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Woman Battling Breast Cancer Prepares For BAA Half-Marathon

BOSTON (CBS) - Anyone running behind Sandee Stratton in the 2015 BAA Half-Marathon will have to be inspired. The back of her jersey says it all: "It's Been 9 Days Since My Last Chemo."

Stratton was diagnosed with breast cancer in May. She had a lumpectomy in June. And within two weeks, she was back out on the road. She was terrified of chemotherapy and wanted something to take her mind off the discomfort—something that would make her feel strong and resilient.

She found that "something" when she opened her reception package at Dana Farber Cancer Institute—an application for the BAA Half-Marathon. She signed up and started training and fundraising.

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Message on the back of Sandee Stratton's jersey says "It's been 9 days since my last chemo" (WBZ-TV)

She ran through 12 weeks of chemo and, being part of the team, found herself feeling less isolated.

Cancer, Stratton says, can make you feel terribly alone. As much as the technicians, receptionists, doctors and nurses treated her with genuine kindness and support, she also appreciated the sense of community fostered by the running team. "There's a deeper connection."

Another connection is also deeper now. After Stratton's first day of chemo, she and her boyfriend, Stephen Kearns walked to Boylston Street and stopped for—what would be—a new beginning at the famous finish line. "I told him this was my new marathon—chemo was my marathon for this year. I said, 'Someday we'll run the marathon.' He actually got down on his knee and proposed to me!" The happy couple was surrounded by a big crowd that applauded and took pictures with them.

Sandee Stratton
Sandee Stratton (WBZ-TV)

They will run the half-marathon together and their daughters (her daughter, Sam is 17…his daughter, Olivia is 13) will be holding the official race tape at the finish line. Stratton can't wait to see them and hopes her experience sets an example for her daughter.

"In any given moment, life's going to throw you curve balls and it's how we react to the situation," she says.

Even before the gun goes off at the half-marathon, Stratton is setting a new goal. She's submitted her application to run the 2016 Boston Marathon. If she gets a bib number, she will run for Team Dana Farber.

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