Running for Life
Thursday, September 1, 2011
By: Amy Lutzel

I'm participating in the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure program because I want to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and it has always been a dream of mine to run a marathon...

I'm participating in the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure program because I want to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and it has always been a dream of mine to run a marathon. My mom is also fighting metastatic breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure has partnered with the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC and the race will take place on October 30, 2011.

The reason I chose this particular marathon is because I love the thought of running past all the historic monuments of our nation's capital and all the encouragement I will receive from the many spectators. After years of back problems including three spinal fusion surgeries as well as two major illnesses, I never thought it was possible for me to accomplish something like this. Now, I know that with patience, perseverance, and faith in God, ANYTHING is possible! My fundraising goal is $5,000 and there is no doubt in my mind that I will raise that and possibly more.

My mom, Brenda Huebschman, was first diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 1994 where she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. After about eight years, her oncologist released her from his care where she was no longer being monitored.

In the summer of 2008, my mom became very ill and many tests were run to determine the problem. She ended up having a lot of fluid build-up in her chest cavity. After having a pleurodesis and a biopsy of the fluid, the doctors determined that her original breast cancer had returned and metastasized to her bones (Stage IV). A PET scan determined the cancer was found in many places throughout her body. After spending about two and half weeks in the hospital my mom ended up having another illness unrelated to the cancer. She spent three weeks hospitalized at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis where she became very ill. We requested a LOT of prayers during that time and we truly believe that is what pulled her through.

My mom has been going through various chemo treatments over the past two and a half years. She recently went through another pleurodesis (lung surgery to seal off her chest cavity to prevent fluid from entering her lungs) and has been very ill again. She has not been able to undergo any treatment since early January 2011 and her cancer appears to be worsening. She has to gain her strength back before they will begin chemo.

We are requesting prayers for my mom as she continues this fight and pray that she gains her strength back very soon so she can get started on chemotherapy. This is what she needs in order to fight this disease. Currently, there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. There are only treatments that can prolong your life. Brenda is only 69 years old and has a lot of life left to live (including watching her new granddaughter grow up). I love my mom with all my heart and I want to help her fight this disease while also being an inspiration to others.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 people and a women dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes. Those are alarming numbers! While they have come a long way with research and finding new treatments, there is still a lot of work to be done and more money that needs to be raised to find a cure.

My mom is a retired registered nurse who took care of hundreds of people over four decades of service. Now, we want to take care of her as she goes through this battle and hope that a cure is found very soon. Please help support this cause so we can add more years to many people's lives. Any amount is appreciated, but the more we raise the better the chance of finding a CURE! Thank you all for your support and God Bless!