Maria's Story
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
By: Maria Ray

My name is Maria Ray and I am running in the 2011 San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon as a member of Susan G. Komen's Marathon for the Cure Team. I am running the full marathon in loving memory of my mom, Florence Stiegler, who lost her 5 year battle with breast cancer July 6, 2009.

My name is Maria Ray and I am running in the 2011 San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon as a member of Susan G. Komen's Marathon for the Cure Team. I am running the full marathon in loving memory of my mom, Florence Stiegler, who lost her 5 year battle with breast cancer July 6, 2009.

My mom was the bravest and strongest woman I have ever known. When she was first diagnosed in 2004, she immediately wanted to move forward and "get rid of it" because she had a lot of life left to live. She continued to work at Christus Santa Rosa downtown all throughout her surgeries, chemo, and radiation. Even on her roughest days of chemo, she wanted to make sure she was ready to go back to work on Monday. She remained cancer free through 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. In January of 2009, they found a bone mass on her spine that they treated with radiation. By June, it had progressed to full metastasis of her liver and her body was failing. She chose hospice and passed away 10 days later surrounded by friends.

My mom never got to meet her beautiful granddaughter, my daughter Maggie. I believe God sent me Maggie as a gift after my mom's passing. My mom and I were extremely close, best friends, and now having a daughter of my own I see it as a blessing. Maggie is only 15 months old, and I know that she has a great big future ahead of her. And that is why I am choosing to support Susan G. Komen. Yes, I want to honor my mom's memory, but I also want to ensure that Maggie grows up in a world where there is a cure for breast cancer. What we do today makes a difference for the next generation, and I want to help make that difference.

Choosing to run 26.2 miles and fundraise in support of Komen was an easy decision. I was nervous about having to raise the minimum amount of money, but once I started telling people what I was doing, the funds started flowing out of love and support. I reached my entire goal amount through online donations via my Facebook friends and family! I have also sent some letters to extended family and hope to do some group fundraising in the community as well.

Training for the marathon has been fun. I belong to a training group that runs out in the Helotes area, and I do my interval work with friends at my local YMCA. I know that I'm not training alone, 2 of my best friends are training to run the marathon as well, and we keep each other motivated every week. I am in the best shape of my life right now, and I hope to continue to support Susan G. Komen's Marathon for the Cure in the years to come. I'm nervous and excited for race day, but I know my mom will be supporting me from above, and my daughter will be there to greet me at the finish line.