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Cathy and her husband, Pat, have been married for 32 years. With four children, Emily, Kevin, Julie, and Kyle, their house has always been filled with the love, joy, and chaos that comes with four children. In 2017 though, their household shifted when Pat received a cancer diagnosis.

Pat was diagnosed with stage IV cholangiocarcinoma, and Cathy quickly became his full-time caregiver. As she continued putting Pat and their children first, Cathy realized her own health was taking a step in the wrong direction. She was getting roughly 3,500 steps a day, so she began focusing on moving each and every day.

Cathy went from 3,500 steps a day at the end of 2019 to running nine miles and committing to the 2021 UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon at the end of 2020! She started small, with walking their dog, Callie, and those walks eventually turned into runs with the pup. Cathy’s determination shows that movement can start at any stage of life!

She is using her newfound outlet to fundraise for the American Cancer Society, supporting cancer research and all the good work they do for cancer patients, the many survivors, the caregivers, and everyone affected by this terrible disease. Cathy set a goal of fundraising $13,100 for the American Cancer Society in this year’s event, and she has already raised over $14,000!

Charities need extra support now more than ever and you can raise money as a Run For A Reason charity runner just like Cathy by participating in any Virtual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Event! Learn more about how you can Run For A Reason here: http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/charities