Member Spotlight: Meet Katie

Today, we’d like turn the spotlight on one of our members, Katie. We’ll let Katie tell her moving story in her own words.
 
 
In September of 2016, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer.  It was the ultimate low in my life.  My daughter was two and my son was just six months old when I was diagnosed.  I was very out of shape.  I figured something had to give.  So after my four week post operation appointment, still with a healing incision, I decided to show up to my first workout with Stroller Warriors® Parris Island.  I was nearly 100 pounds overweight. I have a permanently paralyzed vocal cord, which makes breathing in the humidity very difficult *if you've ever been to Beaufort, SC you know it's humid 99.9% of the time! Ha.*  So why not join a run club right?!  To this day it is the best decision I've made in my time here in Beaufort.

First run with Stroller Warriors® Parris Island - October 2016

We went around the circle for new member intros, in my still whispery voice I introduced myself, showed my neck wound and said I'd do what I could, but I didn’t know how much that would be.  Both of my kids were with me in a double stroller and we set out.  I couldn't run more than 90 seconds at a time, and even that was a struggle.  Dayle, one of the PI members stayed with me.  She pushed me to go further. She didn’t let me give up.  I will never forget that.  I joined the Couch to 5K group which was more than halfway done. I was able to graduate with them just a few months post total thyroidectomy. And I never looked back.  I bridged to 10K then ran my first half marathon.  There were many setbacks along the way, but I knew I always had a tribe of great women behind me, supporting me every step of the way.

The original group of Stroller Warriors® that I began running with - May 2017

My success within Stroller Warriors® is about so much more than running. It has always been about community for me.  I was a stranger to these women, when I showed up to a workout and told them I had cancer.  Never once did they bat an eye.  They were, and still are, my tribe.  After graduating from Couch to 5K I had to take a break from running and do Radioactive Iodine Therapy.  It came with a week of isolation away from my small children and husband.  The group rallied behind me. They fed my family dinner every night, offered to watch my kids, dropped off snacks when the kids were running low, brought me all kinds of amazing comfort gifts when I got home, and stuck with me every step of the way! 

The many tangible gifts from SW Parris Island members after RAI therapy. March 2017

Then, two months after my treatment, my husband left for his fourth tour overseas.  I was not ready, but they never left me.  They pulled me through the hard days.  We ran, worked out, ate and laughed.  Members took turns pushing my double stroller during runs so I could just focus on one foot in front of the other.  It was a testament to what this group truly is.

Bridge to 10K Graduation Race - June 2017

Charleston Half Marathon - January 2018

A little comparison... but a reminder that in both of those bodies I am a runner! May 2018

Once I was back on my feet, full force, I joined the leadership team.  I assisted on Couch to 5K; picking up C25K workouts whenever they needed.  Watching those women accomplish their goal was so satisfying.  Then, I took over Welcoming Committee duties for our chapter.  I still have people stop me out in town and ask me how they know me.  Most of the time it's because of the Stroller Warriors page.  As we transitioned to new Coordinators I started helping the club in any way I could.  I have hosted a handful of Mini Warrior Events, including pumpkin painting, park dates and most recently a firehouse visit!  During our transition I have also jumped in to lead workouts.  For the most part my workouts are strength.  It has been really fun to dust the cobwebs off my Exercise Science degree from college and push the Warriors to do something that isn't normally in their comfort zone!  I have done a little bit of everything in my time here in hopes of giving back to a club that has done so much for me.

My medal holder, that my husband made for me, with all of my race medals!

Cancer gave me a perspective that I wish I could share with others.  Not to take yourself so seriously.  To always been kinder than you feel. That your best is ALWAYS good enough.  For me, this club has been about so much more than the miles *even though I ran 500+ of them last year.* It has been about the family.  The love. The support. Taking back my health.  Feeling strong and confident in my body when I felt like it was failing me.  I hope I am leaving this chapter better than I found it.  I hope I have given more than I have taken. Our next adventure will take us to Camp Pendleton, but Stroller Warriors® Parris Island will always hold a very special place in my heart. My hope is anyone who needs a tribe will look to Stroller Warriors.  That everyone who reads my story will see the heart and soul of this club. 
 
Katie, thank you so much for sharing your story with us! We wish you continued health and happiness and an easy PCS!

Stroller Warriors® Parris Island - February 2019