A Grandma’s Unstoppable Spirit

Introduction to a Life-Changing Event

A jarring collision with a rude skier changed the course of Liz Healy’s life in unimaginable ways. That fateful trip to Vermont in 2022 left Healy in excruciating pain. The MRI results were shocking — she had a fractured sacrum and a kidney tumor. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 kidney cancer. Further testing revealed the incomprehensible — she also had Stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to her liver and lymph nodes.

Liz Healy, 49, was diagnosed with Stage 2 kidney cancer and Stage 4 colon cancer in 2022. She’s set to take on Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon as a member of the New York Road Runners’ Team Inspire and of Fred’s Team, the official Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center running program. She’s photographed here at MSK. Olga Ginzburg for the N.Y. Post

The Journey So Far

“My journey has been incredibly difficult,” Healy, 49, hoarsely told The Post as she battled vocal cord paralysis. “The colorectal cancer has spread to my bones. It’s in my hip and femur and my shoulder and vertebrae and my brain,” she added. “I recently had radiation to my bones and my brain.” Yet, the Westchester grandmother of three is forging ahead. She plans to walk Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon as a member of the New York Road Runners’ Team Inspire and of Fred’s Team, the official Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center running program.

Going the Distance

Healy was a marathoner for years before her cancer diagnoses. The management consultant ran the 2006 NYC marathon in 5 hours and 35 minutes at the age of 30. She also completed the 26.2-mile Marine Corps and Walt Disney World races. Healy is a mom to three daughters and a grandmother of three. She’s shown here with her youngest daughter, Ella. “Marathons are a great way to see a city or see a new location,” she said. The mom of three had already signed up for the NYC marathon when she received the stunning cancer news.

A Long Road Ahead

Until she got rammed by the skier coming off the chairlift, Healy was clueless that she was sick. Now she recognizes there were some signs. “I had some bloating and more gas than usual,” she shared, “but all my girlfriends dealt with symptoms like that at times, and I didn’t think it was anything.” Healy’s diagnosis came at 45, the age most adults should start colorectal cancer screening. Undergoing a colonoscopy wasn’t her priority at the time. “I did not know how rapidly this disease is increasing in younger people,” Healy explained. Colorectal cancer is forecasted to become the leading cause of cancer death for people under 50 by 2030.

Running on Fumes

Shortly after her 2022 diagnosis, Healy spent 10 hours in surgery getting cancer cut out of her colon, lymph nodes and liver and being fitted for a device that delivered chemotherapy to her liver. She also had a portion of her kidney removed, underwent radiation and immunotherapy and played guinea pig in clinical trials. Her favorite part of the course is mile 17, on First Avenue in front of MSK, where patients, doctors, nurses and staff cheer on runners. “I’ve been [inside], looked out the window, wanting to get out, wanting to go home,” she told The Post. Olga Ginzburg for the N.Y. Post

A Continuous Journey

Healy completed the marathon on chemo for the last three years. In 2022, she finished just shy of 8 hours with two friends. The following year, four pals joined her at the marathon. Nine accompanied her in 2024. Now she has 20 friends and family members on Team Check Your Colon as part of Fred’s Team, which counts over 1,000 runners this year. Healy, second from left, hopes 40 friends join her at next year’s NYC marathon. She’s seen here at the 2023 race. Mike Lawrence She’s raised over $157,000 in recent months for colorectal cancer research at MSK.

Conclusion

Healy’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Her determination to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer research is inspiring, and her participation in the NYC marathon is a powerful example of turning pain into purpose. As she continues on her journey, Healy remains committed to spreading awareness about the importance of colon cancer screening and the need for ongoing research into this devastating disease.

FAQs

• Q: What type of cancer does Liz Healy have?
  A: Liz Healy has Stage 2 kidney cancer and Stage 4 colon cancer.
• Q: Why is Liz Healy running the NYC marathon?
  A: Liz Healy is running the NYC marathon to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer research.
• Q: How much money has Liz Healy raised for cancer research?
  A: Liz Healy has raised over $157,000 in recent months for colorectal cancer research at MSK.
• Q: What is the name of the team Liz Healy is a part of?
  A: Liz Healy is a part of Team Check Your Colon as part of Fred’s Team.
• Q: How many friends and family members will join Liz Healy at next year’s NYC marathon?
  A: Liz Healy hopes 40 friends will join her at next year’s NYC marathon.