Running to save our lives
A college reunion will be more than just a catch up for two women who have been running to help each other beat cancer. Rexine Hawes reports.
For five years Vanessa Oshima has been running everyday, under the brand #outruncancer to support those she loves who are battling the disease.
When she began she had no idea that eventually she’d be running to help save her own life.
The former Matamata College student lives in Tokyo with her husband Yasu, a cancer survivor, and their two sons.
She holds the title of the first New Zealand woman to complete the world’s six major marathons, in Tokyo, New York, Boston, London, Berlin and Chicago.
She is also a member of Steak Runners International, where participants have to run a minimum of 1.61km everyday.
Five years ago after hearing her high school friend, former Matamata College student Caroline Steer received a breast cancer diagnosis, Oshima made a promise she would run 5kms every day until Caroline was cancer free.
#outruncancer became her brand as news spread across the globe about Oshima’s promise and her dedication to running everyday - for almost 2000 days.
The brand took on a whole new meaning for Oshima, when 11 months ago she was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer.
‘‘I couldn’t believe it. I sat in the doctor’s office and she said ‘so, you have cancer’. I looked at her and said ‘are you talking to someone else in the room’?’’
On the ride home from the appointment she rang Caroline.
‘‘She said, ‘I need to go, I’ve got to run’ and she started running
‘‘I sat in the doctor's office and she said 'so, you have cancer'.’’
for me on the day I was diagnosed.’’
Oshima said having cancer changed everything.
She had a full mastectomy and made the decision to stop running.
Yasu, Caroline and a few other friends said they would ‘‘pick up the baton’’ and run until Oshima started again.
That day came sooner than expected. The doctor said due to the speed her body was healing, Oshima could run inside the ward under certain conditions.
So the day after surgery she ran 2kms, back and forth in front of the elevator bay. The streak remained intact.