Runner with MS continues to defy the odds
St. Catharines’ Toosje (TJ) Fulcher to run New York City Marathon
A St. Catharines woman with multiple sclerosis has defied the odds given to her by doctors 30 years ago and will continue to do so next month as the first Canadian living with her condition to participate in the New York City Marathon.
Toosje (TJ) Fulcher, 43, will run the iconic race alongside Canada’s flagbearer, a course that is more than 26 miles (41 kilometres).
In June, she nearly completed the Niagara Ultra Marathon, making it all the way to the 35kilometre mark toward the 50kilometre finish.
Diagnosed at the age of 13, Fulcher received a book from her sister about an American woman with MS who competed in the famous run in the Big Apple.
Inspired by her story for so many years, Fulcher said it’s now her time.
“I just put it on my list of things to do while I’m alive,” she said in an interview while taking a break from training at Muay Thai Niagara in St. Catharines.
She works out five days a week for up to six hours, and also runs three days a week at 5 a.m. while getting ready for New York City.
Physicians said she would have no quality of life and that she wouldn’t reach age 40. Other than her intense regimen, she isn’t sure what’s behind her being able to prove them so wrong.
“I really wish I knew what it is, but I don’t,” she said.
Her specialist today has encouraged her to be as active as possible, and that’s her game plan every day.
“The stronger you are when you’re healthy, the faster you recover when you’re sick,” she said, honoured to be named a representative of her home country at the historic sporting event.
“It’s beyond my wildest dreams,” she said.
The greatest challenge when running long distance is comfort in her right foot, having to use “muscle memory” to keep on track, said the woman who grew up in Welland.
Her coach, Kru Roger Lumyoung, who has also visited Taiwan three times with Fulcher for training, said she is one of the hardest-working people in his gym, remembering nine years ago when she first arrived for classes and took 20 minutes in the parking lot before building up the strength to make it up the stairs and get started.
“It’s an honour to be here with her in these classes, challenging her and seeing her never give up,” said Lumyoung.
Her dedication to training is what keeps her going.
“Because of this, she is living life to the fullest,” he said.
Fulcher’s trip is being paid for by Aiva Properties, a local developer operated by fellow gym member Tony Azzi, who is proud to support his friend.
“She’s just inspirational. It’s absolutely amazing what she does,” he said.
The marathon is Nov. 4.