The New Normal

In 2000, I was an adult, already 30.  The "C" word (yes, cancer) had never been a part of my family medical history.  My parents had some friends who had battled the dreaded disease, but I didn't know anyone personally who had been affected.  At the time, my grandparents (my mother's parents) were nearing 80 years old and were in near perfect health (unless you count Grandpa's grumblings about his feet and how they were never the same after he suffered from frost bite in the war).  My great grand mother lived to the ripe old age of 96.  My father's mother had died when I was much younger of heart disease, but his father was still alive and well.

***

My family had planned a spring break trip.  We'd drive six hours to see my grandparents, another three to see my father, and then another three to see my mom.  About a month before we were to leave, my mom called.  I don't remember her exact words, but she basically said that since we'd be there over spring break there was something she needed to warn me about.  She proceeded to tell me she would be losing her hair....from the chemotherapy she was about to start the next day....for the cancer the doctor had found in her breast and lymph nodes the week before....from the lump she had known about for well over a couple of months.

I was in shock.

Cancer was something that happened to other people.  I had run the Race for the Cure.  It was other people whose cure I raced for.  I had seen the celebratory and memorial signs runners wore on their backs; I had cried silent tears for THEM.  There had to be a mistake.  My mother had cysts taken out years earlier, maybe they were wrong this time.  She told me again...she not only had breast cancer, but it had spread to some of her lymph nodes.  At the time, I didn't know what that meant, but I knew it didn't sound good. 

When we got to her house, we discovered her prediction was correct.  Her hair had started falling out.  In keeping with her take charge character, my mom got her cigarettes and a bottle of wine and we headed to her friend's house to shave her head.  All I kept seeing in my mind's eye were all the pink (survivor) t-shirts, and the "I run in celebration of...." from the Race.  What was worse, the "I run in memory of...." signs kept flashing up.  My mother never entertained the fear that the cancer would win the battle.  At least not out loud.  At least not to me.

Several months later, after chemo and radiation, the doctor declared her the winner of the battle.  Five years later we celebrated the milestone that every survivor looks for.  (Five years cancer-free is when the chances of relapse go down significantly.)  Just as I put the memories behind me...The rematch bell was rung.  My mother's other breast decided it was time to get some attention; she was diagnosed with a different kind of breast cancer.  A "very aggressive" type.

Undaunted, my mom had a mastectomy, and continued to move forward in her fight.  I don't know if it was because I was in the middle of my own life crisis (a horrible divorce), or if I was in complete denial, but the second time around was not nearly as scary for me.  After the initial shock was over I never really even thought much about it...as if cancer was a normal part of life.

...as if cancer was a normal part of life?

Ideally, I'd like to have a world where the new normal is one without cancer.  THAT is why I'm fund-racing.  It seems cancer has become a normal part of life, but it shouldn't be.  Prevention, treatment, a cure...help for families hit in the gut by the disease.  American Cancer Society is working for all of those things.  Because they are doing all they can to help others, I'm going to do all I can to help them. 

Ashley is Running for Her Grandmother, GeeGee

(Written by Ashley Casiano) I am running for my grandmother, Sylvia Boehmer.  She lost her fight to cancer when I was young, but the time I had with her was so memorable.  GeeGee, as I affectionately nicknamed her, was always fun and full of life.  My brightest memory of her is from a cruise we took to the British Virgin Islands - we got off the ship and rented a Jeep to drive around the island.  My mom was driving, I was in the passenger seat, and GeeGee was in the backseat of the car - hair blowing in the wind while she drank a beer - as we zipped along lush island roads.  My mom, me, and GeeGee - three generations - had the most fun together on that cruise.  GeeGee always had the most amazing postive outlook on life.

Rosemary McCoy (September 21, 1942 – October 8, 1993)

((Written by Regena Moore:))  I am running The Hood to Coast Relay in honor of my mom, Rosemary McCoy, who died from lung cancer at the age of 51. I was 17 and a senior in high-school when she was diagnosed. She wasn’t a smoker, so the doctors weren’t able to give us a definite cause for the lung cancer. My family and I were shocked and confused! Would she live long enough to see me graduate from high-school? I quickly realized that not only would it be unlikely that she would see me graduate, but that she most definitely wouldn’t see me get married and have children. I was devastated!

Over the next several months, I watched and listened to my mom suffer from immense pain, weight loss, persistent cough, nausea and lack of appetite. Sometimes, I would lie in bed at night listening to her moan and cry asking God to take her to heaven because she “hurt” so bad. There were also days that I was responsible for driving her an hour away to receive radiation. Other days, she was unable to carry on a conversation due to the pain and exhaustion. My mom lived long enough to see me graduate.

She died 4 months later. It was, without a doubt, the hardest time in my life.

Over the past 2 years, I have found great joy through running. I look forward to the challenge and new experiences of participating in The Hood Coast Relay. I am honored to raise money for the America Cancer Society, so that they can continue to do cancer research. Please, join us in our journey by donating to the American Cancer Society. Your loving contribution is greatly appreciated!

In Memory Of:

Rosemary McCoy

September 21, 1942 – October 8, 1993

Caneilia is Running for Estelle Everett

Why a cancer fundrasier for Caneilia Patterson?  Caneilia has been an avid support of Breast Cancer Research her whole adult life, giving a little each time the opporunity presents itself.  She has seen numerous friends and several family members with cancer...it is such a horrible disease.  Her maternal grandmother spent her younger years in the farm fields and the importance of sunscreen was not known.  As her grandmother became older, she battled numerous melamona skin cancers from those years in the field.  Thank goodness her grandmother could catch the spots before they ever took over her body and luckily she did not pass away from cancer.  Caneilia vividly remembers her grandmother saying "wear sunscreen" and has pictures of her in her wide-brim hat when she'd go outside to tend to her flowers.  She learned what caused the skin cancer, did what she could to prevent future cancer from forming, and did her part to educate others, including her grandchildren.  Caneilia has spent years herself in the sun and tanning bed.  She quit the tanning bed after 10 straight years of sunning and tanning at the age of 23 because of her grandmother's experiences with skin cancer and the likely risk Caneilia was putting herself in.

So it was no surprised when asked "do you want to do this crazy challenge of Hood to Coast with us" that she thought for about a second, maybe 2 seconds, and quickly committed to fundraise for cancer in memory of her grandmother, Estelle Everett, and train for a very challenging race.  She believes that our entire country can only benefit from helping organizations such as the American Cancer Society reach their goals in prevention programs and cancer cures but that takes the help of the community, so Caneilia is committed!

Vicki Lundquist

My name is Vicki Lundquist. My family moved to Alabama12 years ago after we retired from the Army. I enjoyed our military life and the different states and countries I've lived and ran in.  It's been hard getting use to not moving every few years, but after 12, I think I'm finally getting the hang of staying in one place. I am currently working as a Systems Engineer.

I've been running on and off (mostly on) for almost 40 years. My introduction to running began when I joined my high school track team. Back then I thought running a mile was something you only did when the coach was mad at you. How things have changed. My reasons for running are always evolving: I've run because I had to (I was in the military), I've run to counter balance my food habit, I've run to meet new people and visit new cities, and I've run for the sense of accomplishment I get when I cross the finish line. Through the years I've run too many 5, 10, and 15K's to count (or remember). In 2000, I joined Team In Training and completed my first long distance run; the 2001 Disney World marathon. Since then I've completed nine more marathons, seven half-marathons, and with the help of Fleet Feet Tri 201, an Olympic distance triathlon. I'm a proud back of the pack runner whose goal is to have fun and to run smart enough to run another day.

My running life could not be possible without the support and encouragement of my husband of 29 years, Carl, and our two children Megan, 27 and Anthony, 21. They've always been there to cheer me on and to pick up the slack when I've returned home after a particularly hard run race. And I can't forget our dogs, Mischief and Sam Adams. Mischief kept me company during my early morning runs when I was training for my first marathon. Sadly, this past January, we had to let him go after 12 wonderful years. Sam Adams has been with us for 3 years. He's also is a great running partner...as long as no squirrels come within his eye sight. Sam has helped me run some great 5K times.

I joined this group of amazing women because I cannot say no the Caneilia...or a new challenge. The American Cancer Society is also a cause that is near to me. From co-workers and friends to grandparents and relatives, cancer has touched the lives of some many people I know. I am running for my Mom and in celebration of my Aunt Pat.

Robin Giles

My name is Robin Giles. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover and runner.

I started running as a way to kick a 31-year smoking habit. On July 14, 2006, I literally put down the cigarettes and picked up the running shoes - my goal was to run the Gate River Run 15k in Jacksonville Florida. I ran the Gate a year and a half after I started running and have run it every year since.

My husband, Jimm, and I have been married for 24 years. The first 20 years of our marriage Jimm was

in the US Navy and moved us from Wisconsin - where I grow up - to Rota, Spain, Virginia Beach, VA and Jacksonville FL. In August of 2008, after Jimm retired from the Navy, we moved to Huntsville Alabama where my running became a passion. Being a Navy wife helped me to become a stronger person, which I attribute to my ability to push a little harder during long runs.

As a way to meet people in Huntsville, I signed up for a training program and as a result of my new friends encouragement I completed my first half marathon in September 2009. With proper training and a lot of support from family and friends, I have now completed eight half marathons and on February 13, 2011, I will run my first full marathon.

Jimm and I currently live in Huntsville with our Australian Sheppard, Socrates. While our daughter and granddaughter live in Jacksonville Florida, just a thought of them inspires me to push on when I would otherwise quit.

I am running for my dad who left us way too soon.

Patricia Hall (10/1/1940-4/16/2008)

Patricia Hall
10/01/1940 – 04/16/2008

I am running to honor the memory of my mother, Patricia Hall.  In March, 2007, this beautiful, sweet lady was hospitalized with severe gastrointestinal pain and difficulty swallowing food and even liquids. During Mom’s hospitalization, we received the devastating news that she had esophageal cancer and that her esophagus was completely closed and undilatable.  A subsequent test showed that the cancer had metastasized to her liver.  The surgical oncologist gave Mom a prognosis of just eight to twelve months.  

Mom immediately launched a valiant battle against the cancer and welcomed chemotherapy treatments, along with alternative treatments.  Despite the agony of five months with a closed esophagus, Mom’s spirits remained high, her positive attitude unwavering. She delighted in the 280 get well cards she received and she even made a list of all the things that made her happy.  Mom was determined to enjoy whatever time she had left, and she maintained her beautiful smile throughout her courageous fight.  Cancer had found a formidable foe.  

After five months, her large tumor had softened enough to allow the insertion of a stent into her esophagus.  The stent allowed her to take in liquids and soft foods, giving her improved quality of life.  She continued chemotherapy for another four months until her oncologist delivered the bad news that the cancer was spreading.  He recommended cessation of chemotherapy and an emphasis on palliative care to keep Mom as comfortable as possible.  She took this news like a champ and immediately added more alternative treatments to her regimen, still determined to beat the cancer.  She never talked about dying or the end of her life.  She always took the position that she was going to beat the cancer.  She remained upbeat for Dad, my brothers, and me, and she tried to minimize our sadness and concern.

By February 2008, we could see that Mom was beginning to slip away.  The hospitalizations were more frequent, and she was getting weaker. She surpassed the doctors’ prognosis of eight to twelve months when she reached the one-year mark on March 12, 2008, but we knew she didn’t have much time left.  

On April 15, Mom came home from the hospital for the last time. When the emergency medical service personnel transported her from the ambulance into the house, she looked up at her beloved home and smiled.  It was at the top of her happy list.  Within hours, she slipped into a coma.  On April 16, a hospice nurse predicted that Mom would not live past 9:00 p.m.  Mom, always one to have the final say in her quiet dignified manner, took her last breath at 9:15 p.m.  She was just sixty-seven years old.

--Lisa Hall

Fund Racing

My friend, Casey, and I went to see the movie Hood to Coast.  She had never even heard of the race much less the movie.  I, on the other hand, had heard about the race, and knew that "eventually" I wanted to do it.  You know, "one of these days".  The movie was no less than AMAZING.  When we left, I told Casey about my "one of these days" plans.  Casey, being a woman of action, had other plans!  Before the night was over, she had done her research, and had become a woman on a mission.

There are three ways for a team (of twelve people) to join the race.  The top six teams from each division get an automatic entry into the following year's race.   But, of course, you not only have to get in initially, your team has to place in the top six of its division.  The most popular way to enter the race is by the registration lottery.  Registration for the event opens for one day only, in October, for the following year's race.  Teams are randomly selected and notified in November.   The third way to enter is through fund raising efforts.

Casey and I knew the charity of choice for Hood to Coast was the American Cancer Society, but neither of us know exactly what that meant.  We (okay, Casey) found out not only does the race give a portion of the proceeds to the charity, participants have the option to raise funds for them as well.  Casey emailed me to say if we could get a team together and raise $15K by race day this year (August 26th), we'd be guaranteed entry into next year's race.  She wasn't convinced we could form a team; I wasn't convinced we could raise the funds.  I proved her wrong within a few days.  She'll prove me wrong within a few months.

Over the next several days I'm going to introduce you to the rest of the members of our team, the Dixie Daredevils.  I can't wait for you to meet all of them!  We have come together not just to run a fun and exciting race, we've come together for a cause near and dear to our hearts-fighting cancer.  All of us have been affected one way or another by the disease and we all hope the cure will be found before we make it to our own finish line.

Casey Baird

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”  

This quote has given me the inspiration to make this dream, not only of running in this race, but being a part of a team that will use our unique abilities to give back to such a great cause (American Cancer Society) a reality.  We have all been effected by someone with cancer.    This is our time to touch those who have touched us.  

The first of many podium moments for Casey!

I have lived in the Huntsville area since November of 2009.  With the encouragement of my neighbor, Dana DeBardelaben, I soon found running to be a passion. During my running journey, I have meet a lot of great people through running programs offered by Fleet Feet. Running has jump started me into the healthy lifestyle I have always wanted.  Currently, I am an active member of CrossFit Huntsville, a member of the Huntsville Track Club, as well as a NOBO coach for Fleet Feet. 

For the past 5 years, I have been employed at BB&T, who I am proud to say, was the first to support our team with a donation of $2500 to the American Cancer Society.  I recently got married, to Grant, in October 2010.  

I am running in celebration of Jen Heisler, who was my college roommate.  

Dana DeBardelaben

1st Half!

First a little about me...I'm married to the man of my prayers, Dwayne.  I have two (almost grown) kids, who I naturally adore.  My son, Andrew, is 18 and currently considering joining the Marines!  My daughter, Ashely, is 16 and is college shopping.   My cat, Zorro, is still wrapped in the best robes and eating the fattened calf (click on the links for that to make some sense!).  I'd like to say I "stay home"...but that would be a total lie.  The truth is, I don't have a job that earns an income, but I work (out) very hard, and I do my best to make a home for my family. 

In December 2009, I decided I wanted to "get off the couch".  While most people were going from couch to 5K, and Caneilia Patterson was going from couch to Triathlon...I set a goal to go from couch to MARATHON.  My original goal was to run Rocket City 2010, but you've heard about the "best laid plans", right?  You can read more about the ups and downs of my training in my "running" blog (that has recently turned "tri"...but that's another story!)

As of today, I've run several 5Ks, an 8K, a 10K, and 2 half marathons.  I'm currently training for my first triathlon (with Coach Caneilia!) as well as my first really tough trail run (McKay Hollow Madness).  I coach NOBO and Next Steps for Fleet Feet.  I'm a member of the Huntsville Track Club, the Team Rocket Tri Club and the USMS/HSA.

I first heard about Hood to Coast last year and thought to myself, "those people are NUTS!"  Someone obviously slipped me some of the cool-aide, because by the time the movie was released, I was already trying to find out how to be a part of the insanity fun.  I went to the movie with Casey and told her we should think about doing the race in 2012.  Before the night was over, she had formulated a plan.  Not only were we going to run the race, we were going to join in with DetermiNation to raise money for the American Cancer Society. 

In less than 24 hours it went from "just" running a race, to racing for a cause.  (That's less time than it will take for us to actually run the race!)

Julia Troxtel

Julia Troxtel is 28 years old, and currently lives in Huntsville, AL.  She is a
Physical Therapist and loves, loves, loves, what she gets paid to do everyday!  Julia grew up in a small town, and has lived in Alabama her whole life.  From a young age she's always been very active playing sports, and participated in basketball and softball all the way through high school.  She also played tennis on her Junior College tennis team.

Julia has now been running for about 9 years.  To date, she has completed numerous 5K races, four half marathons, one full marathon, and one 200-mile relay race.  In addition to running, Julia just loves to be outdoors!  She gets a high from challenges and pushing herself to the limit!  Other hobbies of hers include mountain biking, lifting weights, playing tennis, adventure racing, and spending time with friends and family.

Heather Armstrong

My name is Heather Armstrong, I'm 33, a Mom, a wife, a bassoonist, a paralegal and an aspiring marathoner.  I have been running for 8 months and will have completed my first half marathon in February at the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon.  I have a BA from the University of Alabama, where I majored in Music Administration.  Currently I stay at home with our almost 3 year old daughter by day and teach bassoon lessons at night and freelance for various arts groups whenever I get the opportunity.