Theresa Anderson was diagnosed with two brain tumors in February after she passed out in a parking lot and began to lose her vision and mobility. She’s been in treatment for the past eight months, bravely undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
A former Division 1 runner, she wasn’t sure if she would regain her vision or ability to walk, let alone run, after surgery.
However, in October she courageously laced up her running shoes at the Cancer Chomp 2025 5K event, finishing the course in an incredible 28 minutes.
“I just said, ‘I don’t know how long I have. I’m going to run one more race,’” Theresa said. “Since all of this happened, my husband and I have been chugging along day by day, not knowing how long I had. We’ve been seeing progression but today brought it forward that I really am progressing and living and having fun in life.”
The 4th annual Cancer Chomp was hosted by the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapyand the Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida. Over 250 participants raised more than $53,000 in support of patients and their families undergoing brain tumor treatment at UF Health. This support includes lodging assistance, gas cards, help with medication copays and the purchase of medical equipment not covered by insurance.
“We want people to focus on getting well. This event not only celebrates their strength and courage butalso lets them know that we are here with them,” said Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., the Phyllis Kottler Friedman Professor in UF’s Department of Neurosurgery and co-director of the Wells Brain Tumor Center at UF Health.
Families and community members participated in the 5K Run/Walk and enjoyed a Kid Zone, food trucks, mini therapy horses and a special appearance by UF Gator mascots and the Gator Marching Band. It was a day of community engagement, peer support and survivor recognition in acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by patients with brain tumors and their loved ones.
Theresa is proud of the progress she has made, and she recently received good news that her tumors were shrinking.
“I know I still have a long way to go, and I want to keep getting stronger every day,” she said.
UF Health extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who made the Cancer Chomp possible. Thank you to Brandon Construction Company General Contractors, Inc., Shutts Attorneys at Law, The InterTech Group, Power Design, UF Health Cancer Center, Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Green Leaf Roofing, Belay Diagnostics, Visit Gainesville Alachua County, FL, University of Florida Medical Guild, Walmart Spark Good, Coast Buick GMC, Lelekis Wealth Management, Flagship Bank, Nelson Construction, Bartlett Custom Homes, Gainesville Health & Fitness, Foresight, TDCI Entertainment, Country 103.7 The Gator, Earthscapes, WCJB TV20, Nokbox, and Lifelines for their continued support to this cause.
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Your gift to Cancer Chomp supports UF Health and the Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida.