A New Hampshire man’s journey from a terrifying cancer diagnosis to running the Boston Marathon is a testament to resilience and hope.
Michael Willette, diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, faced a reality that many might view as insurmountable.
“You read that, and you might as well, you’re getting your will ready. Getting your affairs in order,” Willette shared about his initial reaction to the diagnosis.
Bile duct cancer is both hard to diagnose and even harder to treat, making it a rare but often deadly form of cancer if not detected early.
Fortunately for Willette, he found himself in the hands of skilled doctors at Mass General Brigham, who were able to act quickly.
Now, approaching the five-year milestone of being cancer-free, he reflects on his transformation.
“I’m healthier than I was before I had my cancer diagnosis,” said Willette, emphasizing the positive changes in his life since he began focusing on recovery.
A significant part of that recovery process was adopting a new hobby as a form of coping.
“I needed something to do, something to get back to healthy, something to get my mind off everything, and started talking about running,” Willette explained.
His interest in running evolved quickly, as he progressed from participating in 5Ks to 10Ks and then half marathons.
Eventually, he set his sights on one of the most prestigious races in the world: the Boston Marathon.
“I knew it was time. I just knew I had to give it a shot,” he recalled of the moment he decided to sign up for this year’s marathon.
With a desire to both challenge himself and give back to those who supported him through his battle with cancer, Willette felt a deep sense of purpose in running this race.
“I figure what better way to hit a couple things in my life and to give back to the people that I feel saved my life,” he stated, reflecting on his motivations.
Joining him on this monumental run will be Dr. Aparna Parikh, his oncologist at Mass General Brigham.
“Many people don’t have the outcome that Mike had,” Parikh noted, acknowledging the challenges that many cancer patients face.
She expressed her excitement at being able to participate in the marathon alongside Willette, stating, “The fact that we get to do this this year, it’s incredible.”
Willette’s journey, however, does not end with the Boston Marathon.
He is already looking ahead to his next challenge, contemplating multi-day running events or perhaps tackling another marathon in the future.
In addition to his personal achievements, Willette is determined to raise awareness and funds for cholangiocarcinoma research, sharing his story as part of that mission.
With each mile he runs, he hopes to inspire others and bring attention to this often-overlooked cancer.
Willette’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, the importance of early detection, and the impact of pursuing health and wellness in the face of adversity.
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