Outrunning Cancer

I’ve come to refer to our life as a rollercoaster. Because we live such drastic ups and downs determined to have fun and laugh along the way.  A quick recap:

December 2018 Fluid suspected in CT scan around my lungs – couldn’t be found when attempted to drain it… a miraculous holiday followed filled with love and laughter following this “Christmas miracle.”

February 2019 Fluid showed up again in scans – this time drained 1 liter, but came back with no evidence of cancer… another happy dance.

March 2019 Fluid back – drained over a liter again, Tests this time confirmed malignancy. Started an oral chemo. Hoping it will take care of fluid… and hold me stable for a good long while.  Traveled to Costa Rica and lived in the jungle for a week – no room for cancer in our luggage.

Then, just days back to reality from our amazing adventure a scan in April showed the fluid around my lung is still there, but we are hopeful the chemo will start to knock out the cancer cells and eventually the fluid will absorb back into my body… This waiting is hard. The wondering is agonizing… running is exhausting.

But, I am determined to not let this sideline me from participating in our annual OUTRUNNING CANCER race this Saturday, April 27th.

Each year Hope Scarves teams up with Kentucky Derby Festival marathon to host OUTRUNNING CANCER –  a chance for runners from around the country to raise money and pound the pavement for Hope Scarves and MBC Research. I ran each of the last 5 years.  And, I am not sitting this one out!

Our goal is 100 runners and $55,000 to support Hope Scarves and our metastatic breast cancer research fund. As of today – with 5 days to go – we have 105 runners and have raised $41,293.

My goal is to raise $100 for each mile I run/walk. That’s $1310. Please consider making a donation to support me in this race.

No donation too big or too small!

I know each step I take is bigger than just me. I run/walk for friends facing cancer and those we’ve lost. I plan to wear names on my shirt and  carry their story with me each step. If you’d like me to run for you or someone you love please donate and send me a message to hello@hopescarvs.org and I will add them.

Running has always been therapy to me. An escape into the woods, the beating of my heart a reminder of how alive and strong I am. A midnight race through bourbon country when all I hear is the pounding of my feet on a country road. When I run I feel free. This race is about proving to ourselves and each other we are stronger together. As a team we are a powerful force in the fight against cancer. And, this year it’s about giving myself grace. To accept where I am in life – the fluid around my lung doesn’t allow me to run like I used to.  So this year I will be walking most of the race… But no less determined. Slow but still moving forward. However you get to the finish line… it begins with one step.  And, then another.  A lot like facing metastatic breast cancer.  You just put one foot in front of the other…

I would be honored to have your help to reach my goal of $1,310 by April 27th. Every donation – no matter how big or small – is greatly appreciated.

We have miles to go… but closer with each step. We are Outrunning Cancer.

Thank you for your support!