I have run the Women's Four-Miler countless times over the years. When I stepped to the starting line in 2007, however, I was filled with intense fear and uncertainty. Such emotions were not evoked by more mundane thoughts (questions about race preparation and the like), but rather by the almost uncontrollable electrifying anxiety and terror that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. May of 2007 had brought me a diagnosis of early stage breast cancer. I was stunned. I simply could not believe that "breast cancer" was being used in the same sentence with my name. I had no family history of breast cancer, never smoked, never drank alcohol, exercised regularly, ate a healthy diet, and was in my early forties. It was not possible that this could be happening to me - but it was.
Over the past year, I have had 4 surgeries, 5 months of chemotherapy (with my first dose of chemotherapy 10 days before the 2007 Women's Four-Miler), 6 1/2 weeks of radiation, and countless doctors' appointments. Through it all, my extremely compassionate and brilliant team of doctors at the University of Virginia Medical Center helped me safely navigate the waters of treatment. Those outstanding doctors include: Dr. Christiana Brenin, Dr. David Brenin, Dr. Paul Read, Dr. Brandi Nicholson, Dr. Barbara Post, and Dr. James Bergin. Of course, countless other doctors, nurses, technicians, and staff also have contributed greatly to my wonderful care. Simply stated, the doctors at the University of Virginia have restored my hope in life.
This year I will again step to the starting line of the Women's Four-Miler - this time (and I hope and expect for many years to come) as a cancer survivor and a warrior. No doubt I still have moments of fear and uncertainty about my future - however, they no longer inhabit my every thought. My goal as a Women's Four-Miler fundraiser is to help ensure that as many women as possible will have - as I did - access to a team of UVA Breast Care Program doctors and health care professionals who can guide them through the frightening waters of a cancer diagnosis and enable them to emerge on the other side with restored hope in their futures.