Outrunning Cancer

Saturday I was honored to participate in the annual "Hoosiers Outrun Cancer" event that is held on Indiana University's campus in Bloomington, Indiana.

Unique to Bloomington and its innovative hospital, the Olcott Center for Cancer Education is completely supported by the community. The main source of funding is the annual Hoosiers Outrun Cancer event.

In addition to the 5K run, there was a 5K walk, 1-Mile Kids Run for the 12 and under, and a 1-mile Family Fun Walk. Most participants proudly displayed the names of those whose memories they honor and lives they were celebrating due to cancer.

I went to Bloomington Friday evening with who I often refer to as my second Mom, Dot. Dot and Bob live across the street from where I grew up and I spent just as much time at their house as I did my own. If I didn't like what my Mom had cooked for dinner, I took my plate across the street to see what yummy dinner entree Dot was serving. Dot and Bob took care of us like we were their very own and to this day, nothing has changed. Dot was a hairdresser for a living so she always gave us haircuts and me my very first perm. I have many great childhood memories and most of them involve a story that includes Dot and Bob. As a wedding gift, Dot gave me her entire set of china which is absolutely beautiful. That set was one of my favorite wedding gifts and the sentimental value behind it makes the gift even more special.

Ten months ago, Dot's youngest sister, Ada, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer and has been battling the tough disease ever since. She had a hysterectomy to remove all her female parts, but the doctors quickly learned that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Chemo treatments began shortly thereafter to aggressively kill the cancer cells. She also had radiation therapy and a couple weeks ago, she learned that her cancer is gone! Her hair is beginning to grow back and she is feeling much better. Ada managed to keep working at IU throughout the entire chemo process and her three grandchildren, Mitch (8), twins; Lilly and Ruby (6) kept her spirits high.

Before the race began, Mitch turned to Ada and quietly said, "Grandma, when I cross the finish line, does that mean your cancer will be gone forever?" Of course, tears welled up in Ada's eyes and she gently nodded, yes. From the perspective of a child, Mitch thought all everyone needed to do to "outrun cancer" is cross the finish line. Luckily his Grandma raced against cancer and beat it, but for some, their legs grow weary and body gets tired before they reach the finish line.

Cheers to Ada as she continues the tough fight to keep the cancer away.