Halfs for Hope
Since the end of April 2019, Stephanie Berry has run five half marathons and raised over $7,200 for the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) in memory of her aunt, who passed away from a gynecologic cancer at age 58.
“It was during the Columbus Marathon this past October—at mile 10—that I learned of her passing,” Stephanie said. “That day changed my life.”
Stephanie’s aunt was diagnosed in her early 50’s with adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube. Fallopian tube cancer typically forms in the cells that line the inside of the fallopian tubes—the pair of tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. It is one of the rarest forms of gynecologic cancers.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, drastically changing her diet to plant-based and being in remission, the cancer recurred multiple times. After suffering from cancer for about seven years, Stephanie’s aunt was placed in hospice care just days before the Columbus Marathon.
“We are the type of family that gets together for everything—big or small—all holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. Her not being with us anymore has left a large hole in our family,” explained Stephanie. “She was always positive, happy and never lost her faith.”
Stephanie has always been a runner and continues to use it as a way to cope with stress and the unfortunate things that happen in life. Halfs for Hope was created through wanting to find a way to use running for good and raise money to support gynecologic cancer research in hopes for a cure.
She selected FWC as the beneficiary to support an organization that focused exclusively on gynecologic cancer research, education and awareness. After quickly surpassing an initial fundraising goal of $500, her sights are now set on raising $7,500 for FWC.
Stephanie is registered for three more half marathons this fall—pledge your support or read more about her story.
If you or your loved one was recently diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, we encourage you to read through helpful introductory information about gynecologic cancers and frequently asked questions. If cervical, ovarian, primary peritoneal/fallopian tube, uterine/endometrial, vaginal or vulvar cancer is suspected or diagnosed, you or your loved one can seek care from a gynecologic oncologist—medical doctors with specialized training in treating these cancers.
