An Austin Marathon Story: Ashley Wallace

The following is a Team LIVESTRONG story from Austin Marathon participant Ashley Wallace. Join Ashley and hundreds of others and support LIVESTRONG this year by participating in one of our Team LIVESTRONG events. Visit teamlivestrong.org for a complete listing.

I want there to be a future where no parent has to tell their young child, “I have cancer.”

At the age of 7, my Mom passed away from breast cancer. I’m unbelievably thankful to have seven years’ worth of memories of her beautiful smile, her stellar fashion sense, and her desire for me to love broccoli. She taught me to view death as a celebration of life, instead of a mourning of what has been lost.

Ever since my Mom’s passing, my Dad and I have been the dream team. He’s been my rock, my number one supporter, and my best friend. He supported me in everything I’ve ever done and even met me in Alaska after finishing a 4,000+ mile bike ride to support cancer research with Texas 4000, the longest annual charity bike ride that raises money and awareness for cancer research. See more about my experience with Texas 4000 here.

That man I love so much was diagnosed with cancer this fall. With our history of cancer with my Mom, it was impossibly painful for him to say (and me to hear) the words “I have cancer” to me. Luckily, my Dad’s cancer is on the curable side of the scale, but that doesn’t let him get by without undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
Since my Mom was diagnosed, so many advances in cancer treatment have been made and I’m thankful that my Dad can take advantage of those advances!

Even though the ride of a lifetime with Texas 4000 is over, I am still passionate about increasing awareness about cancer research and support services. Over the past year, I’ve experienced cancer affected the lives of my loved ones more than ever. I’ve lost my Aunt Louise, my work role model Tracey Kauffman, and unfortunately, many more. Now with my Dad going through his battle, this fight is more personal than ever. I’m raising money for LIVESTRONG by running the Austin Marathon for all of my loved ones – the survivors, the angels, and the current fighters.