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Why I’m Running is a series of inspirational stories surrounding breast cancer.
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Why I am running
On February 17, 2008 I will run 26.2 miles to celebrate life. I will run to celebrate my mom who died 12 years ago from breast cancer. I will run for those who are battling breast cancer. And when I feel like I can’t run anymore, I will look to my right and see my brother Senan running with me. I will look to my left and see my family and friends supporting us, cheering us on. I will look in front of me and see my mom…pacing me to the finish.
- Sheila Lindsay
Two sisters, Cynthia and Kathleen, so connected, now separated
I remember the day when Cynthia arrived at my house to tell me she had breast cancer. I remember wishing I was the one who would start the aggressive battle rather than her. Stage three breast cancer, she didn’t deserve this news and after all I was sure I was stronger. Her battle began and my mother and I were by her side. She had chemotherapy, a radical mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, more chemo and then radiation. Then came a time of no treatments, after all, I believed she had won the battle. Upon re diagnosis I watched her amazingly fight the battle again. This time the cancer attacked her spine and suddenly in three short days I watched her stumble, fall ,and then never walk again. Still she continued to battle on, she maintained her career as the retail buyer for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. I watched her work from her hospital bed, a rehab center, and eventually from my mother’s home as we cared for her there. Cynthia was not a runner, in fact, she never "got " why I ran. After watching my beloved sister die right before my eyes, unable to walk from the cancer that attacked, I run this race in her honor and in memory of her. Cancer has changed my life forever and broke my heart beyond repair. To Jacksonville I head with three girlfriends from Cooperstown, New York. I never want any of "my girls" to face this breast cancer battle.
- Kathleen Galland-Bennett
Why I'm Running
I started running again about four years ago, I think in an attempt to make me feel as though I was fighting for my sister Peggy who had been diagnosed with cancer. She fought the good fight but lost the battle on June 1st 2005.
My Mother is a survivor of some 30 years and at 81 continues to excercise her body and mind. She is remarkable.
I have a sister in law Tammy that is winning the battle with breast cancer and is doing very well. My father in law lost his battle in 2006 and my mother in law in 2007.
I won't mention the names of the numerous people that I work with that are currently fighting and their spirit is an inspiration to all they know.
So as I run the half marathon I will spend time thinking of each and everyone of them. My Sister's / Brother's all. I miss my sister who was taken away at the young age of 57. I have a song about 3 miles in to every run that is just about her and it's been there since she began her fight and it will always be there....that way, in a small way, she will always be here.
- Michael Ray
FSU AMWA Team
I am running as member of the Florida State College of Medicine American Medical Women's Association Team. As future physicians, we would like to support the many different aspects of breast cancer outreach including awareness, research, patient rights etc. All the members coming over from Tallahassee are honored and thrilled to run in this inaugural race!
- Anthony Sochet
Why I am running?
This is my 13th marathon but this one is very special to me. I am runnning for the many women and families that have been affected by breast caner one way or another. One being my mother and two of my aunts. My mother taught me everything I know about exercising and being fit. I always looked up to her becasue she could do everything there was athletically. She taught me how to play basketball, tennis lift weights, how to eat right and take care of my body. She was the epitome of what a woman should be. At age 31 I can remember her pulling me and my older sister aside and telling us that "mommy was very sick". TO me it was as if I was suspeneded in time. Here I was hearing from the very person that I honored and looked up to as "superwoman" that she was sick. she told us that she had breast cancer. I really did not undertstand fully what this meant. BUt I knew it was not good. I remember seeing my mother in so much pain in the hospital after her surgery. Then seeing her coming from Tripler Medical Center in Hawaii being on chemotherapy and trying to be so strong. She stayed strong for her family but at night I would hear and see her cry becasue of what she was going through. From body building to not being able to do much my mom stayed strong. She was and is my hero. I had my first scare at 19 years old. Along with my first mamogram. I have had many scares throughout the years and my mother has been there through it all. Today she is 54 and cancer free. I have just had a surgical biopsy from an abnormal growth found in my right breast. I can say that that growth is benign and the DNA test shows that I do not carry the gene. I thank God for that. I have so many friends that have suffered and dealt with this disease. SO on February the 17th I am runing for them, I am running for you. To support all who are dealing, coping, and helping to win this fight against breast cancer. Thank you to all those organizations, doctors, and individuals who have demonstrated selfless service to the betterment and improvement of studies and treatments to fight against breat cancer. I salute you and may God bless you all. Race for the cure, live life more.
- Leona Brown
I run for my daddy
It seems as if everyone knows someone affected in one way or another by breast cancer. I have had two friends that battled it and now I am honored to call them SURVIVORS. However, my story hits way too close to home and my heart. My beloved daddy was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. WOW! The first thing people say to me is: Your dad? I never knew that men can get it. And my answer to them is: they absolutely can, but HE is going to beat it. I am not only running for my daddy, but for everyone to know that MEN GET IT TOO! My daddy is my world! I am running for him because I am proud of him and I will support him every step of the way! I love you DADDY more than life itself! You can do this! And remember, I THINK BALD IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Jaime Eason
Why I'm Running
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on April 12th 2001. I was one of the "lucky" ones in that my cancer was found very early through a routine mammogram. Micro-calcifications revealed malignant cancer throughout the ductal system of my left breast. If I had gone much longer it could have become invasive and would have involved much more extensive treatment. As was, I had a masectomy of my left breast and a third of my right breast removed as it was developing micro-calcifications but was not yet cancerous. I had always exercised regularly but had never done a marathon which had been on my list of things to do. I joined a Making Strides Team benefiting our local Wellness Community and through the Jeff Galloway program I completed my first marathon AND met some wonderful people and ! It was an amazing experience! Since then I have continued running marathons including qualifying for and running Boston. This will be my 7th marathon and I knew as soon as I heard about it, I had to run in it. Too many women have had to suffer with this disease. It's time for it to stop!!
- Nancy Curtis
Faith, Family and Friends
I am running to Kick Breast Cancer's Butt (as Ruth puts it)
I am running for my girls- Ruth = 11yrs and Ann = 9yrs, I'm running for my sisters Ann - survivor 5+ yrs and Betty and their daughters-my nieces- Elizabeth, Mary Lambeth, Natalie and Libby.
I'm running for my mom and her two sisters-my Aunt Alice and Aunt Laddie and my Aunt Kooka and her daughters Jane and MayBeth. And I'm running for all my cousins and Missy and Emily.
I'm running for all my precious friends, for my friends who are currently fighting breast cancer and those who have battled it and won and those who fought hard and are now in Heaven.
January 17th, 3 years ago I had a bi-lateral mysectomy and am now cancer free. I am very thankful for my doctors and mammography. I am running 26.2 miles to say Thank-You for all the love and support I recieved during that journey.
So I am Running 26.2 miles with Donna- I can't even begin to express my gratitude for all Donna does for so many women on the First Coast and really everyone she meets. I can not go without mentioning Tim and all he has done for this Marathon and his love and enthusiasm for Donna.
I am proud to Run For Donna and literally with Donna, as she has fought this 3rd Dx of Breast Cancer. Her pace came down about 2 notches and she has been running with Amanda and her Sweet Feat What a gift that has been. We have all laughed together, prayed together and can't believe we all talk continously through every run. The Jeff Galloway Training is absolutly awesome and I am so thankful I got off the couch. Thank-you Chis, Amanda and Dr.John for all the leadership you have provided. I can't believe I'm going to run 26.2 miles, but I have great Faith that God will supply me with what I need every step of the way. I'm running the race before me and I am forever grateful to be part of this Inaugarul Marathon to find a Cure for Breast Cancer.
- Mary Binkley
I run for my Sister
I run for so many reasons, but the reason I will be running on Feb. 17, 2008 in the Breast Cancer Marathon, is because my sister is a 3 time breast cancer survivor. When we first heard about this marathon, there was no doubt in our minds that we would be there. I have ran for the Leukemia and lymphoma Society for 5 years and my sister has ran for them for 3 years. In October of 2007 my sister Julia was diagnosed for the 3rd time with Metastatic Breast Cancer. We were all just devastated. But she is the biggest fighter we know. Her first bout with Breast Cancer - she underwent a stem cell transplant and beat all the odds. She was cancer free for 8 years before the horrible disease found her again. Now at the age of 45 - with two boys - I know she will fight even harder to beat it again. She is currently taking a Chemo Pill called Xeloda. It is working really well for her. And being the strong woman that she is, she is determined to walk the half marathon at this wonderful event. She will be walking with my daughter Tiffany! And they are so excited to be a part of this ! I know in her heart she wants to run the 1/2 marathon - but walking it will mean just as much to her. I will be running the Full Marathon in honor of my sister with my brother(well Behind him) ! I am so excited to be running FOR her since she can't right now. She will be in my heart the entire 26.2 Miles. And I know that will get me through ! Even though this won't be my first marathon, It will mean more to me than any other marathon I have ever ran. I am so thankful that Donna has worked so hard to put together a marathon to fight breast cancer. Thank you Donna for all of your hard work. I know it is going to be a great event for everyone! Mostly for the Breast Cancer survivors ! You truly don't know what this means to our family. So for you my loving Sister Julia - I RUN FOR LIFE -- YOUR LIFE! God Bless you !
- Jodi Green
I Run
I run because I am a survivor. I was first diagnosed in May of 1996, only a few short weeks after the birth of my second son. I was Stage 3 and started chemo within a week. I had surgery, more chemo and then I had a stem cell transplant. What an experience that was!! When I recovered from the transplant, I had radiation. Then I began my life again. I have 2 beautiful sons, and a wonderful family and lots of good friends. I also live in an amazing town that is more supportive than I could ever imagine. My sister began running with Team in Training and finally convinced me to run with her. Our family was very sports oriented, but I didn't think I could ever run distance. I joined Team in Training and was so excited! One day while running, I noticed that I had a lot of swelling under my arm. I went to the doctor and they watched it for a few weeks. The swelling went away, but my surgeon still felt a lump. We did a biopsy and the cancer was back. I had another mastectomy and started chemo and radiation again. Once that was over again, I joined back with Team in Training....I was actually in the hospital when I was supposed to be in Orlando running my first half marathon. So the following year, I completed my first half marathon at Disney World, with my sister and niece crossing the finish line with me. My parents and boys were in the stands cheering us on! I have since completed 5 half marathons and various 5 K's. I am now the assistant cross country coach at our high school and have coached the middle school track program for many years. This past October at my regular check up, I got the dreaded news again. It was back. So, I'm doing treatments again...for the third time. My doctor doesn't want me to run, but she said I can walk. I will be walking, but I can't wait to join everyone in this cause. I am proud to be a survivor. Running, walking, whatever it is that I can do, makes me feel healthy and normal. I am so thankful my sister talked me into joining her. It has been an amazing experience for me. My community and students have also joined in the fight. Our football and cross country teams had a Pink Ribbon Game to honor local survivors in our community. Our cross country team ran the game ball from the opposing school (50 miles!) and presented it before the game. The survivors got to join the teams on the field for the coin toss. Both our girls and boys basketball teams have also had games to honor and raise money for cancer awareness. To be able to see a community and our youth pull together to help others is wonderful. I run to honor them and all survivors like myself. It is only one way I can give back to people who have helped me. I run for hope, awareness and for my family and friends so that we can fight this battle together. Thank you Donna for organizing this event...I hope to meet you so that I can thank you.
- Julia Bargman
Why I'm Running
I am running to help support my sister-in-law Sheila Hickson-Curran..a breast cancer survivor! And I am running to show support for my brother Stephen and nephew Henry to show that breast cancer affects everyone in the family.
- Paula Curran-Hayeck
Running in memory of Barbara Smith
I am running in memory of my mom, Barbara who lost her fight with breast cancer in december of 2001. While I watched her suffer in her last days in hospice, I vowed that as long as I am alive I will do everything I can to help others not become a victim of this disease. This disease not only affects the afflicted but affects their whole families. I am running so that a cure can be found soon. We should not have to lose our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, nieces, daughters, and yes even the men in our lives.
- Tina O'Brien
Why I'm Running
I lost my Mom last year to breast cancer. When she was healthy she was a runner and very proud of it. My Aunt and cousins thought it was fitting to do this marathon as a tribute to my Mom who fought a great fight of survival with never a complaint. She lost her fight but we will continue to fight for a cure in her name.
- Kathy Berg
Why I am running
My initial reason for running was to prove something....not sure if it was to me or to someone else. My selfish reason has changed.
A young wife and mother of two, an infant and a 4 year old, was just diagnosed with breast cancer last week and today found out it is Stage 4.......surgery is not an option, She is now the reason I am running.
This will be my first half-marathon and she will be the inspiration for me to finish.
- Dana Evans
Why?
I am running in honor of my grandmother, Jeanette Perrine. My Nana is the strongest, most determined woman I know. I can barely remember all of the obstacles that she had to overcome during her battle with breast cancer, but I do remember her strength. Never, not once, did she ever admit defeat. She is the reason I am the woman I am today: hard headed, stubborn, compassionate and giving. I am running for my Nana's dash, so that she knows she is my inspiration and she made and still makes a difference in my life. I love you Nana.
- Heather Albritton
Why we run
Donna and I are fairly new to running. We run to support all the people and medical staff dealing with breast cancer, diagnosis and treatment. As a radiologist in a fairly small town, I see my fair share of breast cancer and do my best as a physician to diagnose it early. I think it is great that this is occurring both to give hope and faith to patients and to allow us to do our little part. Thank you for this blessing and privilege.
Sincerly,
Donna and George Mead
Cookeville, TN
I run to be NORMAL!
I was diagnosed 8/15/06 with breast cancer.I was totally in shock. I was a runner and a health nut. How could this happen to ME! But it did. I was triple negative in tumor type which blew me into another orbit of denial. So what did I do? I RAN. With the help of my friends Patti, Beth, Cindi, Nancy, and Willie they all took a turns to run slowly with me through all the chemo days and radiation days. I was slow but they didn't care. Running made me feel normal during the worst crisis in my life. For that moment I was a runner not a cancer victim. They gave me the most precious gift of all - real friendship. So I run this first post chemo marathon to honor my earthly treasures!
- Anna Blestel
For Janice
Breast cancer hit me hard this year when a very close friend of mine had to fight this year. When I was young I had family a member die form breast cancer, but I was too young to rember. When Janice told me I it flet like i was going to loose my friend even worse a 2nd mom. But she fought and Thursday brfore the race she will have her "NEW" breasts put in. She has fought and won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO Janice I Love You.
- Brandi Thomas
I run because I can
I run because my grandfathers fought for freedom.
I run because my grandmothers fought for love and family.
I run because my mother can't.
I run because my father cheers me on.
I run because cancer has reduced my family in numbers.
I run because I am blessed to be healthy.
I run for the strength of women, everywhere.
I run to be fit.
I run to be free.
I run to be me.
I run . . . because I CAN.
- Diane Barnes
I am running for Gay
My coworker Gay was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I have felt lost since she told me the news, I dont know what to say or what to do and know there is nothing I can do to make it go away. I am running a half a marathon to support her and show my dedication to fighting cancer.
- Danielle Nihls
Why am I running?
Those who know me heard this comment several times before… “I can’t imagine running this much! It’s insane!” Then I faced a big challenge…knowing that a good friend of many years was facing the biggest challenge of her life…her battle with Breast Cancer.
My beautiful friend SIMONE and her battle started when she was pregnant with her son and was misdiagnosed. She is now fighting her third and hopefully last battle with chemotherapy and this sad disease.
When I found out, it was very hard to understand how someone so sweet, so HAPPY and so young could go through this. After talking to my husband Flavio and my friend Maryanne, we had this wonderful idea of myself racing for a cure! It was just a way of promoting positive thoughts and having the feeling of helping my dear friend, even if it was only with encouragement.
It has been a long road training, working, being a Mom and most of all, supporting and encouraging my friend Simone while she fought her disease. Just knowing that I could make a little difference in her life helped me cope with the pain of seeing a friend going through that problem. It kept me connected with my Simone in Brazil, encouraging her and giving her hope that her cure is on the way!!
I believe in miracles and I know that SIMONE will be cured! SIMONE this race is for you. Be strong! You can do it! We can do it!
- Renata Herrera
Why I Am Running
I am running because my grandmother is a breast cancer survivor and I want to support her and all other survivors. I am also running because as a women I want to push past my comfort zone and accomplish something that at one time seemed unattainable for me.
- Nakita Watley-Perinet
Why I'm running?
I'm running for all the women who don't have a support system like most do! I am very fortunate not to have cancer in my family. I would like to offer my support to all those very brave women who my feel alone. I think your all strong,brave and beautiful!!!!! Keep up the fight.
- Michelle Kilpatrick
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!