Thank You! A Short Report from the National Race to End Women’s Cancer

Me, Ben Lummis and Trina Abbot at the start of the National Race to End Women’s Cancer

Good morning,

Yesterday was the National Race to End Women’s Cancer in Washington, DC. I think all of us who were there are still feeling the glow from the amazing positive energy. Here’s a quick update on what went down.

First, I owe a massive thank you to those of you who donated in support of the Foundation for Women’s Cancer. 

Looking at the website today, the race raised over $300,000 for cancer research and education. And, I’m happy to report that with your support, and the support of so many friends and our family, we met our fundraising goal of $10,000.

The results from this year’s Top Three National Race to End Women’s Cancer fundraisers.

Beyond the money raised, the event was a celebration of awareness, health and empowerment for women. One of the primary takeaways is good advice for anyone — female or male — of any age.

Listen to your body. If you see a doctor and the doctor tells you “it’s nothing,” “let’s watch this,” or worse, “it’s all in your head,” see another doctor. You are responsible for knowing your body better than anyone else. And you must be your own best advocate. 

Secondly, while no one really wants to talk about gynecological cancers or their symptoms, it’s time to talk about them. Know the symptoms of gynecological cancer. (For more details on gynecological cancer symptoms, please visit MD Anderson Cancer Center)

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

2. Unexplained weight loss.

3. Vaginal discharge colored with blood.

4. Constant fatigue.

5. Swollen leg.

6. Loss of appetite or feeling full all the time.

7. Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area.

8. A bloated belly.

9. Constantly needing bathroom breaks.

10. Persistent indigestion or nausea.

Race Results

In addition to spreading the word about women’s cancer, the run was also for fun, a celebration and life and memory for many, many women. I don’t know the final tally on how many runners and walkers participated. I do know that 590 runners entered the timed 5k on Pennsylvania Avenue.

We had three runners from our family: my sister-in-law Trina Abbot, my brother-in-law Ben Lummis and me. 

Check out these results: Trina got first in her age group. Ben got second in his age group. I got first in my age group and was the third fastest survivor. I was 37th overall and set a new PR of 24:27.7, breaking a mark from 2013. Race goal met.

Crossing the finish line with a new PR (yes, I am unapologetically proud of breaking my 2013 time).

The Honor Roll

While the race and the energy were amazing, the most important part of the weekend was running in honor of 24 women, whose names were provided to me by their friends and family. Some of these women are currently in treatment for cancer. Others are healthy and living full lives after cancer. Still others, like my grandmothers, have passed away.

I ran with this list on my back. I also ran for the millions of women whose names I do not know. xx

Here are the names of the women for whom I ran. They are in no particular order.

• Barb McLeod
• Laura Haskins
• Linda Sager
• Judi McCoy
• Linda Kercheval
• Carol Kuykendall
• Nancy Polumbus
• Lisa Orr
• Jeanette Baldwin
• Julia Taylor
• Kathi Driscoll
• Vicki Caldwell
• Rebecca
• Lizzy
• Cecelia’s Mom
• Margaret Amor
• Patricia Erickson
• Ello Pretzler
• Lisa Matlock
• Cathy Lively
• Jen’s Sister
• Lucy Belknap
• Lorraine Dillon
• Idonna Wilson

I’ve got another personal honor roll — the long time friends who turned up in DC for the weekend, especially Shelia Gujral, Gautam Gujral and Mary Cademartori who got up, got out and cheered at the race. Other friends who shared meals, danced to Turquaz and Lettuce and shared the weekend with us are Susan and Steve Goodwin, Sandra Gichner, Pat and Abigail Gorman, and Bill, Dena and Jen Imbergamo. Thank you all so very, very much. The weekend could have been better, and that is because of each of you.

Many thanks and much love to my husband, Jamie Lummis who has taken every step with me over the past three years and carried the bags and excess clothing for Team Lummis yesterday. I love you.

Thank you so very much for your support!

For more on the National Race to End Women’s Cancer, visit their website. 

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