As a physical therapist and a longtime runner I thought I knew my body.

Imagine my surprise when I received a diagnosis of IIIC ovarian cancer. Both my doctor and I had written off my symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain as weight gain and possibly a hernia. 

Training for the Portland Marathon slipped to the far reaches of my mind as surgery and chemo loomed. But about halfway through my chemo regimen I began to train again. Slowly. Painfully. Assuredly. 

About half a mile from the finish line the tears began to flow. I was about to complete the Portland Marathon for the 20th time. It was quite possibly my proudest moment.”