In January 2010, Meg Shipman heard words no one wants to hear from a doctor: she had a rare form of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma. She had no symptoms, no prior abnormal test results, and no family history of cancer. By every measure, she was a healthy, active 32-year-old — a surfer, kiteboarder, cycling instructor, and scientist. Now, she's a young-adult cancer survivor.
Her OB/GYN caught the abnormal cells during a routine checkup, and biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. She was fortunate to catch it early: her team of oncologists at Johns Hopkins University removed the cancer surgically soon after. Treatment didn't end there — given the disease's aggressive nature, her health is still closely monitored, and some abnormal cells have recurred in the years since. Still, she's stayed positive through every stage of treatment and whatever lies ahead.
A few years ago, Meg decided she needed an endurance challenge. Through her local running store, Charm City Run, she discovered Team Fight, a training team that raises money for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. She began training with the team and volunteering with "Cancer to 5K," a program that helps people with cancer train for and run a road race. The experience with the entire Ulman Cancer Fund organization has been remarkable, connecting her with people and resources she feels lucky to know. In the years since, she's run her first races ever — including the New York City Marathon — completed numerous triathlons, coached Baltimore's "Cancer to 5K" program, and run across America with Rev3 Triathlon to benefit the fund.
Before joining Team Fight, Meg found it difficult to talk about her battle with cancer. Meeting others facing similar struggles gave her the strength to speak up and share her story — and to swim, bike, and run harder than she ever had. The coaching and friendships she found there have helped her face adversity with a smile, giving her both the support she needed and a platform to raise awareness for young adults fighting cancer. It's about living life fully — the way she always has, cancer or not.
Meg continues racing and staying involved in triathlon. In 2014, she was selected to join the Revolution3 Triathlon age-group team, racing alongside an inspiring group of teammates and sponsors, and continues to support the organizations that gave her a platform to live fully. "Triathlon is so special — a platform for all ages, all struggles. A way to face fears, break records, challenge yourself, and more than anything, a way to inspire," Meg says.