FEATURED STORY: Hope and Strength

HOPE AND STENGTH

As I prepared for this upcoming 5K race, I can’t help but reflect on the races I’ve participated in before, and how much they have inspired me. Each time, I’ve found a renewed sense of hope and strength. I couldn’t have accomplished this without the never-ending support of my loving husband and the kindness of every single person involved in these events. From the organizers to fellow participants, the sense of camaraderie and encouragement has been nothing short of life-changing.

You see, I’ve been living with Stage 4, Triple Negative, Metastatic breast cancer. On top of that, I also face a benign brain tumor, Moya Moya brain disease, pulsatile tinnitus, neuropathy, lymphedema, and autoimmune disorders. And yet, I’m living a great life. Every day is a gift, and I’m grateful for it.

There is such beauty in these races because they remind me of all that I’ve been blessed with. The love and support from my family, the encouragement from my medical teams, and the faith that continues to guide me—these are the things that carry me through. I know I could not do this alone, and I have an incredible network of people to thank for that.

I’m fortunate to be under the care of my Oncology Team at Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS), who have been with me every step of the way for over seven years. I also have the incredible support of many other medical teams who provide specialized care. Every one of them is a standout. Every single day, I thank God for their expertise and unwavering dedication.

I’m also blessed to have the spiritual guidance and support of my Pastor, Rev. Msgr. Robert Cilinski (Father Bob) of Nativity Church in Burke, Virginia. Father Bob’s leadership and comfort have been immeasurable to me, and I am forever grateful for his prayers and wisdom.

And then there’s my family. My three sons, their wives, and my two beautiful grandchildren have been a constant source of love and support. We are making incredible memories together. I’m so fortunate to have them in my life, and I treasure every moment with them.

Along the way, I’ve been surrounded by friends, neighbors, and even strangers, all of whom have blessed me with their kindness. Their encouragement and the simple act of showing up in support has made every race meaningful. It has given me strength when I thought I had none left.

Every race I run reminds me of how far I’ve come and the wonderful people who make it all possible. It’s not just about the finish line—it’s about the journey, the people I meet, and the strength I draw from them. Running these races is healthy for me, both physically and emotionally. The community involved in these events has made my life better, and for that, I am forever thankful.

Thanks to everyone for your kindness, and for making my running experience possible and giving me the positive attitude to succeed in this journey. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, this challenge, and for the love and encouragement that carry me through.

Indeed, I am blessed.