Breast Cancer, Danskin Triathlon | 07/24/2009 8:55 am
New Hampshire Woman Defies Breast Cancer Odds to Become a Triathlete
Carolyn Choate was given three years to live in 2003 when she was 45;
now, six years later, she’s an athlete raising money for the cancer
cause
© Shutterstock
In 2003, when she was 45, Carolyn Choate was given three years to live. She had breast cancer, and the outlook wasn’t good. But six years later, after enduring chemotherapy and surgery, the Nashua, NH, mom of two kids can call herself a triathlete.
Choate is participating in this weekend’s Danskin Triathlon — the largest and longest women’s triathlon series in the world, which was launched as part of the company’s commitment to women’s health and fitness. More than 200,000 women have participated in the series. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 192,370 female cases of breast cancer this year alone, and 1,910 male cases. More than 40,000 women will die from it.
The triathlon sprint consists of a half-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a 2.9 mile run. Choate, whose stepsister and cousin were recently diagnosed with uterine cancer and who will raise money for breast cancer, told The Nashua Telegraph that she credits her survival to exercise.
"When people find out I’m doing the triathlon, they ask me why I’m doing it," she said. "One day, it occurred to me that I’m doing it because there’s no reason not to. That may sound simplistic, but, after an intimate relationship with cancer, there’s not much that intimidates me."
Readers, do you know of any wOw-worthy local heroes like Choate? If so, email us at submit@wowOwow.com and tell us their story.
Read more about: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Cause, Danskin Triathlon, Heroes, New Hampshire, News, Sports, U.S., women
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21 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment
We can accomplish anything if only we take the right attitude. She is already a survivor and didn’t allow her spirit to be dampened. Not giving up can from stories I have seen make a huge difference. I love stories of this type:) Congratulations to her and I wish her many more happy triathlons:)
I’d like to agree with every word of S G’s post! I have found that we can talk ourselves into or out of most anything. I am sure Carol had a whole lot of positive support behind her and that cannot be underated! I have a first cousin who is a victim of a type of cancer that is currently uncurable. It has not stopped them from battling it back everytime it resurfaces. I am extremely proud of the fight they can continue to wage. May everyone who is or has someone who is battling cancer take great comfort from Carol’s story and follow her example as best they can. The odds are generally not good with a cancer diagnosis. But everyone who battles back anyway helps to put cancer in its place and gives courage to the rest of us.
I’ve known several breast cancer survivors. One lady that I know what diagnosed about 20 years ago, and it has resurfaced several times. The other ladies have been in remission for a few years and so far so good.
I wish this lady the best in her endeavors!!
I wish all persons fighting this battle the very best! … I’m inspired by this woman’s story.
Philippians 4:13 " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I just found out today that my Breast Cancer has returned. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, I do know I won’t let them talk me into what they want. If I’d have had a mastomy five yrs ago I would have this reoccurances.
So to anyone who has gotten through this I say good luck, and pray you stay cancer free. For me I’m ready to find a cave and just hide.
Deniseann,
Ok, you go find your cave for the next 24 hours and hide. And then you come out fighting.
Deniseann,
Oh no you don’t. You’re NOT going to give up. Not allowed.
You’ve got friends here, Deniseann. And while most of us haven’t been through all that you have, we’re smart enough to know that you’re really a strong lady. You’ve been through this before and you got through it. No reason to think you can’t do it again.
It’s just the news that’s shattering you. In another 24 hours you’re going to be adjusting to it. Your head will be more rational.
Let the dogs comfort you - that’s what they do best. I don’t know what the doctors have told you about food but if the food isn’t life threatening, then I’d say go have a field day a feast on it all……for a couple days if it makes you feel better. Bolt the door and watch the movies and don’t answer the phone. Keep your Bible next to you and read it, since you already know the strength it brings you. And you WILL find strength.
As far as transportation for treatment: The chance to give selflessly and help someone is priceless. Why would you deny your children this feeling? Stop feeling like your a burden. There will come a time in their lives when they will need someone to take them to the hospital and back……..you need to show them that it’s good to help and good to receive that help.
If you honestly feel your kids can’t take the time to help with the transportation call the hospital where the treatment will take place. Often they have volunteer groups that will pick you up and take you home. But you have to ask to get this information. Perhaps the treatment center has a website and there might be something regarding transportation.
Deniseann, you’ve already got the moxy. It’s there. When you come out of the "cave" in a day or so I just KNOW you’ll be ready to fight. You’ve done it before, and damn it, you’ll do it again.
Love you, Deniseann. My money’s on YOU.