One Person Can Make a Difference

There are people on this earth that have that special something, and that can impact you in a profound way. Some are writers, some are philanthropists, others have had their lives transformed in significant ways. They are all strong.

Donna Deegan is one of those people. She has survived cancer not once, but three times. This, in itself, requires a strong mind and an able body.  Not everyone can do this. She worked in a very public job while she was going through chemotherapy. She went back to work sooner than most people would following surgery. She involved her children and her family every step of the way. And she kept running.

Her strength and her spirt also helped her do more. Many cancer survivors feel the need to give back; whether it's through transforming their lives to give more time to their loved ones, finding that job that doesn't eat away so much of their time, or through volunteering or donating to a specific cause. Donna not only started a foundation that helps familes stricken with cancer pay for treatment, medication, or pay their rent or mortgages. She also started the 26.2 with Donna that funds breast cancer research.

This is no surprise when you meet her, as she is full of energy and radiates positivity. She is inspiring to those who have been down that road. I couldn't help but notice how similar the two of us are. I am, and hope to continue to be, a one time cancer survivor. I also worked as soon as I could after my many surgeries, and remained on the job through chemotherapy. I ran for public office in a Federal election during this time.  I involved my three daughters from the beginning, and used the opportunity to provide the best example I could for them. And I have kept running.

I have yet to accomplish the likes of what Donna has done on the fundraising side, but one person can make a difference, and she has truly inspired me. The will is there to do more.