Everybody knows someone who has battled cancer, you just never expect it to be you…
It was the fall of 2012, it had been a great year as far as health went. I was biking good distances, strong on the hills, running consistently and strength training regularly. I was feeling strong and accomplished with my personal health. I woke up one day and all of that changed.
It all began on November 11th when I sustained significant injuries from falling from a horse. Two broken ribs, punctured lung, diaphragm and spleen. After surgery and several days in the critical care unit I was released and headed home. A few days into my recovery I began to suffer some unanticipated side effects and on December 31st it was confirmed, I had stage three HER2 positive breast cancer. That accident saved my life.
The New Year came and it was filled with medical appointments, invasive surgeries and chemo treatments and this went on for nearly two years. What I endured during this time was far more than anyone can prepare you for, there were many dark and challenging days.
My daughter was young at the time, and our relationship was so close. We spent all our waking time together. I could see in her eyes the pain and concern she had for me, and I could feel the fear in her heart that she may lose me. Our cuddle and snuggle time began to cease as the pain and discomfort made it unbearable. She would leave for school in the morning and return in the afternoon often times finding me sitting in the same place she left me in the morning. One day she said, “oh there you are, again.”
The next day I made the effort to walk down my steep driveway to meet the bus and each day there after I made the effort to walk the roadway so when the bus came she would see me walking. This brought back her faith in me, and my faith in myself honestly. Her moment of frustration with me led me to make the effort to get moving again and for this I am so thankful.
I walked the Mother’s Day half my first year as I wrapped up my treatments. It was incredible to be accompanied by those who supported my efforts, many of us enduring blisters and soreness when done. We did it! I was so taken by those who ran and told myself the next year I would be one of them! I have never been more than a 5 K runner so this was surely a goal to work toward. My daughter trained and participated in the run with me!
As I made my recovery, my dear friend Terry began her cancer journey. I introduced her to the Cancer Connection and all of the supportive programs and services that had kept me going. This organization is filled with such love and support, anyone battling cancer needs to know about them. I yearned to give back to them and decided that I would run this half marathon every year I could, fundraising much needed support for them to continue their amazing work. I remember vividly standing on the old courthouse front steps at one of Monte’s Camp Out fundraising events while Terry shared her story. A day I will never forget. While she valiantly faced her journey, she sadly did not win her battle. This is when Team Terry was formed and my dear friend’s family and I are committed to keeping it an annual event.
I have participated in the Mother’s Day half every year since. This past Fall I faced yet another setback. In October I suffered a heart attack and had three stents placed in my heart. In spite of my best efforts to care for my health, the side effects from the chemical cocktails came back to haunt me. I am now making another recovery and plan to be a runner in this year’s event. I will put in the time and effort to prepare to run 13.1 miles for all of those who are still in their journey or who did not win. I am committed to supporting the Cancer Connection with our fundraising efforts as Team Terry. This amazing team of friends and family continues to give me the strength and courage to prepare for this event after another round of challenge and I am so incredibly thankful for them.
Everybody knows someone who has faced this demon and I pray that it is never you. Please show your support and make a donation to the Cancer Connection today.