AWARDS

MOST INSPIRATIONAL STORY: 2008
Audrey Smith’s Story: Team 'Runnin' on Hope'

Audrey is a mother of three young children and an avid runner. Last July she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.  She was 39 at the time and because she had no family history, the diagnoses was a total shock.

Always a fierce competitor, Audrey had been training to run September’s “Top of Utah Marathon” with her husband and a group of friends. However, she received her breast cancer diagnosis only eight weeks before the event. Her treatment needed to begin almost immediately.  Because timing was critical, Audrey underwent tumor removal surgery and immediately began double density chemotherapy.    With continuous consultation with her medical team and husband, she continued her training and her plans to run the Top of Utah Marathon.  She found peace and encouragement in her running. Her friends joked that one marathon --- that of chemo and cancer treatment should be enough to think about, but Audrey was determined to do both: treatment and marathon training. Audrey continued to receive amazing support and encouragement from family and friends.

To offer up support to his wife, Audrey’s husband, Brian, and several of her running friends, formed “Team Audrey.” This would be the team to support Audrey during her treatment and her Utah race. While chemotherapy was in process and beginning to take a physical toll, this team kept Audrey’s spirit and soul focused on her goals: finish the race and beat the disease. 

“Team Audrey” arrived in Utah outfitted in “Team Audrey” running jerseys, and ready to go.  Audrey ran and completed the Top of Utah Marathon with her husband by her side and Team Audrey members excitedly running the marathon.  She did not want breast cancer to beat her and the running was one battle Audrey knew she could win. Running was a very personal way for Audrey to find peace and strength during the challenging chemo treatments. 

After the marathon, Audrey decided then that the following year she wanted to do a “Survivors Run” to celebrate. She wanted to do something bigger and different than she had ever done.  Audrey hooked up with her friend Dawn Ferry who introduced Audrey to the CO Relay.  Instantly, Audrey knew this was the right event for her “Survivor Run.” She had found the “something big, something different, something challenging, and something fun” she was looking for.

Audrey completed chemotherapy on New Year’s Eve and then immediately began six weeks of radiation treatment. During this entire time, Audrey continued to rise early to run or workout. 

After completion of treatment, Audrey has been given a clean bill of health and has become a breast cancer survivor. She has a renewed sense of purpose, priorities, and friendships. Audrey began encouraging and meeting with others who faced breast cancer and even formed a team to support and raise money for the “Susan G. Comen Race for the Cure” in Boise, Idaho.  And, in Audrey style, she was the first cancer survivor to finish the run this past May. 

This weekend, Audrey, along with some old and new friends, competed on the “Runnin’ on Hope” team.  And what an appropriately named team: one that reminds her and us that the support, love, determination and hope she and her family felt would be the reasons she succeeded in becoming a cancer survivor. 

Also See: http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?s=8235465