A group of women that I run with decided that we should all enter our names into the [United Airlines NYC Half] lottery, and 5 out of 7 got a spot, but my friend Eileen and I did not. She told me that we could fundraise and I said I would look into it and see if I found a charity that spoke to me, and that is how I found T.E.A.L.®.

Honestly, finishing the half marathon is my goal. A good time would be nice too! 

What I love most about running is the feeling of accomplishment after you push yourself out of your comfort zone.

I would love to be able to make genetic testing more accessible for all women, not just those with a family history of ovarian cancer.

If I could share a message to every amazing lady, I would say: Please don’t wait – if you are experiencing symptoms, please go to your doctor. My mother was so swollen and yet she waited rather than getting checked out right away thinking she was having stomach issues. 

Support Kendra and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!

I started running with one goal in mind – to represent ovarian cancer. After not receiving a bib for the marathon on my own terms, I began looking at the charities listed. T.E.A.L.®’s logo was staring at me, and I knew it was a sign that, “Here’s my chance.”

Most people would say their goal for any marathon would be just to finish. Although that thought crossed my mind, my ultimate goal is to do this for my friend and her family. I want her legacy to continue to live on, and I want her story to reach as many young ladies as possible. My hope is that through this race I can do just that, and raise as much money as possible for T.E.A.L.®.

Let me start by introducing you to my friend, Brittany Kelly. Brittany was well known in the golf community here in Indiana and around the U.S. She set and achieved goals like no one I’ve ever known. Even to this day, as I read articles about her, it’s incredible to see how many people her story touched even though they never got a chance to physically meet her.

I guess what I love most about running is maybe what Brittany loved most about golf; It’s about the game and the people you meet along the way. Pushing yourself, individually speaking, to reach that next opportunity or goal. Setting out on the golf course, or in my case road, and leaving every ounce of who you are out there. Be a fierce, yet graceful, competitor just like B. Encourage those around me and beyond, to set out and just try it. Whatever it is you want to begin, to know that it’s a journey and not a sprint. I’m not running to be the best runner, I’m running to be the best form of me I can be.

Honestly, if I could change anything related to ovarian cancer, it would be to know before you know. Isn’t that everyone’s dream when it comes to a life-altering disease? To know the signs better and to watch for things more closely. Sadly, Britt’s story makes me sit back and take more control of my own body. Be mindful of every inch, and when things are even slightly off, to ask and seek advice. Nothing is ever minor when it comes to our health and discovering something as life-changing as cancer.

Whether you’re deep in the trenches of ovarian cancer or know someone who is battling, just know that there are many of us that stand with you. Brittany would have wanted you to know that she stands with you, she never backed down, so she wouldn’t want you to either. Be a gracious teacher, like B, share your story and you’ll be amazed at who it impacts.

A few of B.K.’s life lessons: Life is about how you treat people…”repeat”. Everyone has problems and struggles in life. It’s how you respond to them that makes all the difference in the world.

In closing, I just want to “thank you” for reading my story. I’m grateful I can do this for B and for all of you who are impacted by ovarian cancer. B didn’t just golf for herself, she golfed so she could teach and inspire. I’ll do my best to achieve that same goal with running.

Support Allison and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!

I became aware of T.E.A.L.® around 2016, when I underwent genetic counseling and found out that I carried the BRCA 1 gene mutation.  I have a family history of both breast and ovarian cancers, so was keen to get involved with an organization that was focused on ovarian cancer research and awareness.  I have done a number of the annual T.E.A.L.® 5k races in Brooklyn (pre-pandemic) and T.E.A.L.®’s mission is critical to bringing more awareness to these issues. 

My goal for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is to finish! Kidding aside, this will be my third year participating in the NYC Half and I am thrilled to be representing Team Tell Every Amazing Lady® for 13.1 miles.

I love the mental focus running brings me by just putting one foot in front of the other; I also love the camaraderie it creates with other runners and the chance to be outside through all seasons of the year.

If I had the power to make a difference or change in one thing related to ovarian cancer, finding a cure would certainly be top of my list but short of that, it would be to find a reliable mechanism/test for early detection.

If I could share a message to every amazing lady about ovarian cancer, it would be: Together, we are stronger.

Support Kate and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!

My friend’s mother had ovarian cancer and became involved with T.E.A.L.®. Over the years I’ve known her, I’ve seen her fundraise for T.E.A.L.® and support their cause. Her drive and passion inspired me to say ‘Count me in!’ when she mentioned the half marathon.

I’ve always loved running and this is a welcome challenge I’ve never taken on before. Being a first timer, I’d like to complete the half marathon in 2 hours.

I’d like to fundraise between $1,000-$1,500 for T.E.A.L.®. Go team!

Running is my me time – I can just plug in my headphones and let my mind wander. Also, it’s a great way for me to get out all my extra energy!

If I could change one thing related to ovarian cancer, it would be awareness. It’s so common to hear about breast cancer and many types of other cancers, but ovarian cancer has such a small voice on the world stage – yet it affects so many women. Let’s raise our voices and say it loud and proud for all the amazing ladies out there!

My message for every amazing lady would be: “I admire your fight and your courage!”

At a time where Covid has so greatly impacted each of us in a variety of ways, created so much instability in so many realms of our lives – from financial, mental, emotional, physical – I think this is just a taste of the uncertainty that ladies with ovarian cancer feel and have felt. It’s given me perspective and clarity on what is really important to myself in my life – family, friends, my health. Thank you for all your inspiration!

Support Sofia and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!

I became involved with T.E.A.L® in 2017, within a year of my mother passing away with ovarian cancer. Inspired by the messages of hope and the support of the T.E.A.L® community, I realized right away that T.E.A.L® would be an opportunity for me to heal while also giving back to others in need. Over the past five years I have volunteered for the T.E.A.L® Walk/Run. I have supported the Turn the Towns Teal™ ribbon-tying in Brooklyn and I have raised money through my organization by bringing workshops and fundraising opportunities.

My goal for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is to enjoy the run with the crowds and run faster. 

Running for me is comforting and challenging as well, bringing me a great sense of pride and joy at the end of each run.

If I had the power to change one thing related to ovarian cancer, it would be to improve early detection and find a cure.

My message for every amazing lady is, “You’re not in this battle alone. There is a community of T.E.A.L® around you. Mom, I love you and miss you and know that you will always be right by my side.”

T.E.A.L® has given hope and courage to so many people and loved ones dealing with ovarian cancer. My journey to heal as a daughter of T.E.A.L® will never be easy, but I know that I am surrounded by a community that understands me, recognizes my grief and encourages my prosperity. Thank you to everyone involved with T.E.A.L®.

Support Solange and Tell Every Amazing Lady® at her fundraiser here!