A MESSAGE FROM Wendy Long - Running the 2026 NYC Marathon - Team THANC
In the summer of 2007 at a pretty routine appointment, my doctor fund a lump in my neck. That lump turned out to be a tumor that was papillary thyroid cancer. I was only 39. After two surgeries and RAI treatment I was and continue to be cancer free. While thyroid cancer is often referred to as the “good cancer” because of its high survival rates and treatment success, it also leaves a lasting impact for survivors. I will take medication for the rest of my life to replace the loss of the hormone my thyroid once produced, and I see an endocrinologist annually to manage medication dose and ensure no reoccurrence of cancer.
I started running as a way to support my physical and mental health after recovering from treatment and surgery, and very quickly discovered a love for it. I ran my first marathon in 2017, and have since been blessed to run a total of five marathons, including qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon. The New York City marathon has been on my bucket list for awhile, and I’ve tried unsuccessfully to get into it for several years.
This past summer, my dad was diagnosed with throat cancer. Stage 4. He courageously underwent extensive surgery and had a total laryngectomy. He also underwent six weeks of daily radiation treatment which he completed in February 2026. It was not easy, but he is now cancer free and on a healing journey to his new normal. As one of his caregivers over the past six months, the resources I was able to find or be referred to that helped answer the many questions we had or provide education on his care were pivotal not only to his well being and care, but also my own as a caregiver. The Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer (THANC) foundation is a wonderful resource example, providing education, inspiration and help for individuals going through treatment.
I have the amazing opportunity to raise funds and run for Team THANC at the 2026 New York City Marathon. And what I realized is that THIS is what I was meant to do all along, and why I haven’t gotten an acceptance in previous years - my time to run this marathon was meant to be for my dad - on behalf of him and others like myself who have been or will be impacted by thyroid, head and neck cancers.
Photos & Videos
