Alexandria, Va. – As a professional runner, Cecilia Barowski is used to competing, but this Giving Tuesday, she’s running a different kind of race—the race to raise funds for the Prevent Cancer Foundation®. Barowski launched her fundraiser via Athletes For, an annual giving campaign hosted by top track and field athletes training in the United States.
For most young athletes, training for the Olympics is the biggest challenge they face in their lives; but not for Barowski. In 2010, when Barowski was 17, her mother passed away from breast cancer. For years after her mother’s death, she struggled with a belief she too would inevitably get cancer. She later internalized a mantra that she’s uses on the track: “control the controllables.” Barowski realized her fate was not sealed and she could make lifestyle choices to reduce her risk of cancer.
Now, Barowski is not only dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle but also using her platform as an athlete to spread the message that healthy choices and behaviors can reduce cancer risk.
“Running is my God-given gift. I have this talent I want to pursue to [the 2020 Olympics]. Sometimes I reflect on, ‘Why me? Why did I get this great ability?’” Barowski said. “Now, I realize it’s because of the platform running gives me to make a difference for a worthy cause, such as the Prevent Cancer Foundation. I can spread this message and do good. If I can help one or two other people, it makes running more inspirational.”
Athletes For is a campaign by Athlete Biz, a nonprofit organization that seeks to inspire fans and empower athletes.
To support Cecilia Barowski’s Athletes For campaign, visit: https://campaigns.athletebiz.us/secure/fundraiser/MzE4NzE=/24942. The fundraising campaign will run through Giving Tuesday, November 27, 2018.
To learn more about the Prevent Cancer Foundation®, visit preventcancer.org.
