Team for Life Inspires at the Big Sur International Marathon
By Maida Broudo
Spirits were high for the whole weekend of the Big Sur International Marathon. There was a palpable buzz at the runner’s expo, perhaps owing to the fact that there were nearly 400 runners doing the B2B (Boston to Big Sur) marathons. Bright orange Boston Marathon Jackets sprinkled the crowd as runners slowly meandered the booths looking at merchandise, talking with vendors, or simply absorbing the excitement of the moment. There was one booth that buzzed more than all the rest- #400.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation’s "Team for Life" had a steady stream of runners and families who were drawn to the dynamic duo of Gwendolen Twist, producer of the acclaimed movie, Spirit of the Marathon II, and Julie Weiss, a featured runner in the film, also known as the Marathon Goddess for running 52 Marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for pancreatic cancer.
The movie trailer for the Spirit of the Marathon II framed the booth with a life size poster for the movie. But it was the personal approach of Weiss and Twist that attracted runners; sometimes there was even a line for photo opportunities. Amidst the happiness of the occasion, there were also moments where people would approach the booth, with concern and sadness for a loved one with cancer. They told stories of battles lost and battles currently fought. There was a glimmer of hope and gratitude in their eyes as they learned of Lazarex’s mission.
Marathon Eve featured the preview of the Spirit of the Marathon II at the Museum of Monterey. Many runners from Team for Life were in the audience and were inspired by the film-which proved to be an amazing body of work, and emotionally charged documentary of seven runners who ran the Rome Marathon in 2012. Following the film, there was a lovely reception in the beautiful gallery of white walls and brightly scattered paintings that made for a perfect backdrop to the event.
The "spirit of the marathon" was in full effect at Tent City in Carmel as the Team for Life crew waited with excitement for their runners to come in. One by one, with smiles and a feeling of pride and accomplishment, came the runners. Again, people visited the brightly colored tent, sometimes out of curiosity, and sometimes out of genuine need for a loved one facing a cancer diagnosis.
The dynamics interplay of Team for Life and the Big Sur International Marathon made for an energetic and enthusiastic experience for all. The growing foundation is changing lives for end stage cancer patients and their families. Ben, a Lazarex patient, and his family (wife Missy, son Gavin and daughters Elizabeth and Cate) were there as constant and wonderful living proof of the good work that changes lives.
Ben recently shared a milestone that occurred as he was returning home from a very positive visit with his doctor, “As we were driving back across the mountains I had an epiphany: I just might live. I still get anxious when thinking about the future, but I am finally able to picture a future where I am part of it.”
It is only the beginning - this race to find resources and clinical trials for end-stage cancer patients will never stop.
About the author: Maida Broudo worked with cancer patients since she was 19, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the National Cancer Institute delivering Radiation Therapy, and working as a "navigator" helping them find the best team for their diagnosis.
She is a marathon runner, who has run 10 Boston Marathons to raise money for cancer research. Maida is currently a health journalist, consultant, and yoga teacher. She also teaches at Harvard Medical School and tutors nursing and allied health professionals. It is her very deep pleasure to be involved with Lazarex, and looks forward to making a difference for cancer patients.
About Lazarex Cancer Foundation: www.lazarex.org
At Lazarex Cancer Foundation we give hope, dignity and life to end stage cancer patients and the medically underserved by providing assistance with costs for FDA clinical trial participation, navigation through clinical trial options, community outreach and education.