Ara Ispentchian

You have cancer!

There are moments in life that change you forever. For me, it was the day I heard the words, “You have cancer.”

In an instant, life became less about tomorrow and more about simply making it through today. There were moments of fear, uncertainty, and doubt, but there were also moments filled with hope, love, incredible doctors, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and this amazing community. Because of them, I stand here today—grateful to be cancer-free and never taking a single day for granted.

That is why running the 2027 London Marathon for the World Cancer Research Fund means so much to me.

Every single day, around 1,100 people hear the words that changed my life. Even more heartbreaking is that more than 420 of those cancers may have been preventable through research, education, and healthier lifestyles. That’s over 155,000 lives every year that could be impacted.

The World Cancer Research Fund has spent decades investing in life-saving research, educating people on cancer prevention, and helping survivors live longer, healthier lives. Their work gives people something priceless—hope.

When I cross the starting line in London, I won’t be running for a finish time. I’ll be running for the person who just received a cancer diagnosis. I’ll be running for the families sitting beside hospital beds. I’ll be running for those we’ve lost, for those still fighting, and for every survivor who has been given another chance at life.

Most of all, I’ll be running because I was fortunate enough to get that second chance.

If you’re able to support my journey, you’ll be doing so much more than helping me get to London. You’ll be helping fund research that can prevent cancer, save lives, and give someone else the opportunity to celebrate another birthday, another holiday, another finish line.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me and for being part of this journey. Together, we can turn hope into action and help create a future where fewer people ever have to hear the words, “You have cancer.” ❤️🎗️🏃‍♂️