Athletic Trainer's Courageous Race: Combating Cancer with Community Support
In 2023, Meghan Powell, the head Athletic Trainer at Colorado School of Mines, faced a formidable challenge: a diagnosis of endometrial cancer.
Despite this, Powell rallied support, assembling a group called Meghan’s Pimpin Joy Squad to participate in Jodi’s Race for Awareness, a 5K event raising funds for the Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance (CGCA).
This event, which draws approximately 1,500 attendees annually in Denver's City Park, supports cancer patients and survivors with resources like post-surgery comfort kits and therapy sessions.
Powell's involvement in the race, just four months post-surgery, marked a significant milestone in her recovery and advocacy journey.
Her team raised about $2,000 for CGCA, emphasizing the importance of community support in facing health challenges.
"It was just this phenomenal experience of overwhelming love and support."
She credits early detection for her successful treatment outcome and underscores the importance of attentive medical care.
Reese McDermott, a Mines soccer player and a member of Meghan’s squad, praised Powell's resilience and commitment to both her recovery and her role as an Athletic Trainer.
“I think she follows through with what she says and what she teaches us. It’s a lot more encouraging and reassuring that she takes the advice that she gives us and applies it to her life as well.”
Powell's story is a compelling reminder of the strength found in community and the critical nature of awareness in battling cancer.
Check out the full story here and get more information about gynecologic cancers, including the symptoms by visiting cancer.org/cancer.