Help Erin raise money

Like many cancer survivors, I've faced a marathon of biopsies, scans, medications, and treatments. The course has been grueling, marked by long-term side effects like Lymphedema (fluid build-up in my limbs), vision, and dental issues, while keeping a watchful eye on the ever-present tumors in my brain and liver. Each challenge has become a step along the course of my personal marathon.

A cancer diagnosis unleashes a cascade of emotions – guilt, anger, sadness, relief, joy, and the unwavering hope for a better tomorrow. Over time, these emotional peaks and valleys have become less tumultuous, a testament to the endurance I've built through my experiences. I've traversed these hills and valleys, each one conquered, marking progress along the marathon of survival.

In 2022, I decided to take on a new challenge – running my first full marathon in Pittsburgh. The course was notorious for its hills, unpredictable weather, and the daunting Birmingham Bridge. It was a decision fueled by the resilience I had developed through my cancer journey.

In training for the marathon, I realized the parallels between surviving cancer and running this race. It's about pacing yourself and understanding that it's a long journey that requires the conservation of energy. It's finding your rhythm and feeling strong and invincible, even when faced with steep challenges. It's acknowledging that, despite meticulous preparation, unexpected hurdles may arise. It's putting on a brave face for bystanders, drawing strength from their cheers when you'd rather let the pain show. And realizing it is OK to let that pain show, to be vulnerable, and to let others help you along the way. However you choose to keep moving ahead, it's the profound realization that you're capable of enduring more than you ever thought possible.

And so, I ran. And I will keep running until I can't anymore.

Now, when asked, "What's it like?" I have an answer.
Surviving cancer is like running a marathon. It's about enduring, pacing yourself through the long haul, facing unexpected challenges with determination, and realizing your inner strength. This is why I run, not just for myself but to raise funds for Young Adult Survivors United (YASU), the group that helped me get back on my feet when I needed it most. I want to support others on their marathon of survival, providing the financial, physical, and emotional assistance needed to endure the next mile.

Will you join me in making a positive change in the lives of those who need it most?