Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - University of Virginia - (Page 52)

I nspired Running By Karen Doss Bowman A UVA doctor pays tribute to her mom and her breast cancer patients event hristiana Brenin, MD, a UVA Health System medical oncologist, feels a close bond with her breast cancer patients. But the disease hits even closer to her heart: Her mother, Fotini Menemenlis, is a breast cancer survivor. Lace Up for a Good Cause Training for Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler kicks off in June. This popular event is hosted by the Charlottesville Track Club and co-directed by Cynthia and Audrey Lorenzoni, and Mark Lorenzoni of the Ragged Mountain Running Shop. To register for the training program, go to w4mtp.com. (Register for the race at womens4miler.com). For 20 years, Four Miler proceeds have benefited UVA Breast Care Program to support breast cancer research, patient education and support services. 52 SU M M E R 2 013 An avid runner, Brenin has participated for the past seven years in the Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler—an annual event that benefits UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program— as a way to show her support for her patients and the community. This past September, Brenin walked alongside her 84-year-old mother (who has walked in the event for three years), while her two daughters, Alexandra, 19, and Jessika, 17, ran together. Brenin’s mom received the Oldest Participant Award at the Four Miler for the second year. “I recognize that my mother will not be doing this forever, and I wanted to honor her and walk with her,” says Brenin, who usually runs in the event. “It was special, and I am very thankful I did it.” Brenin’s mom first had breast cancer in 1979, when Brenin was just a teenager. Following a mastectomy of the affected breast, Menemenlis was cancer-free until this past summer, when cancer was found in the other breast. She had a second mastectomy this fall. But it wasn’t her mother’s experience with breast cancer that inspired Brenin to become a doctor. Though there were no doctors in her family, Brenin dreamed of becoming one even as a little girl. For as long as she can remember, Brenin says she has enjoyed taking care of people. http://www.w4mtp.com http://www.womens4miler.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - University of Virginia

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - University of Virginia
Contents
Life in Balance
Are Hot Flashes Disrupting Your Life?
Put to the Test
The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist
Join the Movement
Stroke Stories
5 Steps to Better Bone Health
Gut Instinct
Morgan Freeman
Prostate Playbook
The Main Ingredient
Looking Ahead
Virtual Health
Mind Shift
Inspired Running
Defy Your Age

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - University of Virginia