I lost my dear friend Louisa to ovarian cancer over three years ago. She was in her late 40s – the same age as me – a marathon runner and a triathlete. I, too, have been a runner for decades and ran my first half marathon in 2023, having rehabbed from an extensive knee surgery. When I made the decision to train for the New York City full marathon in 2024 – the year I turned 50 and Lou would have too – I knew I wanted to run it for Tell Every Amazing Lady® to raise awareness and funds for this devastating disease.

My friend Louisa dealt with her diagnosis with courage, grace, acceptance and even humor and as I trained last year I tried to take those lessons and apply them every day. I needed to apply them in ways I hadn’t bargained for when, two weeks out from marathon day, I was diagnosed with a femoral stress fracture. Not only were my marathon 2024 dreams over, but the injury led to over three months on crutches and six months before I could even jog again.

Nine months on and a lot of rehab later, I am back training for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon! I’m doing things differently this year and have an even bigger team around me to support my training as I work towards this goal. Everyone was so supportive last year and most especially the team at Tell Every Amazing Lady® who made it possible for me to run again this year.

I love how running makes me feel and every mile I run and every dollar I raise for Tell Every Amazing Lady® reminds me not to take things in life for granted, that we only ever really have today, that we can only run the mile we’re in. I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing team and once again to be showing up for my friend, Louisa, who in her life and in her death, showed me what it means to show up for myself. 

To donate to Yvonne, please visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Fundraising Page. You can also access Yvonne’s fundraising page directly. To apply for a future marathon, or to learn more, please visit Team Tell Every Amazing Lady®’s marathon page today.