Hayli and Liz, the inspirational duo behind the blog runningwithapurpose.com, are an amazing team demonstrating how a struggle with cancer can impact family members and supportive friends.

For Hayli, running a marathon has always been a bucket list item that she will finally be able to tick off on October 28 at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. The event is also an opportunity for her to support her brother and cousin, both Marines, and her friends to raise money for an organization near and dear to her heart, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

For Liz, this marathon represents a tribute to the memory of her mother who passed away in August from ovarian cancer. It also is an opportunity for her to make a contribution to the organization that provided information and support during her mother’s year long struggle.

“I can’t think of a more distinguished way to remember my mom during a 26.2 mile run than to know that I’m running for a purpose this time around; and that the money we raise will help others directly feel the impact of Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana,” she says.

Liz’s mother Barb was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in June 2011 at the age of 60. In July, she began chemotherapy and joined a gynecological cancer support group at Cancer Services.

“CSNI was by my mom’s side [and] helped surround her with people who had been and were going through her same experience,” she says.

This past Christmas, the girls decided that for Hayli’s first and Liz’s third marathon, they would do more than participate but also raise money to benefit CSNI. After months of training for the 26.2 mile event in separate states (Liz is living Colorado and Hayli in Indiana) they registered for the MCM in March and are now just over a month away from the starting line.

“It is an honor to run for those who have been close to us and lost their battle with cancer,” Hayli says.

Please consider supporting Hayli and Liz’s cause by donating in memory of Liz’s mom, Barb, and anyone who has been touched by the care and support of Cancer Services.