Tyler Hudon - Rumford, ME

During the summer of 2005, at a routine follow-up after the removal of a tumor, my mother was told she had a cancerous growth in her abdomen.  After five surgeries and intensive radiation therapy she now seems to be in the clear.  During this time my brother, Andrew, and I felt the same helplessness we all initially feel when confronted with such news.  However, we decided to turn to those passions we had always had, running and cycling. 

Through work with the Maine Cancer Foundation we organized The Way Life Should Be Tour.  It was a 9 day event that led the two of us through different paths from Kittery, Maine to Cadillac Mountain in Bar Harbor, Maine.  My running route was 218 miles and Andrew was planning an 870 mile cycling course, accompanied by a former roommate, Nate Agrin. 

Due to an IT band problem that recurred on day one I was only able to cover 176 miles.  Despite this setback, the event was a success.  We managed to raise over $11,000 dollars along the way, and money is still coming in.  More importantly, we raised awareness in Maine of the dangers of cancer and how important it is to show our support for those dealing with this disease. 

Currently I'm trying to rehab my IT band so I can get back on the road.  The last 3.5 miles of the run up Cadillac Mountain (over 1,000 foot ascent) was phenomenal and I feel the need to get back out again.  I ran the whole event on 4 pairs of donated Brooks Adrenalines, I have honestly never had a shoe that felt like it was made for my feet like these.  The first time I slipped them on they seemed to fit my foot perfectly.  Thanks partly to these shoes, I didn't have a single blister, shin splints, or foot cramp on the whole run. 

Although the tour is over, donations can still be placed at www.mainecancer.org. Our mother is currently doing great and continues to have regular check-ups to confirm there is no recurrence.  Cancer is an insidious disease that can work with amazing efficiency to overtake the human body.  By being aware of the potential and taking care of ourselves well it is possible to minimize risk and to detect the disease early.  We also need to support our friends and family who are currently dealing with this.  Emotional support may be among the most important treatments for cancer we can provide.