Cancer survivor, amputee laces up for Livestrong marathon
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About 18,000 people are gearing up for the 2012 Livestrong Austin Marathon Sunday, and naturally, Team Livestrong will be out in full force.
Cancer survivors and their families met up Saturday for a pep rally at Livestrong’s Downtown Austin headquarters.
Amy Dodson, 49 from Ariz., lost her left leg and left lung to the disease, but she’s not letting that slow her down Sunday.
"My secret weapon is I'm a cancer survivor,” Dodson said. “I traded my leg and my lung for perspective, and for me, there's nothing that's going to stop me."
First diagnosed with Sarcoma, a type of cancer, at the age of 9, the disease moved into her left leg at the age of 19 and into her lung just a few years later.
"It was a very trying time at that age,” Dodson said. “You're finding out who you are and that kind of was interrupted for me."
With the disease in remission, Dodson first started running at the age of 38. Two ironman triathlons later and she’s ready for Sunday’s big race.
"I am obligated to show people that are currently in the battle, who have already fought the battle, or who may someday face the battle and their loved ones that life is fabulous during and after cancer,” she said. “You can't let it stop you. That no matter how ravaged you become you just have to say ‘No.’"
Team Livestrong raised about $300,000 for the organization.