Why we Run for Her in the Bay Area
Sarah DeSimone tells us why we Run for Her in the Bay Area and how her family is the genesis behind it.
On December 14, 2012, my family was forever changed. That was the day my mother was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. We were in complete shock; we didn’t know what to do or where to turn for support. A few months after the diagnosis, I felt a strong need to do something, anything, for the ovarian cancer cause.
That is when I found Run for Her, which has changed everything for my family. My mom, dad, husband, and son participated in the 2013 Los Angeles walk two months after my mom finished chemo. We proudly came in last place! After feeling so alone in this journey, it was amazing to be part of something where I immediately felt so much love, support, and hope. My mom and I knew this was something we wanted to bring to the Bay Area.
I emailed Kelli Sargent about bringing Run for Her to Northern California, and, to my surprise, she graciously agreed to meet with my mom, my sister, and me. Kelli’s positive energy and belief in us was truly overwhelming. We were thrilled that she wanted to work with us!
From day one, my mom has led the effort to make the inaugural Run for Her Bay Area a successful event. From organizing committees to collaborating with different companies, my mom works tirelessly on the event every day. As she starts her second round of chemo, she is also bookmarking her calendar to put up Run for Her posters, attend committee meetings, and go out and garner support any way she can. Our conversations have turned from “How could this happen to us?” to “What can we do to help stop this from happening to any other woman and family?” Run for Her gives that to every person involved: the opportunity to make a difference. And that is a true gift.
- Sarah DeSimone