Running has always helped challenge my notion of how much change I can make in my life amidst obstacles and doubt. I can thank my sister, Gabriele, for this. Just a girl from a small cabin town in “way up north” Minnesota with big dreams, Gabe ran her heart out in high school and empowered herself to walk on to the University of Minnesota track and cross country teams. But she wasn’t just there to walk on; Gabe dared to delve deeper to find out just how remarkable she is. Turns out, she is nothing short of amazing. She proved herself worthy of recognition not only by running fast, but doing so despite being diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer (Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma). The day before a big meet, Gabe got the call that the lump on her neck was cancer, instead of giving into her diagnosis. Gabe ran a personal best in the 1500m the next day. While battling cancer numerous times over the next ten years with surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and experimental drug therapies, Gabe went on to earn All-American honors, finish runner-up at the NCAA championships, become a USA Indoor Track & Field national champion, compete at the Olympic trials twice, and run the twelfth fastest 1500meter time in US history.
Gabe never let cancer stop her or have the final say. She fought gracefully and bravely for every day, every opportunity, and every person affected by rare cancer. She taught us that rare cancers are actually not that rare at all; about half of all cancers are considered rare (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and sadly are historically underfunded and have no FDA approved treatments. With a lack of funding and research on rare cancer, Gabe, in the midst of facing her own mortality, took it upon herself to create change and start her very own foundation that gives 100% of it’s proceeds to rare cancer research. It is called the Brave Like Gabe Foundation.
Gabe fought not only to fund rare cancer research through the foundation she created, but to inspire others to live bravely despite a rare cancer diagnosis. She didn’t know it at the time, but little by little, in every moment she chose to fight and listen to hope over fear she was making the biggest impact of all; inspiring other cancer fighters to keep living their lives and stay active despite having every reason not to. Unfortunately, Gabe’s long battle with cancer ended just this past June, poignantly emphasizing the need for more research and more effective treatment options for all rare cancers.
My team and I are here to continue running on that very same hope in honor of my dear sister. We are running on hope for a cure for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and all rare cancers alike by running the Twin Cities in Motion 5k, 10k, and 10 mile early October. Please consider supporting the #BraveLikeGabe Team with any donation amount you are willing and able to contribute to help us reach our goal of $5,000! We would love to have you join us in continuing Gabriele’s legacy and spread her message of hope and bravery!
