The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Radnor Run recognizes lung cancer survivor Denise Zimmerman
RADNOR >> About a year ago, longtime Main Line resident Denise Zimmerman was diagnosed with lung cancer.
But that doesn’t stop her from living her life.
On the morning of Sunday, Oct. 27, she will be among hundreds of others who are lung disease survivors or who know a survivor or who have lost a friend or family member to lung disease at the 42nd Annual Penn Medicine Radnor Run. Proceeds from the 5-mile USA Track & Field- sanctioned race through Radnor Township and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk, both of which start and finish at the Radnor township building’s Encke Park, 301 Iven Ave., benefit the programs of the PlymouthMeeting-based American Lung Association in Pennsylvania.
“It’s an opportunity to thank and inspire a broader audience for their support helping me and others like me. I am a living, vibrant example of life after cancer,” said Zimmerman when asked why she wanted to participate in this year’s event.
“I will be there to cheer on all the participants,” she added. “I may walk besides and with various individuals and groups.”
But the Penn Valley resident will be more than a participant. She has been named a 2019 American Lung Association Lung Force Hero. According to the American Lung Association, “Lung Force Heroes are those individuals whose lives have been affected by lung cancer, whether themselves or close loved ones. They choose to use their voices to raise awareness of lung cancer, its prevention and detection, and helping others whose lives may be impacted by the nation’s number one cancer killer.”
She will help to kick off the 8:30 a.m. race and share her experience fighting the disease. In Pennsylvania alone, states the American Lung Association, there are 8,250 residents living with lung cancer; 1,718,698 who live with chronic lung disease; and 10,380 who will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
Zimmerman’s personal story started with a routine visit to her doctor. “My primary doctor strongly suggested that as a former smoker I get a lung scan,” she recalled. “I shrugged it off. I had no symptoms. The hospital kept calling to schedule. Finally I did.” They found a tumor. Zimmerman underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.
“I am a stage 4 cancer survivor,” she said.
She now goes every four months for a lung scan “to make sure that bad boy is under control.”
She pointed out “it is difficult to say if I am cured but as my doc likes to say my tumor is behaving.”
And she is thankful. Very thankful.
“If this was five years ago I’d be dead,” she said. “If my doctor didn’t suggest a lung scan I could be dead. If my oncologist, radiation therapist, nurses, and others on my medical support team weren’t so fiercely committed to saving lives, I might be dead. If I didn’t have the support, love and kindness of family, friends or blessed with a good sense of humor, life might not be worth living. But it is. Oh yes.”
The 5-mile race, a challenging and scenic course, offers participants chip timing, team challenge, t-shirt. Race day festivities include a health fair, healthy snacks, prizes, and awards for top finishers in many age groups. The 1-mile Fun Run/Walk is an untimed race for adults and youth of all ages. Medals will be awarded to the top finishers and the first 100 children to cross the finish line.
“For over four decades, the Radnor Run has raised money to support the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives through research, education and advocacy,” said Christy Dernlan, Senior Manager, Development, the American Lung Association. “Some of the important local mission efforts supported by the race include education on various topics such as e-cigarettes, asthma and lung cancer for area residents and companies, and lung disease research at Temple University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.”
On Friday, Oct. 25, runners and walkers can register and pick up their race bib at the Packet Pickup Party at the Radnor Hotel, 591 E. Lancaster Ave., St. Davids, from 5:30-7 p.m. While there, registrants can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary beverage. In addition, race sponsors will be recognized for their dedication to fight lung disease.
For more information or to register, visit lung.org/ RadnorRun or call 610268-9782.
The event is sponsored by Penn Medicine, Radnor Township, Brandywine Realty Trust, The Radnor Hotel, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, Apt Management, IMC Construction, Lincoln Financial Group, Pfizer and many other local companies.