Outrunning Cancer
Four years ago, I was given a death sentence after my cancer diagnosis. After a year of treatment, Dr. Zahr, my brilliant oncologist, turned my death sentence into a life sentence.
In a twist of irony, Dr. Zahr was diagnosed with terminal cancer last July.
Dr. Zahr is one of those people who make the world brighter simply by being in it. Dr. Zahr, his wife Shauna, their seven-month-old baby daughter Nadia, and sweet doggie Spencer have seen days no person should ever have to know. Hovering in the valley of weeping the valley of pain and sorrow while battered from the inside out, has not defeated their hope.
This family is undoubtedly facing their worst nightmare and needs support from our community, friends, family, and strangers. I consider our community our country.
We shouldn’t have to suffer the burden of pain, enormous financial hardships, or depleted savings from a disease for others to notice. As long as cancer and its fallout steal from us, we fight. So, we dress in armor and carry each other through their raging cancer storm. When we cannot save ourselves or each other from suffering, we share it. And sharing it becomes a saving grace.
We don’t have a choice about who gets cancer, but we sure have a voice.
When strength is nourished with love, that love helps us move forward.
There are many reasons to cry - I could get swallowed up by survivor’s guilt or use what God blessed me with and continue running and fundraising for my compassionate doctor who saved many lives.
Moving my body has always been my medicine and there can be no reason for me to stop. I run for many reasons. I run for those who can’t. I run for those no longer with us. I run for those suffering - including myself.
As a nurse and stage four cancer patient in remission, I am running 103 miles from my front door to the front door of the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center for Dr. Zahr.
I only have this moment that I’m sure of. It’s not through our strengths but our weaknesses that inspire and intensify the mutual love that sustains us.
‘No One Fights Alone’ is our mantra for Dr. Zahr. Since 2010, my mantra has been “Rethink Impossible” and my hope compass points east.
Will you help me ease Team Zahr’s family's burden a little? Would you sponsor a dollar for each mile I run? More if you can, less if you’d like.
This fundraising campaign is completely transparent.
Thank you so much.
Start Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Start Time: 4 am
Start Location: Jamestown, North Dakota.
Route: East (in the westbound lane) on Interstate 94
Miles Per Day: 25
Days Expected: 4
Finish Date (expected): Friday, September 6, 2024
Finish Location: Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center, 820 4th St N, Fargo, North Dakota
Please visit Heleneneville.com to learn more about me.
