#BraveLikeTiffany
Name: Tiffany Calhoun
Age: 38
Diagnosis: Alcohol Use Disorder
Years of Survivorship: Nearly 3!
Location: Winona, MN
Follow Tiffany on Instagram.
Taking part in Team Brave Like Gabe's TC 10 Mile run is a two-fold celebration for me: backing the inspiring efforts of Brave Like Gabe and marking my personal victory of 1000 days of sobriety on race day. My journey, although not as daunting as others', was my battle against alcohol. While for me it was not, for many, it is a life threatening battle, one threat that claims over 380 lives daily in the US. I made a hard choice to be brave and steer myself down a new path. One that seemed impossible at first.
Alcohol was no longer a companion but an enemy, jeopardizing my potential as a mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Like Gabe and countless others, my fight wasn't a choice, but my response was - I chose bravery. Acknowledging one's bravery can be tough, yet it's crucial, especially for women like me who've grappled with addiction and emerged victorious.
The stigma around addiction and substance abuse is still thick in our society, making it challenging to discuss. However, I choose to voice my struggle and triumph, in hopes of inspiring others battling their demons. My bravery extends beyond sharing my story, it's about appreciating this second shot at life, accomplishing more in the last three years than I ever believed possible, thanks to my sobriety.
Running became my solace, my steadiness and my hope during the toughest phase of my sobriety, and for that, I am grateful. I was, and still am, running on hope. I am grateful for this renewed life and the chance to advocate for those silently suffering. As Gabriele Grunewald beautifully put it, “I hope people see that you can still make something beautiful and powerful out of a bad situation.”
How has running or staying physically active affected your journey?
“I needed the steadiness of running in my early days. I have been a runner for 20 years now, but it took a backseat for a few years. When I decided to choose sobriety, I started to train for my first marathon in almost a decade. This gave me a light at the end of the tunnel and something to focus on to get me through what can be a lonely and difficult time.”
What advice do you have for people on staying fit throughout their recovery?
“Keep going. One day at time, one step at a time, one mile at a time. Something as familiar like running has always steadied me in difficult times. There's something about taking it one step at time that makes things feel more manageable. Running almost always lifts your spirits, so just lace up your shoes and keep moving.”
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
I am so beyond proud of the mother I am today. While far from perfect, I know I give my fullest and best self to my kids each day now, with nothing holding me back.
I am also so proud of running Grandmas Marathon for Team SAVE while 11 weeks pregnant with my son. I was in the very beginning of sobriety, and running for another cause dear to me and it's a race and a day I will never, ever forget.
I am proud to share my story, I am proud to pull back the curtain on recovery and give others hope.
How has Gabe's story impacted you or changed the way you view life as a cancer patient/survivor?
“Gabe's relentless spirit was such a guiding light for me. Knowing that we don't have to like the situation we find ourselves in, but choosing to find something good in it anyway. Choosing to move, and run through this hard time in life is something else I learned from Gabe. Relentless forward progress.”
What does being #BraveLiketiff mean to you?
“To be #BraveLikeTiff is to recover out loud, share your voice and story to help someone else find their path forward.”
What are you most looking forward to in the near future?
“I am beyond excited to run the TC 10 mile as part of Team BLG this weekend. Beyond that, I will be competing in a Half ironman in December, a new and exciting challenge for myself.”
Consider donating to Tiffany’s fundraising page for the TC 10 Mile Brave Like Gabe Team