Battling cancer once is a life-altering experience. Battling it three times in a decade—including a primary brain tumor—is something most people would struggle to even imagine. For Brigitte Cutshall, the journey through hospitals and treatments felt like it had stolen everything she knew about herself. Her body was tired, her spirit was worn down, and she felt like she was just waiting to "bounce back" to a life that didn't exist anymore.
But then, she made a choice that changed everything. She decided to lace up her sneakers and go for a run. It wasn't about setting records or being fast; it was a quiet, personal act of reclaiming her freedom. That first run after chemotherapy was short and slow, but it was the most important step she had ever taken. It was a physical reminder that her legs were still strong and that her lungs could still breathe.
Running became her way of processing the trauma of her diagnosis. Every mile felt like she was leaving a little bit of the pain behind on the pavement. She realized that healing isn't a straight line and it certainly isn't about rushing to be "normal" again. Instead, it’s about momentum. It’s about celebrating the tiny victories, like showing up to a race with a smile despite losing her hair, or simply feeling the wind on her face when she didn't think she'd be here to feel it at all.
Brigitte eventually turned her story into a book and a podcast to help others find their own "movements" toward recovery. She teaches that you don’t need to be an athlete to start; you just need to take one step. Whether it’s walking, jogging, or just moving your body in a way that feels good, it’s a powerful way to connect with your spirit.
Her journey is a beautiful reminder that we’re all "running" from something and toward something better. Sometimes, the most heroic thing you can do isn't fighting a massive battle—it’s just showing up for yourself, one step at a time, even on the days when it feels impossible. If you’re in the middle of a struggle, know that you don’t have to force yourself to "bounce back." Just take one step today. Then take another. You’re stronger than you know.