Spreading the word of survivorship & Sharing HOPE

Sharing my story has really been a way for me to reach out to others and give hope to those that may be facing a cancer diagnosis and a way to connect with other survivors in sharing strength. When you open up and share your life, others can really be inspired to be strong, be strong as a caregiver, and know that there is hope. Working for the American Cancer Society - I know there is hope, there are cures to be found and better treatments every day. When I was diagnosed, I felt armed with all the right information and that is so critical for survival on so many different levels.

Here is a shortened version of my story I shared in San Francisco before leading the group in the opening lap of the McKesson hosted Corporate Relay on Justin Herman Plaza right by the Pier. There were more than 400 in attendance in the crowd.  It was a beautiful Relay and so many great people opened up to me and thanked me. It is pretty great when you can make an impact on so many in a short period of time.

Check out the photos below that were taken that day by me and my husband Steve.... :) Congratulations to all those survivors out there and the many participants recruited --It was an incredible experience for me to be out there sharing the HOPE.

 Let's FINISH this fight!

"HOPE" for Relay For Life Fight Back Ceremony

I wrote this for a Relay that I could not appear in person.  They asked me to write my story in order to present it at their "Fight Back" Ceremony.  I wrote it in 3rd person.  Hope you like it.     :) Please leave a message if you stop by! 







Hope.

It IS all about HOPE... and once you have HOPE 
you can share HOPE and if you inspire others, they can in turn inspire you."

  These words are from a woman in Western Mass, a woman that I heard speak last fall when she was in the middle of treatment for Stage 4 diffuse large Bcell lymphoma.  Her words rang loud and clear for all of us in the room at this special Relay For Life Summit. 
She shared her experience of hearing those words… “you have cancer” She shared the experience of her treatment, her fantastic doctors & nurses She shared how she finds strength, in people like you and me, people that Relay, people that care enough to fight back against cancer and support the mission of the American Cancer Society.   

We support our cancer survivors in our community.
This woman, Nancy, in the fall she ran the Chicago marathon 2/3 of the way through treatment in a Wonder Woman costume with a time of 3:57.  That was amazing!  But was more amazing is the inspiration she has given to others that are surviving cancer, caregivers to those survivors and to all those that may hear those words… “you have cancer”  Then after the possibility of more cancer they removed her spleen at the end of February.  She ran the Boston Marathon 6 weeks after that surgery this past April.  The results were negative.  They didn’t find cancer in her spleen.  What a crazy year enduring what she likes to call “The Toughest Marathon of My Life” Look the beast in the eye.  Focus on what makes you strong.  Endure.   Her word rang out again…

“No one can hold you back from doing all the things you want to do.  Just keep your goals in sight, listen to your body and take one day at a time.  Some days will be better than others, but every day is a blessing. - so make each day the best it can be. "

Today & tomorrow we are Sharing hope.  Feeling hope.  Spreading hope.   When you Relay you are in a field of hope.  

What do you hope for?   Quality of life?  
Better treatments?  A cure for cancer? Look around.  That is what we all hope for at Relay. 

We celebrate life. 
We remember those we have lost 
We fight back to find a cure. 
Creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Thank you for being here, for making a difference in the fight against cancer, for making this day and every day the best it can be. 

Are you ready? 
Let’s Relay!

All Staff Briefing - Survivor Speaker

I recently was honored to be asked to be the American Cancer Society staff survivor speaker at our National All Staff briefing in Atlanta, Georgia.  I worked with Laurie Entriken from our national office Talent Strategy team and shared my blog and experience with her before getting to work on putting together a presentation for Friday, December 3.  Steve took the time off from work to fly down and support me - which truly thrilled me as he had not been to our National Home Office.  I was so proud to share our organization with him on the trip.  :)

It was a few reiterations, drafts and practices of the presentation in front of Steve that got me to the final.  I had not practiced a speech so much before the day as I am pretty good at "winging it" but it paid off.  :)
  There was about 200 people there in the audience and another 200 across the country tuning in to the All Staff Briefing and my speech at the end of the program.  Cara - aka: BatGirl came to see me speak that morning, taking time off from work as well --- (she is such a busy girl - it meant the world to have her there too!).

I felt pretty shaky, although listening to it now I can't feel the shakiness like I could on stage.  My mouth was so dry and it got worse through the presentation so next time I am going to drink a ton of water to prepare.... :)  I didn't have enough strength to open up that bottle of water, but that would have helped too.  : )

It has been great to look at all the pieces of my story that will make a difference to someone that will hear it and I think the marathon analogy was a good one.  I will also post my notes / speech  in a separate post for you to see as well.

Here is the presentation - enjoy!  Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think!  :)

I want to share the photos that were displayed as well - it took me going through 35 favorites to get to the 10 final pics to share as part of the slide show.  I referred to them through my presentation so they will be posted with my notes from the presentation.

Thanks for stopping by - I know it has been a while. 

I get my PET scan tomorrow and see the Doc on Friday - Wish me luck!  :)

N

Posting a link to my presentation at the New England Relay U from September --- now with 2 speaking engagements under my belt, I think I am getting better at sharing this personal experience!  :)
"Bald Appearance brings standing O at the NEDIV Relay U!"  

Nancy Quotes of Inspiration & Hope! :)

Looking through Lance's quotes ---- I began thinking I should come up with my own....

I went for my trail run today and hit my head.  I thought I should write down some of my thoughts and put them in quote form.  Funny how a knock on the head makes you think....   It was a great exercise once I got into it and came up with six great quotes.  

 Always remember to keep your eyes forward, lift your feet up, and duck when you have to..... 

and if you fall... roll with it, stand up and do all you can to keep going, 

because no one is in a better place to help YOU than YOU. 

 - Nancy Cook - on trail running, cancer survivorship and life

 You can believe it that strength & beauty come from within -- 

just imagine yourself completely bald, with heartburn, throwing up 

and thanking God for yet another glorious day of life. 

 - Nancy Cook - on cancer survivorship

Get up in the morning, check the state of your body, choose your attitude, 

put one foot in front of the other and get it done - live life each and every day.  

- Nancy Cook - on running, cancer survivorship, and life

 If you can do it, do it,  If you think you can't, you won't.  

Be strong, set your plan, make the commitment,
because only you have the power to meet your goals 

whatever they may be. 

- Nancy Cook on running, cancer survivorship and life

 No one can hold you back from doing all that you want to do.  

Just keep your goals in sight, listen to your body, and take one day at a time.  

Some days will be better than others -- but every day is blessing,
so make each day the best it can be.

- Nancy Cook on running, cancer survivorship and life

When and if you do get lost, find your center, 

look around and find the highest point, keep it in sight, reach for it each day,  

and don't forget to breathe.  

You will find your way when you have faith.

- Nancy Cook on running, life and cancer survivorship

Trail running is like any obstacle in life- 

you need intense focus and extra push to jump over the rocks, sticks, 

and get through the mud to beat it.  

- Nancy Cook - on trail running, cancer survivorship and life

I hope you like these as much as I do --- Please leave a comment if you stop by.  Here is the photo of the day!  My Mom & sister Laura came to visit from Northern Vermont and they got to see me ski!  It was a glorious day.  I love my life.  :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Chicago Marathon Countdown: 61 days! Runner Profile

2010 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON

RUNNER PROFILE

Every runner has a story. Please tell us yours!

We know you’ve heard stories that have inspired you to run 26.2 miles. Now it is your turn to motivate others. Share your story by completing this profile and it could be featured on our Web site, in our print publications or used in our communications to the media. Please fill out the personal contact information section below and answer the applicable questions or submit a brief essay on the reasons why you have decided to participate in this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon. When completed, please forward the document to: runnermail@chicagomarathon.com. We will contact you directly if we are able to use your story.

FullName: Nancy E. Cook

 Age (on race day): 46    Birthdate: June 22, 1964

Current City of Residence:     Belchertown, MA

Occupation:  National Director, American Cancer Society Relay For Life National Corporate Team Program

Employer/School: American Cancer Society

 Number of Previous Marathons Completed: 24 

Charity Affiliation (if applicable): American Cancer Society DetermiNation

_

What specifically was the determining factor in your decision to run a marathon in 2010? 
As a competitive runner I train and race 2-3 marathons a year.  I love running fall marathons because of all the summer training --- much tougher to run and in the spring living in New England.

Why did you select the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in particular?

I have run Chicago 2 times (2006 and 2007) and my friend Judy was excited to get together again and run Chicago.  It is such a fun place to visit and the marathon is so flat and fast.  A great goal to run this marathon again and hoped to PR my marathon time.  

What is your ultimate goal for this race (e.g. PR or specific finish time, fundraising dollars, weight loss, etc.)?

At first it is always about the time.  My PR is a 3:05 at Boston in 2007 -- which has been very difficult to beat, but I have been truly at the top of my game.  Then in early July I was diagnosed with Lymphoma.  It has been a crazy journey of doctors, treatment and more symptoms, aches and pains than I could imagine.  Being in the top shape in my life has really helped me with this battle, but it still is so incredibly draining for me.  But I continue to keep my eye on the goal.  What goal?  To finish.  I haven't had that goal in a long time, and maybe that finish will be fast, but it may be tough --- I need to listen to my body --- and if it wants to perform, it will.  But I will run or walk across that line victorious finishing 26.2 miles --- I know it in my gut.  I have not stopped since feeling that lump, getting that CT scan and hearing those words...  "you have cancer".  I will not stop.  I run for hope.  I run for life.  

If you are running for a cause or in honor of someone please explain the association and why doing so has special meaning to you.
I am running for the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program and run in memory and honor of a LOT of people.  I like to dedicate a mile to each person that makes a generous donation to my efforts and carry those names with me.  But this year --- on the line, mile one and mile 26 are for me - in honor of me -- victorious!

Have you had to overcome any personal challenges in your training (e.g. injury, illness, loss of job, loss of loved one, etc.) that will make finishing an even more significant success?
This lymphoma has truly been the biggest challenge that I have had in my life.  Training through treatment has been a challenge.  I will still be in treatment while running the marathon on 10/10/10 -- as it will complete in November.  It has been a drain on my body, but every ounce of effort I have in the morning I put into that run.  The long runs have been really tough, but I am getting them in despite the recovery time being much more than I could have imagined.  But I am doing it.  I have some amazing incredible support of friends, colleagues and family that will and has carried me through so far.  

Are you trying to improve your health or change your lifestyle? If so, please share your short and long term goals and plans to achieve them.
I love mountain and trail running and was 3rd in my age at the New England Trail Championships.  I won my age group at  the Marine Corps marathon last  year.  I think my best running is in my masters and am really proud of my results.  The trail running and racing has been an amazing way to accomplish new "heights" --- no pun intended.  :)

Share any humorous or inspirational training stories. If you have run in previous Chicago Marathons please share your memories of the experience(s).
My first Chicago marathon was right after my son Schuyler's 5th birthday and my sister had made me a Pink Power Ranger outfit for his party.  It was made of lycra and was long sleeve.  I brought it with me planning to run in costume.  My goal was a 3;15 and my friends thought I was crazy as a fast runner wearing a costume, but I had it in my mind and off I went to the elite corral with my pink outfit.  It was the greatest experience with all the kids smiling, people cheering me on --- "Pink Lady", "Cinderella" and once or twice a REAL fan would say "Hey mom!  That's the Pink Power Ranger!"  ---- I had such a blast!  I ran a 3:15


The next Chicago I wore tiger ears and a tail, not as many remarks and cheers, but I finished and it was that crazy marathon that they "cancelled" --- we saw everyone walking down a side street after I was complaining about my finish time to my husband Steve (I ran a 3:26) - - and thought there was another walk in town, but there were so many people.  It wasn't until then did I know that the race had been cancelled and people were encouraged to walk because of the heat.  I was pretty proud of my time afterall! ;)


This year my friend Cara, a dear friend of mine that I met through ACS DetermiNation at the Boston Marathon in April is going to run with me as my "pacer".  We are both pretty fast so we will be in the Elite Corral B.  But most importantly you will see us because my sister is making us costumes!  I am running as Wonder Woman (OH YA!) and she is Bat Girl (AMAZING!).  


Can't wait!


51 days and counting...


Here is a link to my personal fundraising page -- please help support me in the fight ---- and my fight against cancer !
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/nancyrunschicago

What are your local news outlets that might be interested in learning more about your participation in the Chicago Marathon?

- OR -
The Sentinel 
The Republican

Write your own personal essay as to why you have decided to run the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the space below:

Thank you for sharing your story with us. If we are able to use it in our communications outlets or with the media, we will contact you. Good luck in your preparation for the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

Cancer Ain't no Kryptonite!

"Clear your mind of what was and will be, see only the task that is."

 Zedd - from the Legend of the Seeker

Sharing the news with everyone has been quite the experience for me ---- always the healthy one, always the one top in health and not wanting to share any kind of sickness, thinking I was giving in to it and it would take me over.  So I try to be well all the time.  :)  When I started sharing - I would get comments on how crazy this is because I am the "healthiest person they know" --- it was like I was talking about someone else.  A phase of complete denial, and it lasted for quite some time.  I laughed with Judy, saying how I would be able to wear the purple shirt!  Steve thought it wasn't so nice how I would spring it on people, friends that are close to me, but I think I did that because I really didn't believe it was truly me that had cancer.

But it is me.
I have cancer.
But I am still strong.
I can still run.
I am still me.

 After treatment and getting through that acceptance that this is going to be a "trek" to treat and get out of my system - I realize that I can still be "normal".  I really don't know how each day is going to go -- some days I feel better than others and late in the afternoon is always tough.  I get tired easy.  I don't feel motivated to do anything extra (so NOT me) -- and well my mind is just all over the place and hard to focus.

SO this post is dedicated to being me, still strong, as the title says, from my friend Gregg who emailed me earlier in the journey -- "Cancer Ain't No Kryptonite" and you are still strong.  You will beat it big time.  There are so many emails that have been inspiring to me, with words of strength about me and for me ---- I am truly blessed with this O SO incredible support system that spans the country!  :)

Sharing a couple of my flower photos -- my photography on my other blog has become quite an addition / obsession / distraction and really gives me strength and joy.  Hope you like the photos.

Here are some notes from friends that I have found incredibly motivating & inspiring.....

From Gregg:
Hang in there Nancy Supergirl. I have absolutely no question in my mind that even cancer will not even the playing field for all of the other runners who compete against you. I think this time cancer has picked on the wrong person - it doesn't have a chance against you.
I'm thinking about you!
Gregg (NHO)


From Cara Turano (Boston Determination Foursome)
Hope is the best thing to have AND I promise that if you run Chicago, I will run or run/walk every step of the way with you, holding your darn hand for every photograph possible! It would be my honor to run that marathon with you and in honor of you and in support of you.

I cannot wait to hear from you and of course you will be the cancer patient out running marathon....I think that means we can even slow down!! I am totally in for being your running partner - can we wear matching outfits??

From Ann McNamara, an ACS colleague in Illinois sent a nice note and has connected me to another amazing athlete, Kristin McQueen, who has cancer and has been running for ACS Determination since 2002, raised almost 100K and her goal this year for the 10/10/10 date is $10K. :)  Her story is great on her personal page --- please read it - you too will be inspired by her!

My friend Jana also sent a message to me this week and included a link to her friend Jax who has been going through her own struggle with breast cancer.  Jana and Jax are avid rock climbers, and both incredible athletes.  Her story is a really great story and I have just begun to read!  So great to hear of others going through cancer and staying fit and strong - as much as the body will allow.

There are so many that are "Running with Cancer" -- my dear friend Shelley S. from Tacoma sent me a book this week with that title.  Can't wait to read it.

Got some great cards that always pick me up and make me smile! -- one from Anthony, volunteer leader from Starbucks, a note from Elaine, volunteer leader from Delta.  Cards came from Kyla, Serena (my sister in law) and Steve's work all signed a great card and sent a sweet gift too!

Here is the poem from Serena's hand made card (she is a crafter and AMAZING!)

A New Day Soon Will Dawn

If life seems at its lowest ebb

because a day has gone wrong. 

Let not your heart be troubled

For a new day soon will dawn. 

And we can never be quite sure 

Just what it has in store

Since each one is so different 

Thank the one just gone before

As it penetrates the darkness

With its soft and tranquil beams

It calms even the most restless soul

ANd brings new hopes and dreams

So when a day has been troubled

And the night is dark and long, 

Life up your fallen spirits

For a new day soon will dawn.

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, power and strength.  It is so incredible to have so many people thinking of me and hoping me healthy!  :)

Please leave a note if you stopped by -- I love to read your comments too!