Local breast cancer survivor gears up for Donna Marathon Weekend

JACKOSNVILLE, Fla. — The city is gearing up for the race to beat breast cancer in the 16th annual Donna Marathon.

Action News Jax got to speak with Amy Mergan, she is The Board Chair for the Donna Fondation. She is also getting ready to celebrate 10 years of being in remission after her own breast cancer diagnosis back in February of 2013.

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“When you get that call and someone says you tested positive you want to say I’m sorry I think you have the wrong number,” Mergan said.

Nearly 10 years ago at the age of 44 Amy Mergan was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in both breasts.

“I had what they called dense breast when I was young, so they started to do MRI’s and so with dense breast, because they don’t see things that they feel they pushed for an MRI and that’s how they found my cancer,” Mergan said.

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“During my journey I had a double mastectomy, I went through chemotherapy treatment and people just lifted me up the entire time,” Mergan said.

One year later Amy was in the Donna Marathon. She was inspired by their motto “love over fear.” Today Amy plays an active role in the Donna Foundation working to provide financial care and support to those living with breast cancer. Tomorrow starts a weekend full of activities dedicated to advancing breast cancer research.

These events are dear to Amy and many others battling breast cancer or familiar with someone including Action News Jax Reporter, Princess Jhané Stepherson’s grandmother Frankie Stepherson who is going on 8 years in remission after being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at age 71.

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“One point I’d really like to make is that early detection is really important for any cancer. If you can catch it early it makes all the difference in your outcome in terms of being here for your family, friends and the future,” Mergan said.

While this weekend will be the 16th anniversary of the Donna Marathon it also marks The 20th anniversary of The Donna Foundation. For more information on this weekend’s race to beat breast cancer events and how you can participate visit the following link.

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