unstoppable SPIRIT

GO FAR WOMAN 4 th ANNUAL RUN

Words by Kim Malakowsky | Portrait Photography by Kensie Wallner Photography

As Tami Alveshere crosses the finish line in the Go Far Woman Run on August 20th this year, she will cross off another milestone on her personal journey. Her unstoppable spirit is honored by this women-only event formed in 2013.

The event, created by director Sue Knutson, celebrates the strength, determination and beauty of women and girls. It was begun to honor her sister Renee who, faced with an unexpected illness, passed away at the young age of 38. Dr. Renee Schwandt had a natural talent for running, played the clarinet, participated in basketball and pursued her goal of becoming a doctor. She gave 110 percent in whatever she did. Dr. Schwandt believed all women should be strong, with a soft heart, a kind soul with grit and determination, and filled with a true love for all those around us. “I wanted to do something in her name,” says Knutson. “She was important not only to me but to so many in the community and the world.”

Alveshere exemplifies all those qualities and more. Her journey changed course when shortly after the birth of her daughter, McKenzie, she began having sharp pains in her side. For more than nine years the attacks grew in intensity, but remaining undiagnosed. Then, finally, elevated enzymes indicated Alveshere had chronic pancreatitis.

Alveshere’s condition deteriorated, leaving her with a poor quality of life. After researching options together with her doctor, the decision to remove her pancreas was reached.

“It was the hardest and scariest decision in my life to have the surgery, as it’s so very rare, especially a few years ago when I had it. There are many people who end up with severe complications after the surgery. I’m one of the lucky ones. I’ve been very blessed in this whole process and know God truly had a hand in all of it.”

Following a long, complicated surgery in Tucson, Arizona, at the University of Arizona Medical Center, Alveshere spent over a year recovering. “When you face a battle with such a severe disease thinking you could possibly lose your life, it really makes you realize what is truly important,” she says. Though the surgery improved things drastically, it was not a complete fix. She continues to fight pain flare-ups and occasional fatigue, but her determination keeps her fighting spirit strong.

“Life throws so many obstacles in our way but we can keep fighting through it,” expresses Alveshere. “I see many of my friends in my support group passing away and fighting so many complications, and I refuse to let that happen to me. So I’m believing and going to keep living and fighting.”

We’ll be cheering for you, Tami Alveshere, as you cross the Go Far Woman finish line. We’ll be cheering for many others too, each with their own story, their own reasons for being there.

As she speaks, Knutson gives us a glimpse of a past race. “A young gal passed by, running with her twins in a stroller. Just behind her was a lady pushing her mother in a wheelchair.” We learn the scope of those who come to run. The woman in the wheelchair was in hospice care, but by her own personal strength lived to participate in the race again the following year.

Every year women approach Knutson telling tales of strength and determination. Through tears and smiles, bonds are created between runners and one-by-one they bring their daughters, sisters, friends and mothers to run with them.

Last year a youth run was added. More than 200 girls ages 12 and under participated. Knutson explains, “There’s nothing like crossing the finish line, no matter how fast or how slow, and getting that medal. It gives the girls a sense of accomplishment.”

She adds, “The Go Far Woman Run is about what we draw from as women to keep going. We like to band together and to support each other. We want everybody to succeed.”

Each year the Go Far Woman Run raises money to benefit the Essentia Health NICU, where Dr. Renee Schwandt worked with some of her smallest patients. To date, over $26,000 has been donated.

Words by Kim Malakowsky