Diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 7, Kacey Marse knows how important the family and friends are who helped her get through 17 surgeries, chemo and radiation therapy.
It’s why this Luling resident, now 33, has every intention of taking on the The Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 2 to benefit the Brain Tumor Center at the LSU Department of Neurosurgery in New Orleans that cured her.
“When I was in the hospital for surgeries, I had my family and friends. They would all be there. If I had to stay in the hospital, they were always there. It was comforting,” Marse said. “The fundraiser is so patients will be able to stay at home with their support system.”
As of October, it will be 16 years that she has been cancer free.
“My situation is good,” she said. “I haven’t had any surgeries in several years.”
Marse also said she doesn’t intend for the illness to interfere with her life.
“I don’t want it to stop me from doing anything,” she said. “I can do everything like normal people, although I may have to do it a little differently. I enjoy life day by day.”
She is a 2001 graduate of Hahnville High School and earned her degree as a physical therapy technician, which she hopes will land her a job soon. Her desire to help others drove her career choice.
“I think I’d be able to help people in the same situation I was in,” Marse said of assisting those dealing with cancer both physically and mentally.
The Oct. 2 race will mark her second run to benefit the Tumor Center. When she heard about the race and what it supported, Marse knew she was in.
“I’m ready for it,” she said. “I’ve been running every day.”Excited about the race, Marse said she’s already got six family members and friends on her team and hopes to sign up as many people who want to help in St. Charles Parish.
The run/walk was named in honor of Kelsey Bradley Favrot,who died of brain cancer in 2009, and established to support brain cancer patients. It will be held in Audubon Park with the ½-mile run/walk at 8 a.m. and the 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m.
“I think with each illness that patients may be dealing with, I think it’s important to have a good attitude and stay positive,” she said. “And, no matter, just keep going. Don’t give up.”
Marse’s outlook definitely shines through her team name for the event, “Don’t Worry – Be Happy.”
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