Finish The Race

During a self-examination, Danielle felt a lump in her left breast. After visiting with her general practitioner, a mammogram and ultrasound were ordered, which appeared “highly concerning”. A few days after the mammogram, a needle-biopsy was conducted and on November 2nd, 2018 Danielle received the news that no woman, let alone a 31-year-old woman, wants to hear “You have breast cancer”. The next few days were devastating and the hardest part of this journey so far for Danielle, her husband, and immediate family. Thankfully God heard their cries and with the upcoming week He restored their hope and joy, which has been key in helping to get through this process. God has provided Danielle vast amounts of peace and trust, while also taking care of seeing that she was quickly connected with a wonderful team of specialists. Within a few weeks of being diagnosed, Danielle was able to complete fertility treatment egg retrieval with the hopes of being able to have children in the future, genetic testing, port placement surgery, and began a 20-week chemotherapy regimen; all within the same month of being diagnosed.  Danielle will also undergo the first in a series of surgeries in early May once chemotherapy has been completed, and hopefully the cancer will have fully shrunk.

During this trial, Danielle and her family have received the most wonderful support from friends, her church, colleagues, and family. All the support and love has been much appreciated. But the most important support, is the encouragement that is needed in such a trial. God has brought many blessings and much growth through this trial and, God-willing, He will bring complete healing. Danielle looks forward to being on the other side of this cancer journey and to be able to help others through this process. She cannot wait to see what the future holds for her and her husband, and is excited to get back to her active lifestyle following surgery. She prays that she will be able to return to hiking, serving in her church, and spending time with friends and family. While cancer is often thought of taking things away, this journey has brought a new perspective, a renewed faith, and heart of gratefulness. 

My goal for running this race is not to win any special prize or accomplish some lifelong dream. It is to take what gifts God has blessed me with and use them to serve others, in this case Danielle. Although our journeys are different, challenges in life bring us together. This is Gods purpose. As I train and prepare for the 100-mile Ultra marathon,  a distance that I have never come close to running; it is my trust and faith in God, just like Danielle’s, that will allow us both to finish the race.

All donations will help go toward Danielle’s ongoing medical expenses. Thank you in advance for your generous contribution. You have no idea how much it means to us to have your support.