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Running the Emotional Distance

The year 1999 will forever be the turning point in my life and the lives of so many others. Shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39'what I thought was shocking news was quickly put into perspective'my brother Stephen O'Grady, 30, was killed by a drunken driver just a month later. He was the director of our local Boys & Girls Club, and a long time beloved Little League baseball coach. The community was stunned, and our family was devastated. When my cancer treatment concluded, I set a personal goal to run 10 marathons by my brother's 10th anniversary in 2009, hoping to raise $40,000 for the Boys & Girls Club and the Stephen O'Grady Scholarship Foundation to honor what should be his 40th birthday.

So this late in life athlete put on her sneakers and I've been running marathons ever since, improving my time from almost 6hrs to most recently 4hrs and 13mins. With nine marathons down and just one more to go, I've raised $30,000 to date. My goal is well within reach, and I remain cancer free.

Never underestimate what we can do in the name of love, or with the proper inspiration. Every step reminds me of how lucky I am to be able to honor my brother's memory by raising awareness and funding for the youth causes he held so dear to his heart. I have no doubt my brother has been with me every step of the way!

Story was submitted anonymously