Celebrating Her Health
Lisa Conrad, 44
Comptroller
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
"Why did I run this race? Because I can! In 2004 I was lying in bed, actually wishing I didn't have to turn 40 -- and I almost got my wish. As I lay there, I had a sudden seizure, and a CAT scan later detected a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball. I was lucky -- the doctors were able to remove it entirely, and it was benign -- but the whole ordeal was traumatic, and it didn't end with the surgery. I was put on seizure medications and steroids, I was unable to drive, and I was chronically exhausted. Before the tumor, I used to say, 'I'm not a runner; I just like to run.' I thought races were for athletes. But once you go through something like that, it's like, why be afraid? I decided to go for it. Every time I cross a finish line, I know I'm taking back more control over my body and my life. At the MORE race this year, I loved seeing the thousands of amazing women and all the kids with their GO MOM! signs. Every woman is a hero to someone!"
