A Running Start
By Brenda Conaway
When Holly Shoemaker was diagnosed with stage III melanoma nearly 13 years ago at age 34, she was determined not to lose her identity as an amateur athlete. “I couldn’t accept that I would have to give up all the things I loved,” Shoemaker says. So, with her doctor’s cautious blessing, Shoemaker, who lived in Arlington, Virginia, continued training for the Marine Corps Marathon while receiving chemotherapy. Not only did she complete the marathon, she found that the exercise helped reduce her pain and fatigue.
Inspired to help others in the same situation, Shoemaker founded Cancer to 5K, a free 12-week training program for cancer survivors with a goal to run or walk in a 5K race. “I thought, ‘If I could have used this, there’s somebody else out there who could [too],’” Shoemaker says.
Inspired to help others in the same situation, Shoemaker founded Cancer to 5K, a free 12-week training program for cancer survivors with a goal to run or walk in a 5K race. “I thought, ‘If I could have used this, there’s somebody else out there who could [too],’” Shoemaker says.
After all this cold weather, our thoughts are turning to spring and the annual Jazz and Heritage Fest
No comments:
Post a Comment