GPO Employee Battling Brain Cancer Runs in Boston Marathon
Located in Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) employee, BethAnn Telford, ran in the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19. Telford is a brain tumor survivor and an avid runner. She was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2005 at age 36 and has undergone two brain surgeries. The tumor recently returned. Telford is an advocate in promoting awareness about the disease. It has always been her dream to qualify and run in the most prestigious marathon in the world. The Boston Marathon allows Telford to fulfill that dream and bring attention to the challenges of living with brain cancer. To support her cause, she ran the 26.2 mile marathon through eight cities and towns to represent The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS).
"I run for those who are fighting or lost the battle to this terrible disease," said Telford. "The Boston Marathon is the cream of the crop of runners and words can't describe what it means to me to be able to run in this race. If I have to crawl across that finish line in Boston's back bay, then that's what I will do to complete this race I worked so hard to qualify for."
Telford also has competed in the Marine Corp Marathon, two Lake Placid Ironman triathlons and the Richmond, Virginia Marathon, where she made her qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. Telford is GPO's special events coordinator; she is responsible for planning all employee and executive events at the agency. She raised more than $52,000 for the 2009 Race for the Hope with all proceeds benefiting brain tumor research.
"BethAnn's tireless efforts, which happen to include marathons, ironmans, and triathlons, raise much needed awareness for this devastating disease. Her spirit and determination are an inspiration to NBTS and to others," said Paul TonThat, NBTS executive director. "Her commitment to helping our organization and generosity to others affected by brain tumors inspires hope wherever she goes."
For more information on Telford's journey, visit www.teambt.org. For more information on NBTS, visit www.braintumor.org.
- People:
- BethAnn Telford
- Places:
- Boston
- Washington, D.C.