I got to know OTSK by recommendation. When I first looked at their website, I was certain that this organization was the right one for me to support. In 2007 I was diagnosed with cancer. During this scary and dark time it was most important to me to have people around me who stand by my side, who support me and to whom I can turn to every time, when I need them. And that is exactly what OTSK stands for. It gives young adults people who they can turn to and who care about them. I think that this is the greatest gift of all.

After two cancer surgeries my doctor told me that the only thing I could do to fight against the still growing cancer is to strengthen my immune system by doing endurance sport. So I thought that I could conjoin supporting OTSK and do something for my health by running the British 10k London Run in July for OTSK. I sent an 
e-mail to OTSK to ask if they would need another participant for the race. I received very kind and touching 
e-mails from Julie and Michelle who made me feel that they would be pleased if I would run for OTSK.

Before the surgeries I could just put on my running shoes and run 10 kilometres without preparation. But since my right vocal chord is paralyzed, it has – beside of the difficulties of talking – become harder to breathe, when I jog. After about 5 minutes I have the feeling that I am breathing through a thin straw, but the good thing is: It’s not getting worse. I could even finish a marathon without getting serious problems like my other doctor suspected. It’s all a question of will and good preparation. So now I’m preparing for the British 10k Run and jog at least two times a week. It is good to work towards one objection so cold and rain is no excuse for not running.

I am really looking forward to come to London and to support OTSK, because it is important and very rewarding to me to share a bit of the luck that I have in my life. So I hope the little that I do is going to help OTSK to continue doing such fantastic work they are already doing.

Sabine Schmidt

If you would like to join Sabine in running the British 10k London Run for OTSK, please send an email to events@sa-yes.com.