INNE

Running Against Cancer

WRITER: KATHY STONE // PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED LOPEZ

Twenty-three years of fighting breast cancer has made me stronger and more determined to beat this disease. Receiving my first diagnosis at 34 was quite the shock for this working mother of a 2 year old and a 4 year old. It was 1990, long before the pink ribbon campaign and the Internet. Receiving the second diagnosis 17 years later was an even bigger surprise. Last year, a week shy of my fifth year cancer free from the second diagnosis (a big milestone for cancer survivors), I heard those dreaded words, “You have cancer,” for the third time in my life.

Ever since that first diagnosis, I always felt there are people facing much worse challenges, so I resolved to fight back. Do I feel fortunate to have had cancer three times? Absolutely not! However, I have gained a wealth of experience regarding how to make the most of a challenging situation.

Having support from family and friends, along with the best health care team I could ask for, has helped me along the journey. Nevertheless, I am the only one who can push myself to stay positive and in shape to fight this battle. I firmly believe my multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments over the past 23 years would have been more difficult had I not pushed myself physically before, during, and after.

In February 2008, while still receiving chemotherapy and radiation during my second bout with cancer, my daughter Rachel and I volunteered in Jacksonville at the inaugural National Breast Cancer Half Marathon/ Marathon. More than 10,000 people ran that year, many of them breast cancer survivors. I was inspired! I decided to run in the half marathon the following year. Three months after completing chemotherapy and radiation, I crossed the finish line of the 2009 half marathon. It was one of my proudest moments, and having my family there made the 13.1 miles all worth it.

Since then I have finished five half marathons in Jacksonville and several 5K and 10K runs. My most memorable times during these races are when Rachel is at my side. Last year while she was living in San Francisco, we ran the Presidio 10K, which extends over and back across the Golden Gate Bridge. To run across one of our nation’s most breathtaking sites made me feel as if I could accomplish anything.

Little did I know a month later I would learn I had breast cancer yet a third time, and it was Stage 4. How could I have breast cancer again and find out a week before my five-year cancer-free anniversary? My 30th wedding anniversary was weeks away. We were planning a trip to Alaska. I was supposed to be celebrating major milestones!

Still, I could not feel sorry for myself; life gives us situations beyond our control. I needed to stay positive and strong. I had done everything I could to keep the cancer from coming back. It was time to face the enemy once again.

I was determined to continue walking and running as much as possible during chemotherapy. The races gave me something to look forward to, even if I was tired and slow. I also needed normalcy, which is important to someone facing cancer. So many of our days are not normal, and each step toward our previous life is cherished.

In January, I set a new goal for myself: I was going to enter a sprint triathlon. This is a shorter version of most triathlons and consists of a swim, 10-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. The Tri to Crush Cancer in North Attleboro, Mass., was going to be a special one. It raises funds for research to cure neuroblastoma, as well as assists families experiencing this childhood cancer. The parents of 5-year-old Malia Jusczyk, a neuroblastoma survivor formerly from Lake County, formed the foundation behind the race.

Crossing the finish line of the triathlon in July, after the challenges of the past year, was the icing on the cake. I had come so far emotionally and physically!

Friends have told me I inspire them with my positive attitude and determination. No matter how much help you have along the way, only you can decide to rise up and face what life throws at you. Whatever the outcome of my cancer journey, I know I have tried my hardest to fight back.

In October, I will be in my hometown of Jamestown, N.Y., for the inaugural Lucy Run, a half marathon being held in honor of Jamestown native Lucille Ball. At 58, I am excited to be able to join former high school friends who are also running. After so many years, it will be a great experience to be cancer free and running on the streets of my hometown.