RUNNING WITH CANCER: "A WAKE UP CALL AND BLESSING"

In November of 2013, after my good friend Susan Zimmerman told us that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, I told her that we would be with her and Dave (her husband) through the entire journey.

"Some journeys are not planned and may not always be enjoyable, but nonetheless, off you go. You (and Dave) are about to go to physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional places that you probably can’t even imagine but we know that you two will travel the unmapped territory as true warriors: with love, courage, grace, compassion, and humor. The unknowns are no doubt scary, but I’m sure as many, or more, wonderful things await you. I don’t know anyone better suited for such an adventure as you and Dave.”

Susan and Dave have indeed been on an adventure and she has been the model of strength, courage, and grace. Dave too has been a model of compassion and encouragement. Often (but not always) Susan would have her trademark big smile as she told us of her trials with (and after) her day long chemotherapy and radiation treatments. We’d also hear about their latest “warrior training” session, one of which they rode their motorcycles into the nearby national forest, stripped down to running clothes, ran 8 to 10 miles on a trail, and then rode home where Susan created some sort of wonderful, healthy dinner (she’s a personal chef).

For this month’s inspiration profile Jake interviewed Susan and learned about how “knowledge and acceptance” set her free to experience her unexpected adventure in a positive light. Read the full interview here.