BMW Berlin Marathon 2025

I am making a difference with my miles!

In 2010, my mom, Cheryl Hansen, was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. As a high school student, it was difficult to grasp the gravity of her prognosis when she told our immediate family that she would undergo major surgery the following week, as the cancer had already spread rapidly to other parts of her body. Despite the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of her treatments, she never allowed herself to be defined by the disease. She continued to travel, hiking or snowshoeing whenever possible. Anyone who knew her knew how much she loved to walk—she even completed the Nike Women's Half Marathon with some of her best friends while undergoing treatment. She continued to laugh—usually while enjoying root beer and Red Vines. She continued to love, doting on my siblings and me every chance she had. My mother was a beacon of hope and light for so many, and her spirit and memory live on through family and friends. While she left us in January 2013, we continue to carry her zest for life and cherish her memory every day. It's an honor to represent her.

In 2020, my aunt, Julie Hansen, received the news that ovarian cancer had been detected. She immediately began a courageous battle against this disease, leading the charge through social media awareness and outreach, participation in National Ovarian Cancer Coalition walks, and involvement in local community events.  Even while undergoing treatment, her positive attitude, unrelenting perseverance, and witty sense of humor shone brightly; you would never have guessed she was facing such a formidable disease. One of my most cherished memories is Julie watching me run the 2022 NYC Marathon, where we proudly represented the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition together. Julie was an inspiration to her family, community, and friends, and we were so lucky to have her as a figure of grace and strength. Sadly, Julie passed away in 2023, but her spirit and the impact she made on so many lives will never be forgotten.

My mom, Cheryl, and my aunt, Julie, showed me what true strength looks like in the face of ovarian cancer. I'm running the Berlin Marathon in their honor, raising funds for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and awareness about this often-silent killer. Please donate to the NOCC and help us make a difference. Together, we can honor their memory and support those currently fighting this disease.