Two-Time Cancer Survivor Running DONNA Marathon This Weekend

When you've beaten cancer twice, running 26.2 miles seems a lot less scary.

A two-time cancer survivor recently shared with News4JAX that she's "excited" to participate in this year's DONNA Marathon in Jacksonville, Florida. The race takes place this weekend and draws thousands of runners who come together to support breast cancer research and patient care programs.

The survivor's personal motto captures her approach to both cancer and marathons: "Love over fear." It's a philosophy that's carried her through two separate cancer battles and now fuels her preparation for one of the country's most meaningful marathons.

The DONNA Marathon has become more than just a race for participants like her. Named after breast cancer survivor Donna Hicken, the event raises funds for The DONNA Foundation, which supports breast cancer research and helps patients access life-saving care regardless of their ability to pay.

Why This Inspires

Running a marathon is challenging for anyone. But choosing to run after battling cancer twice shows remarkable courage and determination. This survivor isn't just celebrating her health by crossing a finish line. She's actively contributing to a cause that helps others facing the same frightening diagnosis she's conquered twice.

Her excitement about the race stands in stark contrast to the fear cancer often brings. Instead of letting her experiences make her fearful or withdrawn, she's channeling them into something positive and physically demanding. Her story reminds us that surviving hardship doesn't mean just getting through it. It can mean thriving afterward and using that experience to inspire and help others.

The DONNA Marathon creates a unique community where survivors, supporters, and advocates literally run side by side. Every mile becomes a celebration of life and progress against a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people each year.

This weekend in Jacksonville, thousands will gather to run, walk, and cheer. Among them will be a woman who's proven that love really can overcome fear, one step at a time.