OhioHealth Cancer Survivor Returns to 2025 Cap City Half & Quarter Marathon

Running has always been more than just a sport to Laurie Bilovesky, it’s been her community, her source of strength and a constant throughout life’s challenges. This year, as she lines up for the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon, the race holds even greater meaning. As a breast cancer survivor, she’s running to inspire others facing their own battles.

During her cancer treatment at OhioHealth, which included a double mastectomy, radiation and ongoing hormone therapy, Laurie never stopped moving. Running and strength training became her way to reclaim control. As a longtime pacer for Fleet Feet Columbus Marathoners in Training (MIT) program and the M3S Sports Cap City & Fleet Feet Pace Team Powered by On, she was surrounded by friends from the running community who were there for her when she needed it most. “They showed up for me in ways I never expected. I never felt like I was alone in this community at all,” Laurie said.

Now in remission, Laurie is returning to the Cap City race with a renewed sense of purpose. “Crossing that finish line is a statement. I can still do this, and my life didn’t have to change because of a diagnosis,” she said.

Early detection made all the difference for Laurie. A routine screening caught her cancer early, allowing her to start treatment quickly and continue doing what she loves. But she knows not everyone has that same access to care.

A portion of each race registration for the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon will go to support the OhioHealth Foundation. The Foundation will use those dollars to provide funding for OhioHealth’s Mobile Mammography Program, which brings vital breast cancer screenings directly to women in their communities. This service ensures that women who might otherwise face barriers to care can access life-saving screenings.

“There are so many women who are afraid to get screened, afraid to hear what I heard,” Laurie said. “The more we can make screenings accessible, the better. If we can bring it to them and make it easier, it will go a long way in catching cancer earlier.”

For nearly a decade, the OhioHealth Mobile Mammography Program has been offering mammograms to women across the state, covering more than 50 counties with three mobile units. Traveling to care sites, school grounds, community fairs and employer locations, in fiscal year 2024, the units provided more than 4,400 mammograms.

“Having a dedicated fund for mobile mammography means we can advance OhioHealth’s commitment toward bringing vital breast health screenings to women who may be unable to access them due to financial limitations or barriers to transportation”, said Karen Morrison, president, OhioHealth Foundation and senior vice president, OhioHealth. “The OhioHealth Foundation is grateful to be the benefitting charity of this incredible race.”

For Laurie, race day serves as a reminder of the determination that helped her through her journey, and it’s a celebration of everyone striving toward their own finish lines, both on and off the course. “When I’m pacing, I always tell runners, ‘You’ve been with me too long, go finish strong!’” she said. “Watching them push through, cross that line and realize what they’ve achieved is the best feeling in the world.”

To support OhioHealth's Mobile Mammography Program, click here.
To register for the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon, click here.