On May 15, 2025 I drove down to Atlanta with my Mom to move into my apartment for my Summer internship. On the way, we listened to a Joe Rogan podcast with Jeremy Renner. After a horrific accident, he went through several rounds of rehab. The one quote he said that got him through it all was “What’s the alternative?”. This quote resonated with my Mom and I. Twelve days later I got the news that after over a year of remission, my Mom’s ovarian cancer had returned. It was demoralizing to think about her going through chemotherapy all over again. I called her that night and she had that same positive attitude Jeremy Renner had: “What’s the alternative?”. She will fight this battle and once again beat cancer. This inspired me to push my limits to show my Mom that no one fights alone. I have been training for the San Francisco marathon on July 27th and I am starting a fundraiser where all proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). Throughout training, I have debated quitting, making excuses, and not following through with it all. But here I am after all; What’s the alternative?

With love & gratitude,

Brendan K. Wood