For Michael Kennedy, running started as a way to bond with friends. In his late thirties, he joined a relay team for the Burlington Marathon and had the honor of running the final leg of the race, crossing the finish line for his team. The exhilaration of that moment sparked something within him – a desire to experience that sense of accomplishment again. What started as a hobby soon became much more: running became a source of joy, a way to connect with his community, and a path toward personal achievement.
This relationship with running took on a whole new level of significance when Michael faced an unimaginable challenge: pancreatic cancer.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
In September 2023, Michael’s life took an unexpected turn. He had suddenly lost weight and concerning stool changes. Something was clearly wrong, and knowing that he couldn’t wait six weeks for an appointment with his regular doctor, he chose to see another physician in the practice.
That decision likely saved his life.
“I was really jaundiced, especially in my chest,” Michael remembers. Concerned by his symptoms, the doctor ordered tests. On October 5, the results came back, confirming Michael’s worst fears: he had malignant pancreatic adenocarcinoma. He immediately began treatment. By October 31, Michael started chemotherapy, paired with radiation. In June 2024, he underwent Whipple surgery to remove the tumor.
Michael remembers telling his doctors, “I’m single, and I don’t have kids. If there’s anything you’re willing to try on someone who doesn’t have the fears someone else might, I’m willing.”
Rather than just performing the standard procedure, the surgeons placed radioactive material inside of Michael that continues to emit radiation to catch anything that could have been missed. The decision paid off – his first post-Whipple scans were promising.
Running – A Lifeline During Treatment
Throughout his treatment, running became a lifeline for Michael. Despite the pain and fatigue from chemotherapy and radiation, he kept running.
“I ran one of my first days of chemo,” Michael says. “One of the big things that got me through back then was focusing on Project Purple.”
When Michael took a break to recover from surgery, returning to running felt like reclaiming a part of himself, even though he had to adjust to a new reality, one where his abilities had changed.
A Monumental Victory
Michael was no stranger to Project Purple, having previously run in events like the virtual 5k Turkey Trot. The Project Purple stories he had read also inspired his goal of completing a marathon in the same calendar year as his Whipple. This promise to himself led him to Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Marathon, part of Project Purple’s Pioneer Program, held special significance. At the time, he wasn’t sure if he would survive to make it to the starting line. Simply reaching that point felt like a monumental victory.
“I’m not as fast as I was before I was diagnosed, but that’s ok. I [had] no expectations. Making it to the starting line [was] a win,” Michael reflects.
Training for the race gave him a goal to focus on outside of his cancer diagnosis, a tangible milestone that kept him motivated and moving forward. For Michael, every step was a victory, both physically and emotionally.
A Motivational Mantra
Throughout his battle with cancer, Michael maintained an unwavering optimism, guided by the lessons he learned and taught as a former basketball coach. One of the phrases he often shared with his players was, “You can do hard things.” This mantra became a guiding light throughout his cancer journey.
“I don’t think I’ll ever face anything harder than this,” he says, reflecting on the battle he fought – from receiving his diagnosis to being declared cancer-free.
Inspiring Others Through the Power of Perseverance
Michael hopes that his story will serve as an inspiration to others – whether they are facing their own difficult diagnosis or looking for a source of motivation. His journey to Jacksonville is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the belief that even the hardest obstacles can be overcome.
For Michael, crossing the finish line in Jacksonville wasn’t just about completing a race. It was about proving to himself – and to others – that he could conquer life’s toughest challenges.
“I’m here to prove to myself that I can still do hard things,” he says.
Michael also wants any pancreatic cancer patients who read his story to know, “You can still do hard things despite the diagnosis. Keep doing them. We can do hard things.”
For Michael Kennedy, running – and surviving – has become a symbol of hope, strength, and the relentless will to keep moving forward, no matter what. And that’s a victory worth running for.
If you’d like to run or participate in an event of your own for Project Purple, visit our events page.
To learn more about the Pioneer Program, visit our page.
