Told I Had 12 Days to Live – Tracy’s Battle with AML
Tracy was told she had 12 days to live without chemo. After a tough battle with AML, a stem cell transplant that saved her life. Now in remission, she shares her journey to raise awareness.
Next month, Grace Adams will tackle the Birmingham Half Marathon on behalf of Cure Leukaemia and her father.
Grace’s father was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) in 2018 and was put on an oral chemotherapy drug, but was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A keen runner himself during Grace’s younger years, he encouraged his daughter to take on the challenge in support of Cure Leukaemia and he’ll be there on the day supporting her every step of the way.
“My dad is my best friend and we’re literally carbon copies of each other. The sad thing about it was, my dad’s mum had actually died of leukaemia when he was 18. Back then, when you got the diagnosis, it was pretty final and she passed away within a year.
“For my dad, we all thought it was going to be the same. But, we found out about all the incredible things Cure Leukaemia does and with the pioneering drugs, that wasn’t the case.”
“It was a bit of a joke last year when he said I should run the half marathon. I told him I can’t run, but here we are!”
The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is the biggest running event in the Midlands and will take place on May 5th. Grace has been so inspired by her current training plan, she has also signed up to run the New York Marathon in November on behalf of Cure Leukaemia.
“Everyone at Cure Leukaemia has been brilliant. Now I’ve actually signed up for the New York marathon in November because of it! It’s kind of gone from zero to 100. It’s given me great purpose to do something like this and it’s nice to see the money that’s been raised, I’ve been shocked by how generous people have been.”
“It’s quite a mental challenge and I’ve found that more so than a physical challenge. Your legs probably always have it in you but your brain just wants to give up. So I’ve really enjoyed having the personal connection that has helped me keep going.”
“I think about what dad is going through and what others are going through. The struggle I will have completing this race is nothing in comparison to those suffering with leukaemia.”
