Running With BethAnn Telford: Cancer Patient Will Join 7 Marathons On 7 Continents In 7 Days
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Runner BethAnn Telford is set to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in just 7 days. This is her powerful and inspiring way to raise $1 million for pediatric cancer. She may not be the first American or first woman to take the World Marathon Challenge, but she is the first brain cancer patient to do it.
In 2005, Telford was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and although there were several brain surgeries performed, the 47-year-old woman still has a lot of active cancer cells inside her body. This had affected her daily routine and in fact, she hasn't driven in 12 years because seizures likely happen to her. The illness also caused blindness to her left eye and a surgery for a major bladder development, as per Mother Nature Work.
Telford mentioned focusing more on her bladder as he participates in 2017's World Marathon Challenge. 13 different countries will have 33 challengers who will venture 59 hours flight on more than 23,600 miles for seven days. "My bladder can only hold a shot glass of liquid," she said. "I self-catheter so when I go to the bathroom ... during the marathons, I just don't go into the jiffy pot. I have to keep it clean and sterilized."
The first marathon will be held in Union Glacier, Antartica which will happen on Jan. 23. Meanwhile, the other participants will run in Australia, Chile, Moroccos, Spain, the United States of America, and the United Arab Emirates, according to ABCNews.
Although the runner, Telford, knows that she won't be able to finish the marathon, she's already positive about many things. To the 47-year-old woman, her participation is already bigger than winning the challenge as she aims to raise funds for pediatric cancer patients. She's not able to have kids on her own but she has adopted hundred of kids with cancer already, giving them the hope and support they need.