For Joanne Cruz, committing to run a half-marathon to raise money for cancer research didn't take much thought.
The 37-year-old Douglas County sheriff's deputy signed up last September for the 13-mile Rock 'n' Roll Seattle 1⁄2 Marathon June 26 to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
She joined the DetermiNation team.
"You just look around you and see family and friends fighting cancer and the devastating effects it has," Cruz said.
The mission became more personal when sheriff's Capt. Mike Biaggini died of colon cancer Feb. 17 after almost nine years of treatment.
"Through it all, Mike managed to be 'the best daddy' and a leader in local law enforcement," Cruz said.
"The standing joke between us was that Capt. Biaggini slept in his uniform because he was always the first on scene and the first to jump in and assist. It didn't matter if he was going through painful cancer treatments, annoyed by hiccups or experiencing drastic weight loss, he was always there for us in the time of need, always."
She's running in Biaggini's memory along with her friend Kris Hughes who is running in memory of an aunt.
In addition to working at the sheriff's office, Cruz is raising three sons and trying to fit training into her busy schedule.
She set up a treadmill in her house to take advantage of the odd hours she might have time.
For practice, she and Hughes ran the 7-1/2-mile Bay to Breakers race on May 16.
"It was only half what we're running in Seattle, but we both felt like we could keep on going," Cruz said.
In addition to paying her own expenses, Cruz is responsible for raising at least $1,500 for the marathon.
Donations in Cruz's name may be made at the Web site: http://determination.acsevents.org/, or by mail to Joanne Cruz, PO Box 2391, Minden, NV 89423.
"The training has been difficult but I keep myself motivated by reminding myself a run is easier than the daily suffering cancer patients go through and a small sacrifice for me. My hope is that one day we will find a cure and end the suffering," she said.
ON THE WEB
American Cancer Society
DetermiNation
http://determination.acsevents.org/
