Juana
Cache, Oklahoma • 2011 Participant
A friend talked me into doing the 5k so I entered in memory of my Mom, and these words started flowing from my mind:
THE RUN
Today we run for those who have strength in spirit but are weak in their body.
Today we run for those who think they're fighting this battle alone for we are many who stand beside them to show support.
Today we run in memory of those who lost their body but their spirit lives on encouraging every to love life every moment.
Today we run for those who have more courage than they know to fight the cancer that wants to break their spirit.
Today I run in memory of my Mother who's spirit is within me always encourages me to stay strong in crisis so that I may help others.
And she whispers in my ear that she loves and that I'm never alone.
Jennifer
Walters, Oklahoma
I have been training for the 5K over the past few months. I run in support of my mother who is a cancer survivor, in remembrance of my grandparents who lost their battles with cancer, and for my family that researchers might find a cure before the disease affects them.
We know so many in our community that have been affected by cancer and I am proud to be part of a wonderful event that helps us fight back!
Jason
Ft. Sill, Oklahoma
First and foremost I would like to say that this is my first mini-marathon ever. I am 34 years old. I just returned from a 12 month deployment from the middle east. I am a 9 month tobacco free survivor. I smoked cigarettes for 19 1/2 years. I quit cold turkey. So I would have to say I might have been a cancer survivor. However, it was never diagnosed as having cancer though. I am also running for my grandfather who we lost over 25 years ago, at the rightful age of 51 years of age, because of the nicotine monster, it effected his pancreas and stomach.
Also, my uncle Lou just passed right before we came back from Afghanistan of Bone cancer. Also, my wife is also doing the 5K race. We just decided to do this for the sake of living healthier and being physically active. Last week I ran 6 miles, in which was the longest I have ever ran, even being in the Army. Thanks for giving me a chance to give back to my family and my self.
I ran 26.2 miles in 6hrs 56 minutes, 2 years ago, during the Spirit of Survival Marathon to help raise money for free patient transportation to any Cancer Center of Southwest Oklahoma location. Today we have four vehicles in Lawton, Duncan and Altus that provide that free ride to any cancer patient that needs it to any Cancer Center of Southwest Oklahoma location, no questions asked. Over 30 volunteer drivers in all three locations make sure those patients arrive safely. This event is about people coming togther to help their neighbors. I'm proud to be a part of this kind of community event, and proud to have a community to support us. I ran because I can...and for all those people who are undergoing treatment and can't. If I can do it, anyone can. Never give up.
I walk for the memory of my dad who has battled and lost his life through lung cancer 17 years ago. I'm also walking for all my aunties, uncles, cousins, friends and relatives who lost their lives to cancer. I have one aunty I know that survived breast cancer and is living happily with her family, and I'm also walking for my dear older sister who's got breast cancer and is fighting every day....you are such a strong person sis and our faith, love, hope and prayers haven't stopped. I walk for all those around the world who lost their lives and to those who survived and to those that are still going through this right now and not giving up hope. My wish is that someday there will a 100% cure for any kind of cancer. Keep on fighting and keep on believing.
Lori Cummins, Race DirectorTo me, the most important reason to walk or run is to raise money for clinical trials that are being conducted at the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma which benefit our own friends and neighbors right here at home, offering hope for a cancer cure. The results of our clinical trials also benefit cancer research through our participation in national and international clinical trials. I have personally had three very close friends who were not only diagnosed with rare and aggressive cancers this year, but who were enrolled in clinical trials at the Leah M. Fitch Cancer Center and all are now Cancer Free! That’s the best reason I can think of for participating. I’d run a million miles to save their lives! They are worth it!!!
The second reason is to walk in memory or in honor of cancer patients and their families who have suffered the battle against cancer. You can never do enough when someone is faced with this disease, but the least we can do is stand beside our loved ones and show them our support and love.
The last reason is for our own health, so we can be healthy and decrease our own chances of not only cancer, but many other debilitating and preventable chronic illnesses. Not all cancers can be prevented, but if we are active and healthy, our chances of acquiring any kind of cancer are decreased by 67%! Without our health, our quality of life significantly diminishes. This is something everyone should do, for themselves and those they love. We need to be there for our children and grandchildren, and be good role models for our kids.I am a survivor! I walk to show my support for those who are going through cancer right now. My hope is that someday cancer will be nothing more than a distant memory.
My husband is a 4-year (stage 5) colon cancer survivor!
