I first decided to run for Tell Every Amazing Lady® in December when I was looking for a spot in the 2020 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. I applied for the drawing and was not selected, so I was looking for a charity to run with, as I had done for the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon with Gilda’s Club, an organization that helps people with cancer. I was immediately drawn to Tell Every Amazing Lady® because it is specifically for ovarian cancer, and I lost my sister Robin at 29-years-old to the disease. My aunt Roseann also succumbed to it at 38 years of age.
While training for the 2020 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon I also applied to run for the team in the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon. When the Half was canceled in March due to COVID-19, finally getting to run for the foundation in the November race and raise awareness about ovarian cancer became all the more important.
My goal for the race is to complete it free of injury and to beat my half marathon personal record of 2 hours, 15 minutes. I have played group sports most of my life. With that, you have to be aware of many other things other than yourself. With running, I only have to focus on me. It has made me see how strong I really am and what limits I can push myself to. It truly empowers me!
If I had the power to make a difference or change one thing related to ovarian cancer it would be to ERADICATE it! Realistically, as one person, I feel the next best thing would be to educate women about the disease. As a registered nurse I know it is so important for women to know the symptoms for early detection.
The last thing I would like to share with readers, especially as a registered nurse, is to: GO FOR YOUR GYN CHECK UPS! Know your body so if something doesn’t feel right, you investigate its cause. Early detection and treatment saves lives! Be proactive with your health!
To support the Team Tell Every Amazing Lady® 2020 TCS New York City Marathon fundraising efforts, please visit https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/team-tell-every-amazing-lady-2020-tcs-new-york-city-marathon
