible disease. I have a wife, a sister, three sister in laws, three nieces and two daughters who I do not want to have to fight this disease. I would like to do anything th at I can to help raise money to fight breast cancer and to raise money for breast cancer research. Please contact me and let me know what I can do to help.
- Thor J. Anderson, DDS. SC
Stoughton WI
Why I'm Running
"Ya know" not so long ago I took on a challenge of working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Team in Training). They asked me to raise A LOT of money that I thought I couldn't achieve. Well, thanks to A LOT of people who believed not only in the mission of Team in Training but in ME I achieved their goal and surpassed it. One of those people who believed in me and TNT was Brenda Luca.
Brenda was deep into her fight with metastasized breast cancer at the time but cheered me on from where she was. She and her husband Roger donated quite a bit to my fund raising campaign and I in turn put her name on my race shirts, my web site, and then participated with her in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Leon County. About a month ago, I turned 40 and decided that it was time for me to "move up" in my running efforts. So, in honor of so many people that I knew affected by Breast Cancer, I committed to run the newest marathon in Florida: 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer. I told Brenda all about it. I told her that I wanted her right there waiting for me at the Finish Line at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 17, 2008. I think I knew at the time it would be unlikely for her to be there unless that just happened to be a pre-planned trip to the Clinic for one of her treatments. But, I carried that hope with me nonetheless.
I told my momma and one of my bestest friends Stephanie Corry - both breast cancer survivors, and my friend Cathy Cushing, and a ton of other people what I had planned. Then, during one of our longer training runs (16 miles) I had an awful time. To be frank, it sucked. And, I began to question my plans and wonder just what sort of STUPID Pills I had taken that would make me think I had enough fortitude to run a full marathon. What was I thinking? Well, the week progressed and it was a pretty good week for me run wise. I did ten miles on 12.1.2007 in my best time yet. I was out there sporting my 26.2 with Donna run cap, and my 26.2 with Donna training shirt. In general, just thinking I was all that, and that maybe I might actually be able to finish the marathon. Then I got the news ...
My friend Brenda Luca lost her fight with breast cancer (11.29.2007). Somehow, I just didn't think she would let it beat her. I truly believed that she and Roger would win. I just knew it. I guess it hurts, and it brings me to tears just to think about everything she went through to win. I can't imagine what it must be like to be her husband, her twin boys, or her family. I can't begin to fathom how the world will be a lesser place without her in it. But, I know that she wants us to continue in everything that we had planned. I know that she doesn't really care for the tear and the hurt, because that is not how she lived her life. She spent her time with us "living it up" and that is what she would want for those who were a part of her world. I just know it.
So, now what do we do? Who is going to step up and be the positive, never-ending source of encouragement, the smile in the midst of every adversity? Who will be "Brenda" when we need her? WE will. We HAVE to. I think each of us has a part of her that we are supposed to nurture, and grow, and use in a manner that reflects Brenda's spirit and will. I believe that if we all exhibit the part of her that she planted in us, she will continue to be a driving force in our lives. Find your seed that she gave you. Use it the way she would have wanted if she were here to remind you.
Me, I KNOW that she will be at the finish line in February. I know that she will be right beside me for 26.2 miles - she told me often that she wished she could run with me and my momma. Now she can. Not only can she run with me, but lucky her she won't have to train and buy new shoes; or worry about sore muscles; or getting tired or dehydrated; she won't have to count how many gels to carry with her; and she won't get all stinky and sweaty. But, I won't get to hug her at the end when the finish line officials place that beautiful silver dolphin and stained glass medal around her neck.
I won't win the race: I'm far too slow. But, hopefully one day the race will be one when we don't have to run races for cures. When marathons are for fun (Ha!) not for fund raising. When race directors can advertise that they have the best scenery, not the best cause.
Brenda Luca has left a big imprint on my heart. I hope that I can do her memory and spirit justice. Truly, that is my wish for how her legacy will live on in me. That one in February: It's all you, Brenda! I will miss you more than you can know, and even more than I thought was possible. My love and wishes of peace to your Roger, Will and Jarrod.
Peace.
- Lori Abbey
Tallahassee, Florida
I RUN I RUN I RUN
I started training for my first marathon at age 50 and after my second diagnosis of cancer. Running kept me feeling alive and I found my body remarkable and able to push beyond limits that amazed me. I kept running ..... I run for those who have lost their battle with cancer .... I run for those who are not able .... I run to tell the world that there is always hope. After 10 marathons and a third diagnosis and I still run to say there is always hope!!!!!
- Lisa Rice
Donna
I will be walking the 1/2 marathon with my two sisters - Susie and Lisa. Lisa was reading Runners World when she saw the whole page ad on the marathon. She brought the page to my house and show it to me and I said "We have to do it". We called our other sister Susie who lives a couple hours away and she said "We have to do it".
So why did we all 3 of us say "We have to do it"? Our mother passed away from breast cancer in 1999 at the age of 54 after a 4 year battle. Her name was Donna. We all 3 have talked about doing a 1/2 together for about 2 years. Then we see this one that raised money for breast cancer research and has the title "Run with Donna". I think our mom was sending us a message that we need to get out there and do it instead of keeping talking about it. I hope my 2 little girls never have to experience the pain of breast cancer.
I look forward to the race and know my mother will be with us in spirit the whole 13.1 miles.
- Shirley Gingrich
In memory of Karen Huftalin
My sister, Karen, fought breast cancer for 5 years and in that time she led Team Born to be Alive in three Komen Three- Day-Walks and two Chicago Race for the Cure events. She lost her battle with cancer on November 1st of this year, but we are carrying on her tradition by running the inaugural "26.2 with Donna-National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer". Please help us help others who are fighting to win their own battles with cancer.
- Keith & Andrée FitzPatrick
Waverly Bond
When my sweet Uncle Waverly Bond was diagnosed with cancer six months ago for the second time, I thought, what could I do? And then I started seeing more stories about the race with Donna and I talked myself into running for him. I talked to him while he was going through heavy treatments of chemo and radiation and was amazed by his spirit and attitude. It inspired me even more to run and show him how much he meant to me now and when I was growing up. I did not have much time to tell him how I was actually enjoying running because quickly his cancer became terminal. We were all shocked and numb, he had beaten it before. The last conversation we had he was telling me how messed up he was and not feeling himself. I did not get a chance to invite him down for the race. I saw him before he went to the angels a week before this Christmas and was able to tell him I love him.
It just seems like yesterday he was laughing at me about my golf game or telling me a little wisdom of life to make it all better. This race means so much to me and my family. My aunt and some of her family are even coming all the way from North Carolina to support me, I think it helps all of us to keep his beautiful spirit alive. If you are reading this and would like to join my team, it is called Team Bond. Bond was his last name and he was a big hunter so I am having pink, hunting T-shirts made up in his honor.
- Ashley Moreland
Why I'm Running
The reason why I am running this race is for my brother Bill who is very dear to me who is a cancer survivor. As well as friends who are cancer survivors, my grandson great grandmother Fanny, my friend daughter Gloria and in loving memory of those who we lost due to cancer my brother Howard, my uncle Liberian, my father-in law Moses, and his sisters. Finally yet importantly for all the women who are breast cancer survivor who are fighting the fight.
- Veronica M.
To run is to live!
I run for my self and for every other breast cancer survivor in the world. I run to honor the one thing that saw me through a shocking breast cancer diagnosis at age 37, with two surgeries, radiation and hormone treatment. I run because running made me feel whole during 2006, a year when everything else around me crumbled.
I run for all the amazing health care providers who saved my life. I run for all my friends and loved ones who held me up. I run for the progress of research that can save more lives and eliminate cancer.
More than anything I run for all the heroic cancer survivors I have met, men and women who have inspired me to live every moment to the fullest. And to run is to live!
- Therese Brewitz
Why I'm Running
We all know someone close who past away... or has ... or beat breast cancer. I personally have experienced the loss of loved ones. I also believe we all have our own personal reasons for running this particular race, in honor of someone... to donate and spread the word for a great cause ... or just because you love to run. I'm running because of the above listed reasons, plus an extra :
The "in honor of someone" is for my mother in-law, Diane, and friend, Sheila, who both passed away from breast cancer and a lovely woman, that I know now, who has beat breast cancer.
The "donation and spread the word" , for me, has a twist. Not only is this a monetary donation to the Mayo Clinic, but I am also a platelet donor at the local blood bank.
So, thru running, I am staying healthy enough to continue to donate. I didn't know that a part of me went to recovering cancer patients. I always thought that what I gave was for accident victims, or surgery patients. I know this is a big fight, I want in on this fight and I will help to continue the fight as long as I can !!!
The, "because you love running", is exactly that. I love to run, I have formed great friendships with the folks in the group I run with, (3 of us will be there) and it is going to be a great honor to run with Donna, Besides the fact (from my last mail) that I am part of the, ONLY, 21 percent of the entrants being male. It's going to be an honor, and beautiful sight to run with the rest of you also.
The last reason is: I love Micro Brew Beers, and I will be in Jacksonville to visit River City Brewing, Seven Bridges, Southend Brewing, etc... and there happens to be a marathon, there, the exact same weekend, so I'm going to run it !!!- Chuck in Cincinnati
Why I'm Running
Many people don’t understand why people run marathons. I have done other races to stay active and to achieve goals that I have set for myself. This marathon however is different on so many levels. Training for this is not just a way for me to stay fit. I am running in honor of my Aunt Eileen, a 10 year survivor. I am running to show her how thankful I am to have her in my life. I am running to show her that I am proud of her for being a survivor. Training in Chicago, in the middle of winter, has been a challenge. Each time I train, I remember what my aunt went through to be a “winner”. I know that my grueling workouts are nothing compared to the challenge she has been through. To my auntie and godmother, I love you and will be thinking of you the entire 26.2 miles!
- Megan Weber
My Pap
My pap, (grandfather), was layed to rest on Christmas Eve 2007, his favorite holiday. He had the most caring heart of anyone i've ever met. He didn't die of breast cancer but of stage 4 lung cancer. He only had six months since he was diagnosed. He was a big strong man until the cancer ate him up. He fought as hard as he could. He had radiation and gamma knife on his brain, the tumor on his rib removed and one round of chemo. The tumor and spots on his brain instantly came back. Eventually it was too much for him and he decided to give up, it was time to see his wife, Jeanie, who has been patiently waiting in Heaven. I live in Saint Mary's GA, he in Whitney PA, where I grew up. I am a local skateboarder and have family and friends donating to The Grind For Life, but I would like to run the half marathon, and will be entering when I get back to GA. I love what Donna is doing, she seems like she has the same big heart as my Pap did. If she would ever be interested in doing a fundraiser at Kona Skateboard Park or even the Atlantic Beach Skatepark let me know, all the skateboarding Moms, Dads, and kids would love it. Maybe something like The Grind For Life.
Thanks for listening,
Jennifer Lynn Stranko
Why I Run
I have 4 children, Girls 8 and 5 and twin boys 16 months. I feel truely blessed and proud to have been given this famly. I have a wonderful and supportive husband who w/o saying a word lets me know he believes in me and that I can do anything. We have a family friend Ms. Jan who I have looked up to as a role model for being a great mother. Her daughter has been a wonderful part of my children's lives which first started as a babysitter but has grown into her being part of our family. Her mother, Ms. Jan has been fighting breast cancer for the past 5 months. As she is fighting and I am training, I think of her. When I feel tired or feel my legs can't push anymore, I think of her fighting for her life and fighting to be w/ her family. I am blessed and can not imagine being given that task, to fight for your life. My 8 year old daughter asked me why I am doing this marathon. I explained to her I feel lucky I am physically able to do it because the people fighting cancer may not be able to run or walk8mxap and I think of Ms. Jan as I am running and the thought of her going through her treatment gets me through each mile. She is my inspiration. My husband and my children are my support.
- Jacque Grzebin
I am running to honor the memory of my sweet wife Claudia Ann Davis
I am running to honor the memory of my sweet wife, Claudia Ann Davis, who died last July 23, 2007 following a 20-month battle with breast cancer. Claudia was a runner herself, but she was so much more; a supporter and encourager for me. Even if she were not running a particular race, she would always be there to encourage me. Even during her illness, she would travel with me, sitting in the car and when I passed she would get out, take my picture and give me a big kiss to strengthen me. I miss her so much, but realize that she would want more than anything for me to continue, for she was so proud of my running. I know now that she is not suffering anymore, and she always supported any and all of the efforts to fund breast cancer research. Running in this marathon is something that I can do to continue her efforts. I am proud to run this marathon with Donna to help find a cure for this terrible disease. I'm "taking Claudia with me" as I run this marathon, for I run in a shirt with her picture on the back.
- David Davis
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!