My husband and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary tin June 2013. Each one is more and more special as he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February of 2012. The tumor was removed but the neurosurgeon gave his parents and I a grim prognosis.

After just 6 days in the hospital following his surgery, he was sent home and has since made a full recovery! We have 3 very young children, twins who are 5 and a little girl who is 2 years old. He had to go through radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously, but has been an amazing inspiration to me and our entire family.

He returned to work just a few short months after surgery and even returned to being a full time student. I have always been one who could multi-task, but his entire ordeal really put us to the test. I work full time and raise our children as best I can, but running has allowed me to escape the harsh realities of what we are dealing with as a family.

The year he was diagnosed I actually somehow completed 5 full marathons! The entire year of 2012 we would travel back and forth to Salt Lake City for his care at the Huntsman Institute. We had wonderful friends there who allowed us to stay with them each and every visit to help with our expenses. Even when in Salt Lake for an appointment, I managed to run from their house in Cottonwood Heights to escape my worries, even if briefly.

When I saw the course for Big Cottonwood marathon, I was elated. The course travels down almost into the neighborhood where our friends live and have welcomed us into their home for the last year of our lives. I love the motto "Go Big," as it is certainly something we have had to do to stay strong the last year and a half. Running is my sanctuary and I can't wait to be there in September!

Update: Heather completed yet another marathon at Big Cottonwood on September 14, 2013. Congrats, Heather!