Running a marathon is impressive.
Running a marathon in 4 hours, 15 minutes is outstanding.
Running one when you’re Kathryn Cavallaro is miraculous.
Last month, when Kathryn — the daughter of Westporter Fiona Hodgson — crossed the finish line of the New England Green River Marathon, from Vermont into Massachusetts, she was just out of treatment for breast cancer.
In fact, she’s still doing chemo.
But the 38-year-old busy professional — and mother of 3 — did not let her year of hell (including 2 very extensive surgeries) slow her down.
Literally.
Kathryn Cavallaro
For Kathryn, running is a relaxing chance to be part of the natural world. At 5 a.m., she says, she’s alone — except for other runners, and deer.
“I see the sunrise. I run with snowflakes on my eyelashes. I watch the seasons change, and I’m grateful to be part of this beautiful world.”
Kathryn trains in many places. Among her favorites: Westport, particularly Compo Beach.
When she was diagnosed with cancer, many people told Kathryn that her life would never be the same. “Get used to the ‘new normal,'” they said.
Yet despite major surgery in June, she began training for August’s marathon.
Now she wants to help others push through cancer’s “new normal” barrier. She hopes to start a blog for “runners who are cancer survivors, and cancer survivors who want to be runners.”
Also on the (26.2 mile) horizon: running the St. Jude’s Marathon in December.
It’s a fundraiser for children’s cancer research.
(Kathryn Cavallaro helps many others. But her own medical bills are steep. To help her, click here.)
Fiona Hodgson and her daughter, Kathryn Cavallaro.