This year's New York Marathon will be special for many people. But for six members of the LIVESTRONG 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 LIVESTRONG 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 LIVESTRONG team, because she is a recent cancer survivor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and believes in the LIVESTRONG 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.
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