#MyBraveStory

Running on hope says it all. You must stay hopeful throughout your journey, despite the challenges—because if you don’t, the disease will beat you.

We all have battles. Whatever your battle, know you were made to be brave in it, not only for yourself, but maybe for those around you too. For maybe the battle we are fighting is to help others see that our battles don’t have to tear us down, but we can use them as stepping stones to help us rise into our best self; and inspire others to do the same.

Being #BraveLikeKeriann means being honest about the reality that living with cancer is stressful and anxiety-producing; it means fighting for mental health care in addition to other treatments. The mental health of patients with cancer should not be an afterthought.

Being #BraveLikeSue means always looking to the positive lining that is somewhere out there. Sometimes that lining isn't always clear and it may take some time for it to present itself. However, I believe it is there and I will continue to fight my fight while searching for it.

Being #BraveLikeKalena means “having hope even when the situation feels hopeless. It means that you keep fighting with a smile on your face and you continue to do more with less.”

Being #BraveLikeHeidi means facing a difficult diagnosis and showing yourself and your kids that you are stronger than the disease.

Being #BraveLikeMeg means advocating for yourself and for others. Meg was misdiagnosed for years but she kept pushing to make herself heard. She hopes to encourage and inspire others to do the same when they know something isn’t right.

Being #BraveLikeJoel means focusing on your own race - your path is exciting and interesting enough. Lengthen your stride.

Being #BraveLikePatricia means drawing strength and inspiration from other people training hard, living and racing fearlessly even as their own struggles threaten to derail their progress.

Being #BraveLikePhil means doing something that moves you forward. It doesn’t matter how far away it is or how long it takes to get there. Just get up and move towards it. Then go there again the next day and then the next.

Being #BraveLikeSarah means continuing to live your life despite uncomfortable and scary circumstances.

Being #BraveLikeMike means having a positive attitude, striving to be your best self, and giving back and/or paying it forward.

Being #BraveLikeKathleen means always looking on the bright side and remaining optimistic. It means no matter how tough things get, that you always find some positivity in every sticky situation. Keep your head up, count your blessings, and keep doing what you love.