A survivor tells in her own words...
I just wanted to say a few things about the race. First, I am a brain tumor survivor. I had my tumor removed in 1998 at 24 years old. Had 3 months of rehab and still have a pretty useless right hand in fine motor tasks. I write left handed now, balance issues and double vision without glasses. Anyway, I never actually THOUGHT about what I went through. Never. When I walked on the field at the BP5K, I started crying. I didn’t stop. There I was with my hubby, whom I met several years after my ordeal, and 4 young kids. Why was I in tears? Because I couldn’t find any “survivor” shirts. I eventually spotted a few, but that inspired more tears. Why weren’t there more survivors? Why am I a survivor? It was something I had never actually thought about. I was talking with my sister after the race and telling her that I felt so lucky to be in the position that I am in. I RAN the race. I had a successful career after the surgery. My life isn’t THAT impacted. Her response was “so you are less of a survivor?” Anyway, participating in the BP5K has stirred up a lot of emotions and issues I had never addressed. Thank you for organizing this amazing race and providing such an amazing opportunity for survivors and those impacted by such a terrible disease to connect. I will be at the race in Houston in March and definitely at the 4th BP5K next year. This time, my hubby and kids will participate as well. It was an experience I cherished and I hope that I was able to give hope to others. You can have a brain tumor and live.
What an amazing weekend. Can’t wait
until next year!
Jenn Otto
