Sharael Kolberg

Throughout October, we will be sharing She’s a Survivor stories: five #motherrunners whose lives have been changed by breast cancer; hopefully the perspective and ideas they share will benefit others who are going through similar situations.

Last week, we featured Katie Kickel Hernandez. Next up is Sharael Kolberg from Laguna Beach, California, who has an 18-year-old daughter. Kolberg made headlines last year when she launched her “50 for the Cure” campaign, which was supposed to be a cross-country journey that had her walking or running a mile in each state to support breast cancer awareness and research and celebrate her 50th birthday. But when COVID-19 hit, Kolberg pivoted, and instead did things virtually, ultimately running with one person from every state, every day for 50 days—all over Zoom.

This October, Kolberg—who, in 2018, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and endured two lumpectomies and months of standard chemotherapy and oral chemo—is taking things one (or, rather, several) steps further by running a 5K a day all month long. Now cancer-free, Kolberg is intent on continuing to promote awareness and advocate for early screenings and prevention by encouraging others to accept the 50 for a Cure challenge and join along in her journey.

Date of diagnosis: August, 2018

On how running helped her recover: A runner since high school, Kolberg says movement helped her tremendously on her toughest days. “When I was going through treatment and on chemo, I literally couldn’t get out of bed some days,” she recalls. “My husband and daughter would encourage me to go for a walk, even if it was just one block, and I always felt better when I got up and moved.” Later, when she regained her health, she started running again. “That was a real turning point,” she says of her very first run. “I knew that the day I was able to run was a sign of me getting back to normal. At that point, I thought, ‘I’m back.’”

On running via Zoom: Every Friday morning at 9am PST throughout October, Kolberg will host a virtual 5K over Zoom. And after the success of her 2020 venture, Kolberg’s a pro at Zoom-on-the run, explaining that she asks participants to log in on their cell phones and carry them as they go. “I’ll chat about breast cancer awareness, talk about my own journey, and allow others to share their stories,” Kolberg says.

On paying it forward: Kolberg’s main mission? To give those going through breast cancer hope, to raise awareness of the disease and funds for the Susan G. Komen foundation, and to maybe save some lives. She accomplished the latter recently when a woman reached out to her after hearing about 50 for the Cure on the news. “She told me that my story encouraged her to go get a mammogram,” Kolberg shares. “And it turns out that she had breast cancer. But it was detected early, and she’s doing well.” Those are the stories that keep Kolberg marching on—and power her through every mile.

On getting involved with 50 for the Cure: “You don’t have to run. You can walk, bike, or just move,” says Kolberg on how to support her cause. Whatever you do, Kolberg hopes you will share sweaty selfies on social media and tagging it with #5Kaday and #50forthecure to generate more follows and link like-minded people. Want to join in? Head to the 50 for the Cure website to accept the challenge, or check out the Facebook page.

Are you dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis? Join our BAMR Breasties Facebook page.