NYC Marathon at Every Age: Running for the LAF
This year's New York Marathon will be special for many people. But for six members of the LIVE STRONG Army, running the marathon is not about winning a race; it's about fighting for a cure for cancer.
These six runners, who range in age from 21 to 60, are participating in the marathon with Team LIVE STRONG to raise awareness about this deadly disease, while honoring their friends, family and even their own battles with cancer.
And in the process, they are showing that there is no age limit when it comes to stepping up to challenge.
Here are their stories.
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Kyle Burr
21 years old
Philadelphia, PA
On Oct. 23, 2007, Kyle, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, was diagnosed with testicular cancer while studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. He had an operation to remove the tumor there, and returned to New York where he underwent three cycles of chemotherapy. On Feb. 11 of this year, Kyle, who is majoring in International Relations and African Studies, officially entered remission. He plans to spend next year teaching and conducting research in Uganda, after which he will enroll in law school.
Kyle decided to run the marathon as a testament to the fact that it's possible to overcome just about anything, and that anything is possible if you dedicate yourself to it. He says he isn't running just for himself, but also in support of cancer patients, survivors and victims everywhere.
When asked why he decided to run the marathon, Kyle responded, "The challenge itself. What's harder than running a marathon? I want to be able to say I did that, and in less than a year since I even began receiving cancer treatment. I mean there's really no better way of proving that absolutely nothing can hold me back."
Michelle Burke
24 years old
Nanuet, NY
Michelle is a pediatric nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and has been an active marathon runner for many years. This will be her first marathon without her running partner, her father, whom she lost this year to cancer. Besides her father, two of Michelle's childhood friends, Ellen and Erin, both had leukemia in elementary school.
"The Livestrong Foundation and Lance Armstrong were an incredible support to my father throughout his cancer treatment. It gave him hope that other people will never have go through what he suffered through ever again. Lance Armstrong was an inspiration to my father. Running the New York City Marathon has always been a dream of mine so being able to run it with the Lance Armstrong Foundation brings the importance to another level for me."
Ann Hourigan
33 years old
Lawrence, MA
Ann, a high school guidance counselor in Massachusetts, is a first-time marathon participant. She says her boyfriend's sister, Julie Tiberii, inspired to run. Julie ran the New York City Marathon last year for team Fox.
Additionally, her mother passed away four years ago from Glioblastoma . Although she was given six months to live she fought her way to 15 months.
Ann’s goal is to raise money for the LAF, and to be a positive role model for her students. She was drawn to the New York City Marathon because of the dedication and commitment required to complete it.
Amy Bartlett
37 years old
Portland, Oregon
Amy was diagnosed with Stage 3B non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on March 5, 2007. She is currently in remission and is thrilled to have another chance at life.
She says she chose to run the NYC marathon because it makes her feel healthy, and running a marathon mirrors the "marathon" of having cancer. She chose the LIVE STRONG team, because she is a recent cancer survivor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and believes in the LIVE STRONG manifesto. Amy, who is for NIKE Golf Sports Marketing department and manages the apparel and footwear for NIKE Golf's PGA TOUR golfers, will run the NYC Marathon with her best friend, Brandi. Brandi was there for her every step of the way during her battle with cancer -- from flying to San Francisco to be her chemo nurse or providing laughs while shopping for wigs.
"Lance inspires me every day in the many ways he casts a bright spotlight on cancer. My friend Dino recently lost his short battle with cancer - lyposarcoma. I am running for every one that has ever had cancer, in hopes that no one ever has to get it again, for our fallen heroes that couldn't quite slay the beast, and I am running for ME. I am beyond grateful I am healthy enough to do this and raise awareness in my own small way."
She has also written a blog called I Choose Hope that has chronicled her experience with cancer, from initial diagnosis up until the present day of what is like to be a survivor.
"Fighting cancer while on the offense is better than fighting it when you're on defense. Until there is a cure, there is no real finish line ..."
Photo by Kelly Hill/New Jersey Herald
Sabrina Lucas
45 years old
Sparta, NJ
Sabrina had always promised her father that she would one day run a marathon. So, this year, she is running in memory of her father, Frank L. McChesney. Frank passed away March 24, 2004, after a 10-year battle with esophageal cancer.
Sabrina, who has taught high school special education for 21 years at Wallkill Regional High School in Hamburg, NJ, also is running to help and honor all of those afflicted with this nondiscriminatory disease. Her father-in-law, great uncle, a good friend and two of her students have had cancer. She hopes that participating in the marathon for the LAF will be able to help those touched by cancer.
Sabrina's personal story was recently featured in the NJ Herald. You can read it here .
Lynne Daniels
60 years old
Irvine, CA
Lynne Daniels, or "Dani," is running her 17th marathon. Dani, who runs with a group--she calls "rag tag runners" ages, ranging from 27 to 60--called the Huddle, started running for charity about 10 years ago to raise money and hasn't stopped running since.
Dani says her inspiration stems from working with cancer patients. As a licensed therapist and oncology social worker in a Cancer Center in Southern California, she works with patients in the inpatient unit, and often meets them when they are initially diagnosed. Often, she is with them until they get better or pass on. She says she loves her job.
She says she has met many great people along the way and it has become part of her lifestyle.
Member Comments
by qt31415 on October 10, 2008 at 8:59 AM
I met Dani on the trail a few years ago when she slowed down to run with me. I was so discouraged and had been ready to give up running completely that day until she came along! I've gotten to know her more through running with the Huddle and am so inspired by her kindness and compassion for people who are suffering (from the trail to the hospital bed). She is making a tangible difference in her corner of the world - go Dani!!
by ragtag7 on October 10, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Did Dani also tell you about pick up day saving lost snails after a rain so they don't get crushed or her fundraising efforts that include picking up cans and bottles along the trail? She is an inspiration to us all, she keeps us out there every Saturday at 6am, me driving 50 miles to get to our official running spot for our long miles in Huntington Beach. As we train, we hear stories about her patients, their families, friends, she is the resource for wigs, housing if patients can't afford it, finding doctors who will take care of patients gratis who might not have adequate healthcare. The stories are heartbreaking and uplifting, we as 'the huddle' have learned more about personal responsibility and donation of time and resources to great and small causes through Dani, she is our rock!!
by HuddleRunner on October 12, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Dani is a great inspiration, not only on the trail runs but most importantly as an overall good human being. The leaps and bounds she takes for her patients and friends are a testament to her dedication and love of improving peoples lives. Who else would pick up over $1900 worth of recyclable bottles and cans in order to donate to LAF? I hope I'm able to run marathons and contribute to the world when I'm her age!!
by draca on October 14, 2008 at 8:46 AM
what an amazing group of people. Go, Team LIVESTRONG!!!
by zante2005 on October 14, 2008 at 8:50 AM
I met Dani while training for the Women's Nike Marathon. Since most of the runners were in their 20's to 30's, I felt out of place. Dani sensed I needed support and gave me that & much more! Four of us formed a group that shared something in common. We were all a little older than the average runners; our ages were. 56, 52, 50 and I think 40. Dani was definately our cheerleader; her engaging demeanor and calmness inspired me to complete the marathon. Meeting Dani, Carol and Lisa actually changed my life. I realized if I could complete a marathon, I could do anything. Dani and I continue our friendship; she's now part of my family. Since the marathon, she's joined my family's traditional Christmas eve dinner. She is an amazing women and even a greater friend!
by layogi on October 14, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I met Dani about 4 years ago training for Nike Women's marathon. She is an amazing and inspiring person with a heart of gold. Dani I will be cheering you on in spirit. You are going to love the NYC marathon.
by hmgpenn on October 14, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Good Luck LAF Team! I would have loved to have been part of the team. I received a confirmation that I was on the team, but then was informed by LAF I couldn't be on the team because I was a disabled athlete and they didn't have any disabled athlete slots...It was disappointing, but just like my Cancer battle, I didn't give up! I am now a part of the Achilles Team...You also may have seen me as one of the Top 10 Finalist in the recent "Do you Dare" contest.....Prior to Cancer, I ran 12 marathons, the last being the NYC 2005! You know what cancer has taught me...It has showed me that athletes come in all shapes and sizes...and my disability has taught me a lot about courage, character, and commitment....
Well, you know what, I'm back and I will see you at the finish line this year! Who knows, maybe next year LAF will let in a Cancer Survivor/Disabled Athlete named Hope be apart of the team... All the Best and Continue to LiveStrong!
by layogi on October 14, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I just want to wish everyone a great run you all are an inspiration. I ran the NYC marathon last year with LAF and it was amazing, emotional and a great cause. Have lots of FUN!!
by DCollins1957 on October 14, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I wish everyone a good race Go LIVESTRONG TEAM
by LAFBrooke on October 14, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Yall are awesome! Good luck! Have a great time!
by valthechef on October 15, 2008 at 3:05 AM
god bless ye all
by DonnaleeH on October 15, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Good luck Dani and to all the LAF Team! Dani you are awesome, thank you for all that you do in the name of Cancer, from giving of yourself to support not only your patients but their families as well! I don't know what I would have done without you! Go Dani, Go Dani, I will be watching and rooting you on!!
by lmork on October 15, 2008 at 3:28 PM
I met Dani through Team in Training when I was training for my first marathon several years ago. She is such an inspiration to me and to others that meet her. Her life story is amazing, and her care and concern for those around her is limitless. Dani and I were fortunate to travel to some amazing locations through Team in Training and marathoning and have made so may wonderful friends along the trails (and at Starbucks)! I treasure these memories of her. I am so proud of her for doing the NYC marathon, we ran this event together in 2003 and it is an amazing race, particularly running along all the boroughs. Dani, I wish you all the love and encouragement to get you through to that finish line in Central Park on race day and in all the days to come. You are an inspiraton!
by nic777 on October 15, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Dani is one of those exceptional people that you makes you think about life and its' full meaning. Often she reminds me not to get too worried about the small stuff. This life is passing quicker than we know. Everything Dani does echoes her exuberance and optimism about life from working with cancer patients and giving them hope to running marathons. She finds the sweetness in the sadness of life and helps the rest of us to see it. I met Dani training for the Los Angeles Marathon when a close friend of mine was dying. I felt an immediate connection and she took time to work with me and my friend during that time. Now I have an opportunity to go to New York to see her cross the finish line! All this, thanks to Dani and some very close friends (a.k.a. the HUDDLE) who encouraged me and helped me to go on that trip.
So Dani, I'm here to say 'GO GIRL! You still got it! YOU CAN DO IT!!' and I'll be there to support you all the way....
Your friend always, Nic
by nic777 on October 15, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Dani is one of those exceptional people who cause you to pause and think about life and its' full meaning. Everything(!) Dani does echoes her exuberance about life from running marathons to working with cancer patients and giving them hope. Dani finds the sweetness in the sadness of life and helps people to see that life can be beautiful no matter what.
I met Dani when I was training for the Los Angeles Marathon. A close friend was dying of colon cancer and I told Dani about her in our first conversation. She understood. There was an immediate connection between us.
Now I will be cheering Dani as crossed the finish line in the New York marathon as so many times she has encouraged me in life. "GO DANI- YOU CAN DO IT!- YOU STILL GOT IT!' In the same way that she has helped me over many hurdles in our brief time as friends.
SEE YOU IN THE BIG APPLE DANI in my wool pants!
Your friend for life, Nic (A.KA. HUDDLE COMMUNICATIONS PERSON)
by legitmed on October 15, 2008 at 9:23 PM
whut can i say about my friend DANI? DANI is very dedicated to the work she does,always going out of her way to help others. she goes out of her way to raise mony for different charities , i know because she even had me going with her at last years relay. she said lets go we need to collect bottles, ,she loves to run and i love to sponser , other then thats she a great personh and i am very proud to know her L>G>
by legitmed on October 15, 2008 at 9:23 PM
god bless DANI, my friend, she does so much for so many peaple . she is always doing something for charity . so good luck DANI on your trip to NEW YORK LOUIE
by carlabyoung on October 17, 2008 at 5:28 PM
I have known Dani since we were in 8th grade together, many many years ago. She was a sweet and gentle inspiration then, as she is now.
When she told her friends, only several years ago, that she was going to run a maraton to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society we were amazed, as Dani was not the most athletic among us! She had decided that she needed to challenge herself in a way she had never done before, because every cancer patient she had cared for was living a tremendous challenge, and she needed to understand the reality of that at least a little bit better, doing something she never dreamt she could or would do...and what a great way to raise money for an immensely important cause at same time.
Dani began to train for her first marathon when she was in her 50s......We, her friends from school days, went to cheer her on at the Disney Marathon in Orlando, Florida. Since then, Dani has run 16 more marathons, always honoring the lives or memory of the people she has cared for so well.
Good luck in NYC, Dani! We will be thinking of you with love and cheering you on! Carla
by jmeltzer on October 19, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Dani is an amazing person and someone that I hold dear to my heart. I met Dani while training to run my first marathon and think of her often when I run (and even when I am not running!). She was always there to meet me early with a smile on her face and a pep in her step. While training she would always encourage me to go the last few miles, even when i thought I couldn't do it. It was so much fun to run my first marathon with her and have her cheer me on. I wish her all the luck in NY - I am thinking about you and cheering you on!!!!!!
Jill
by jmeltzer on October 19, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Dani is an amazing person and one that I hold close to my heart. I first met Dani when training for my first marathon. Dani always met me bright and early with a smile on her face and a pep in her step. She encougraged me to go the last few miles even when I thought I couldn't. She is inspirational in all that she does and how she helps others. I think of her often when I run (and even when I am not running!). I wish her all the best in New York and will be thinking of her!
Love ya - jill
by Lily_Bean on October 24, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Dani has been my family for over 3 years. I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is so unselfish and puts others before herself. She does such wonderful things not only for cancer foundations but also individual people. I love you Dani! with all my heart! You are my mother-sister-and totally awesome friend! My heart will be with you when you go to New York and run this marathon. Come home safe and sound. All my love, Bean