My name is Mackenzie, and I'm running for Team Komen in the Honolulu Marathon as a breast cancer survivor. This race represents so much more than crossing a finish line. It is a celebration of survival, strength, and the life I had to fight to keep.
Breast cancer changed everything. It challenged my body, my mind, my identity, my confidence, and my sense of control. It forced me to rebuild myself piece by piece, but it also showed me what resilience and strength truly look like.
Running has always been a huge part of my life, but it became an even bigger part of my healing throughout my entire BC journey. It kept me grounded and it became the one space where I felt fully in control. It wasn't always easy as I had to restart three different times after surgeries and also dealt with minor injuries, some of which came from the medicines I had to take. These were hard moments for me, but with each comeback I was reminded of how strong I am and that I am still here. It taught me patience and how to trust my body again.
As many already know, my Nan was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Never did I think I would be walking the same path she did. She passed away in 2021, not from breast cancer, but just knowing she beat it years ago helped me to stay strong. This marathon is as much for her as it is for me, a way to honor the woman who showed me what resilience looks like long before I ever needed it for myself.
That is my why for fundraising for Susan G. Komen. I've lived the statistic: 1 in 8 women will face breast cancer. I'm running so fewer women have to fight this battle. I'm running so more survivors get the chance to take back their lives. I'm running for the people who supported me, and for the people who need support right now.
This marathon is my celebration, my thank you to the people who stood beside me, my run in honor of the women still fighting or figuring out life after treatment, and my tribute to the ones we've lost.
Every donation, every share, and every step I take in Honolulu helps move us closer to ending breast cancer! I survived, I'm running, and I am determined to see the day when everyone gets to live rather than just survive.
