Thankful for Cancer. Wait…. What?!
Recently, someone asked me about my Thanksgiving traditions. I only have one and it’s really simple: I work. I recently read a Facebook post from a veteran reporter. After 15 years at the same station, he got Thanksgiving off for the first time. Using that mark, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving 2021.
For 11,000 runners (including many TNT members), a Thanksgiving tradition starts at 7:00 in the cold for the Atlanta Track Club’s Thanksgiving Marathon and Half Marathon. (I’ve run this a few times BEFORE I exchanged my holidays for a paying job in local news!) This morning, I somehow convinced my morning producer to let me cover the race live during our morning show. I consider this a victory (which I will immediately pay for by working a midnight shift leading into Black Friday).
Earlier in the week, I met Noreen Zuniga and Katie Allen. Their son/brother was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2003. Watch their story here. Daniel is in remission. Perhaps more amazingly, when I asked what he was thankful for, he listed the expected friends, family, health… and then the surprise, “Well, I’m also thankful for cancer.” What?!
For three years, Daniel was in chemo fighting for his life. Cancer stole his teenage years and took away his high school football career. His sister left college to be with him. His mother had to take a leave of absence. Daniel’s explanation is simple: “I’m the person I am today because of cancer. If it wasn’t for cancer, I wouldn’t have met my wife. It’s made me very thankful for everything in my life.” Daniel met his wife at Camp Sunshine. They were married in June.
Daniel’s story is one of the good ones. 
He survived. He knows he is lucky.
On Thanksgiving, Daniel’s mom and sister finished their first half marathon with Team in Training. I’m glad I worked this holiday. It reminds me why I joined Team in Training. It reminds me I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
P.S. Congrats to all the Thanksgiving runners!
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