Imagine running freely on the path with the wind in your hair and the sun kissing your skin. This is your time to think, a way to honor your body, your chance to let go; this is your happy place. Now imagine that in one day all of that is threatened to be taken away from you.
Ten years ago, Angela O’Leary was in that position when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.
A competitive cross-country runner throughout high school and college, running has been an instrumental part of her life. Angela participated in many races throughout the years, and after having that ability almost taken away, getting back her health and confidence to run again was a challenge.
Today, Angela is 10 years cancer-free and eager to give back to others that are going through what she did all those years ago the way she knows best – running.
What is the best way to celebrate 10 years cancer-free? “I felt like they [Altru] gave me my life back. Now how can I give back?” said O’Leary.
This year at the Wild Hog Marathon, Angela will present her second donation to Altru Cancer Center for their Fill the Gap program. In 2013, Angela celebrated five years cancer-free by donating $1,100 to the program – this year she is hoping to beat that and donate $1,500 or more!
It was during her time spent in radiation treatment that Angela noticed the extreme financial burden patients had to endure to receive their treatments. Some would travel several hours every single day for, leaving them with stressful amounts of travel costs on top of their already exhausting treatment schedule.
Fill the Gap is an exceptional resource that helps cancer patients pay for expenses not covered by health insurance such as gas cards, hotel stays or taxi rides.
Angela will be running the Grand Forks CVB Half Marathon race and presenting Altru with a check come race day. Help Angela make a difference for those in need – give what you can to help reach her goal of $1,500 by the Wild Hog Marathon on September 29th!
To make a donation, learn more about Angela’s fundraiser, or contact her directly for more information, visit her GoFundMe page today!
