Community Corner
'Iron Woman' Fights Cancer, Inspires Others
Teri Griege maintains her rigorous training schedule despite undergoing cancer treatment. Sponsored by Grape-Nuts.
About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.
Just two weeks after competing in the Ironman event, Teri Griege was diagnosed with cancer. Griege talks to Patch about what inspires her, and her dream of eradicating cancer forever.
1. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on?
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I started my journey with cancer on Sept. 17, 2009. A colonoscopy revealed a mass, then a few short hours later a CT scan revealed metastasis to the liver. In the snap of a finger, I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. This happened just two weeks after I had completed an Ironman event (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run). Since my diagnosis, I have worked diligently to maintain a rigorous training schedule, all while being treated for cancer. I have undergone radiation treatments, chemotherapy, surgeries and presently receive maintenance chemotherapy. Continuing to train and participate in events from 5Ks to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, I am "powered by hope."
2. What inspired you to take on this challenge?
It is my dream to see a world without cancer. I’ve included a picture of my family here—ranging in ages 2 to 89. Two weeks after I was found to have colon cancer, each of my two sisters had colonoscopies. One had precancerous polyps, and the other stage III colon cancer. Shortly thereafter, two out of four nieces were found to have precancerous polyps. From that day forward, I began a mission to spread awareness and inspiration about colon cancer. My family and friends are what motivate me; I pray they will never have to endure what I had to. I am determined to outrun cancer—for me, for them and for you. I cannot think of a better way to do this than to share my story.
3. Did you succeed?
The biggest challenge I have taken on is cancer—I have yet to beat it but will never ever give up. I believe "powered by hope, anything is possible." I continue to take on challenges. Physically, I compete in endurance events. I was a featured inspirational athlete in the NBC Ironman World Championship 2011. I will run the 5th of the five major marathons in a few weeks. I am constantly looking for ways to spread inspiration and raise awareness of cancer. My next challenge is to find a way to appear on [The Ellen DeGeneres Show]. I cannot think of a more perfect avenue to reach millions of people to share my simple message—colorectal cancer: preventable, treatable, beatable. I am inspired by the simple fact that my message will save lives, my example will spread hope, my attitude will become contagious. I have had success with athletic feats—completing many marathons and the World Championship Ironman while undergoing chemotherapy. I have had success raising awareness and spreading inspiration. But I will not succeed, we will not succeed, until we are one world without cancer!