Morgan's Big Sur 21-mile Fundraiser

Over the past few years I have rediscovered my love for running. It has given me so much, including a healthy way to relieve stress and anxiety.

As some of you may know, after my daughter Eleanor was born, my doctor found nodules in my thyroid gland. Many appointments and a needle biopsy later, the results were inconclusive and I was faced with having half of my thyroid removed and the very real possibility of a cancer diagnosis. I remember being so overwhelmed by the possibility of more medical bills, more time off work, while also trying to take care of myself and a newborn baby. After being faced with these worries, I have a glimpse into how difficult a cancer diagnosis would be as a young adult.

I am so thankful that I did not receive a cancer diagnosis but I recognize many young adults are not so lucky. Running gave me so much during this time that I would like to use running to give back to others facing similar, but much more serious, stresses.

I am running the Big Sur 21 mile race with the Allyson Whitney Foundation at the end of April. The Allyson Whitney Foundation primarily provides young adult cancer patients with ‘Life Interrupted Grants™' to ease their financial burden, so that they can concentrate their energy on healing. The foundation is an entirely volunteer organization, so any donations go directly to funding Life Interrupted Grants, Research Grants, and HOPE Comfort Bags.