A retired Austin, Texas teacher is competing in the Boston Marathon, one of the most prominent events in the world, not only because she enjoys running but also to raise awareness of brain cancer, a disease that gets far too little attention.
In 2022, 33-year-old Montgomery Lax received a diagnosis of oligodendroglioma, a rare and terminal type of brain cancer. Her life was altered by the diagnosis, yet she remained determined.
Montgomery chose to put on her running shoes and take on a goal that very few people ever dare to attempt: running all six of the major marathons in the world.
While recovering from brain surgery and receiving chemotherapy, she has already finished the New York City and Chicago Marathons.
“I got to meet with a doctor that’s studying my type of cancer, and they’ve raised about like $7 million just this year with all of the runners that are doing the Boston Marathon,” Lax stated.
Now, full of hope and excitement, she is in Boston getting ready to run the famous 26.2-mile route on Monday.
“Brain cancer research is already underfunded compared to other types of cancer,” Montgomery stated. “And now with federal funding being pulled back, I worry it’s going to be even harder for patients like me in the future.”
Montgomery’s marathon run is being used to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research in collaboration with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
She wants to raise awareness of the critical need for more financing and research for brain tumors like hers, in addition to encouraging those who are fighting the illness.
It’s a depressing reality for patients with oligodendroglioma. Surgery and treatment may be used to temporarily manage the tumor, but its recurrence is anticipated.
Montgomery meets this period with bravery and incredible fortitude, although the usual life expectancy is only 10 to 12 years.
She maintains her optimism in spite of the difficulties. She smiled when she crossed the Boston Marathon finish line on Sunday, prepared to run the route with courage and resolve.
Although she wants to finish in less than five hours, she believes that simply crossing the finish line is a victory in and of itself.
Montgomery’s intentions after the race are simple but significant: “I’m going to have a hamburger and take a hot bath,” she said with a giggle, acknowledging her achievement in the most effective way possible.
Read Also: Woman Donates Liver to Friend’s Mom After Son’s Passing in Remarkable Act of Kindness
“Marathons are hard right? But I think when you’ve been through cancer yourself, it’s really not as hard as going through cancer, but you can do it to inspire other people and raise funds at the same time,” Lax stated.
What will she do next in her marathon? One mile at a time, she continues to push herself to the limit and raise essential awareness at the Sydney Marathon in August.
