Karen Lewis

2011 Great Comebacks^® Award Recipient, Central Region  

"I knew that if I could run marathons, I could beat cancer.
At first Dr. Bodzin indicated that a marathon might be too much of a stretch for me, but as he got to know me better, he became much more supportive. Now he says he does not worry about me at all, which is one of the biggest compliments for me."

You don’t find many people with serious illnesses who go on to run even one marathon. Karen Lewis, 53, completed 32 marathons and three 50K ultra-marathons, after she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.

As a 23-year-old just beginning her career back in the early 1980s, Karen was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Over the next decade she developed anemia and experienced drastic weight loss. Many routine daily activities were too challenging. Her health continued to decline until she met Dr. Jason Bodzin through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCFA). Through treatment including surgery to remove most of her colon, Karen’s health improved and she started training for her first marathon in Hawaii. Though she entered her first marathon as a "walker," she continued training and found running to be a true passion.

"At first Dr. Bodzin indicated that a marathon might be too much of a stretch for me, but as he got to know me better, he became much more supportive. Now he says he does not worry about me at all, which is one of the biggest compliments for me," said Karen.

Karen trained hard to advance from race walking. Her training went well until 2005 when she was preparing for the Boston Marathon. She started experiencing irritation. A check up showed that she had developed colorectal cancer. Karen immediately underwent treatment that included chemotherapy, radiation, multiple reconstruction surgeries and a permanent ileostomy. Through the whole experience, the support of her running friends and her husband kept her going. More than ever, she was determined to continue training - even during her time in the hospital.

"I knew that if I could run marathons, I could beat cancer," said Karen.

She started by walking laps around the hospital, and only two weeks after completing her chemotherapy she was in a race. She says that people facing the challenges of colon cancer need something to look forward to. For her, it was her favorite activities - running, cross country skiing, hiking, or travelling, that she says gave her the strength to get through her two-year treatment period.

Since her ileostomy, Karen has remained cancer-free and now takes time to inspire others to run for good health or a good cause. In 2008, she coached race walkers and participated in CCFA’s Team Challenge, raising $10,000. She next teamed up with her friend and fellow cancer survivor Susan Snyder to establish a new run/walk event called the American Cancer Society’s Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer. Their first event in April 2011 had 564 participants and raised more than $60,000 to support research to find a cure for colon cancer. Now, Karen hopes to hold similar events in other cities.

"It is really heartbreaking to see people suffer from this disease, especially younger people because typically when colon cancer is detected in the young it is already at an advanced stage. I tell everybody not to be embarrassed by the symptoms and to be sure to get checked as soon as possible," said Karen.

Karen resides in Brighton, MI with her husband and is a faculty support coordinator at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. She also takes time to send cards of hope and encouragement to people she meets at races who are battling serious medical conditions.

"I hope that through Great Comebacks^® I can show more people that, to me, having a permanent ostomy has been a blessing. It has allowed me to finally be healthy again. I feel like there is nothing I can’t do," said Karen.