Dotty Meltesen never thought about running a marathon. But after battling breast cancer for a year and a half, a 26.2 mile run seemed like an opportunity to bring hope, awareness, and inspiration to others who have faced adversity in their lives, and be a role model to her 3 small children.
McNamar, whom lost her left leg to cancer, hopes to run a portion of the marathon with Meltesen, but due to lack of medical resources necessary to finance what she needs for knee and prosthetic technology, she will need to make her journey on crutches. “Just being there with my best friend is all that matters. We have been friends since we were 5.” McNamar said.
McNamar and Meltesen both agree that this marathon run is a way of raising both funds and awareness to the disease, specifically to let people know there is life beyond cancer.
“You just have to always take 1 step forward and this marathon is that right step.” Meltesen said.
For additional information about this event, activities, and marathon route or how to assist with this first ever cancer survivor coast-to-coast marathon go to:
http://dottyandstaceymarathon.weebly.com
http://coasttocoastforcancer.org/
You can view a video trailer filmed 4 months before Dotty Meltesen's diagnosis by clicking here http://vimeo.com/
The Million Dollar Marathon is being organized and presented by Above + Beyond Cancer. Above + Beyond is a public charity that was organized in 2011 to elevate the lives of those touched by cancer. In 2013, the organization is focused on reducing new cancer cases and cancer recurrence through programs that emphasis diet and vigorous physical exercise.
Photos:
http://www.prlog.org/
http://www.prlog.org/
