Every year in DeLand, a group of five women put on a 5K called ME STRONG to support and raise funds for those battling cancer in need of financial aid and research for curing cancer and to build a stronger community.
Charlotte Riley and Pepper Riley walking in MESTRONG 2023.
Linda Ryan, Barbara McCallan, Kim Winters, Kim Martin and Kathy Guyer are the “dream team” of ME STRONG. The race was started “with the dream of bringing hope and happiness during a time that is often considered dark and frightening.”
When Ryan was diagnosed with “recurrent metastatic cervical cancer”, her four close friends came together and created the race to reflect Ryan’s light-hearted spirit and determination.
But this race is about so much more than cancer.
Over the past 13 years, ME STRONG has grown from a little community event to a state-wide fundraiser. “Our goal for the inaugural race in 2011 was to have 300 people participate and nearly 900 registered. For the 2024 race we are on track to more than 5000 participants. It has become an event that people come from all over to participate. Throughout the State of Florida and beyond,” Ryan says.
ME STRONG has impacted many lives over the years. Ryan says, “When we hosted the first race in 2011 after my first cervical cancer recurrence, we didn’t know that it would turn into a charity and annual event. ME STRONG has given the five co-founders a way to bring people together not only to help others living with a cancer diagnosis but to unite the community.”
Preparation for the race is no easy task. Ryan explains, “For the first 11 years of the race the five co-founders would start getting together shortly after the previous race. We would get together and most of the planning was done around someone’s kitchen table.”
“The planning process has changed a bit since our decision to have the race become the beneficiary of Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation with assistance from the local Rotary Clubs. Now we participate in more formal meetings where many people are involved.” Ryan said.
DeLand High students supporting runners at the 2024 MESTRONG.
ME STRONG has strengthened the small community of DeLand in so many ways. Many local businesses will be sponsors for the race, donating funds and/or making a team for someone in the race. In the 13 years, ME STRONG has raised over 2 million dollars for those fighting cancer and research.
This year, ME STRONG is on Saturday, February 3. To sign up and be a part of this remarkable cause, go to mestrong.net and follow the instructions on the website. Anyone can help make a difference, all you have to do is sign up.
Photos by Simone Stephenson
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