Survivor Will Run Chicago Marathon for Cancer Research
A two-time breast cancer survivor will run 26.2 miles to raise funds and reclaim physical strength.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Cancer
In October 2026, Northbrook resident Grace Lombardo will participate in the Chicago Marathon. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she is running to raise money for the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation and to demonstrate personal resilience.
Why it matters
Lombardo hopes her performance in the 26.2-mile race will inspire others navigating cancer treatment and recovery. Her effort highlights the ongoing need for research funding following her personal experiences with multiple cancer diagnoses.
Lombardo is a two-time breast cancer survivor who was first diagnosed with Stage IIA invasive ductal carcinoma at age 36. Her medical history includes a bilateral mastectomy, two lumpectomies, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and 30 radiation treatments.
The players
Grace Lombardo
A two-time breast cancer survivor who advocates for research and physical activity following cancer treatment.
Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation
An organization dedicated to supporting breast cancer research and clinical care.
Degregorio Foundation
A research entity focused on funding advancements in gastrointestinal and esophageal cancer treatments.
The details
To prepare for the full Chicago Marathon, Lombardo maintains a daily running regimen. She successfully completed four half marathons in 2026 as part of her training, including the New York City Half Marathon to benefit the Degregorio Foundation. These efforts serve as a way for her to prove physical control following her second cancer diagnosis, which she received six months after her five-year milestone.
Timeline
2013: Lombardo's father died from esophageal cancer.
2026: Lombardo completed four half marathons.
October 2026: Lombardo will run the Chicago Marathon.
Health Landscape
Patient advocacy through physical challenge has become an established method for raising awareness and funding for the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. This movement reflects a broader trend of cancer survivors using community-based endurance events to reclaim physical agency.
Survivors looking to increase physical activity should consult with their oncology team to ensure their training plan aligns with their post-treatment health status. Discussing the specific physical demands of marathon training with a physician is a critical step for anyone with a history of intensive chemotherapy or radiation.
The takeaway
Lombardo demonstrates that setting athletic goals can be a powerful component of life after cancer treatment. If you are a survivor interested in endurance sports, consult your doctor about safe activity levels based on your specific treatment history.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in patient care and advocacy in our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
