Achilles International NZ

My name is Katie Burton. I’m a Police Officer of 14 years and live in Warkworth with my husband and two daughters. I’m also lucky to be here.

5 years ago I was told I had breast cancer. Today, thanks to the amazing team at Achilles International NZ, and hopefully your support, I am looking forward to running the New York Marathon. Let me tell you my story.

At the time of my diagnosis 5 years ago, I was 22 weeks pregnant with our second child. I had a mastectomy later that same week and although it seemed successful at first, two weeks later I was told my cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. A second surgery removed those lymph nodes, and was followed up with radiation and chemotherapy. As my treatments progressed, so too did my concerns for the health of my unborn child.

Then, toward the end of my pregnancy I was readmitted with pancreatitis. Looking out the hospital window, heavily pregnant and incredibly unwell, I recall seeing runners in the Auckland Domain - looking out at them I thought, “When I get through all this crap, I’m going to run!”

After Annabelle was born, miraculously healthy, that’s exactly what I did – I started running, or at least plodding, and I kept at it, increasing my distance until in 2012 I completed my first half-marathon.

Which brings us to today and my aspiration to run the New York Marathon in support of the Achilles Foundation – an organization dedicated supporting those with serious illness and disability to achieve their life goals, and to spread inspiration to those in need.

It’s an opportunity I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams lying in that hospital bed 5 years ago. Since making that commitment to myself as I stared out the hospital window, running has become an important part of my life’s journey – it helps me stay healthy and focused on enjoying every day to the fullest. My journey has taught me that we don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice. It’s an important message I want to spread to others who find themselves in this same awful situation.

So please help me make a difference by sponsoring the next leg of my journey through my ‘Give A Little’ page. Together with Achilles NZ, we can help positively influence, motivate and change lives of others in need.

Thanks for your support!

Katie