Read time: 5 minutes.
How far would you travel to turn loss into hope? For Angie, Ashley, and Lucian, the answer is Sydney. As returning Team LUNGevity members, they’re traveling across the globe to take on the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS. We asked them what keeps them coming back, why they chose Sydney, and why they continue to run and fundraise for Team LUNGevity.
As a Repeater, what keeps you coming back to Team LUNGevity?
Angie Linares
LUNGevity has become such a huge part of my life. After losing my dad to lung cancer in 2023, running with Team LUNGevity has given me a way to honor his memory while helping create hope for other families. Thanks to research and advancements in treatment, my dad had more time than we originally expected. Those extra months gave him the chance to make priceless memories with his granddaughter, and that’s something I’ll forever be grateful for. Every mile I run and every amount I raise is my way of giving back and helping fund the research that gives other families more time together, just like we had.
Ashley Humphrey
In January 2016, my dad passed away from lung cancer, just five months after he was diagnosed. Throughout my grief journey, I was fortunate enough to discover LUNGevity and their endurance program. I have been in awe of the work they are doing to spread awareness, research, and support for individuals and families affected by lung cancer. Through their endurance program, I have met some truly inspirational people turning their grief and circumstance into purpose. I keep coming back to LUNGevity for the incredible cause and community I’ve built along the way. My dad’s fight with lung cancer was short, but LUNGevity allows me to continue that fight in his honor
Lucian Cioata
I keep coming back to Team LUNGevity because it gives my effort real meaning. Every mile is a way to honor my brother and support the people and families who are facing something far harder than a long run. The mission is personal, the community is genuine, and the impact is something I’m proud to stand behind. When I run with Team LUNGevity, I’m reminded that hope, progress, and connections are real; they happen one step at a time, and we need to keep it going.
Why Australia? What motivated you to travel to the other side of the world to do this marathon?
Angie Linares
Australia has always held a special place in my heart because of my dad. He was an avid fisherman and deep-sea diver, and visiting Australia was one of his biggest dreams. Unfortunately, he never had the chance to make the trip. Growing up, so much of what my sister and I knew about Australia came from him and his love for the country. When the TCS Sydney Marathon became an Abbott World Marathon Major, it felt like the perfect opportunity to finally experience the place he had always dreamed of visiting. I never thought I’d get in, but sure enough, I did! Running through Sydney is my way of honoring him and carrying a piece of him with me every step of the journey. In addition, I want my daughter to know that any goal can be accomplished, even on the other side of the world!
Ashley Humphrey
Australia has always been on my travel bucket list, and after setting a lifetime goal of completing the world's major marathons, I entered the Sydney ballot on a whim. I think I am still in shock that this once-in-a-lifetime experience is happening!
Lucian Cioata
For me, Sydney represents the next great race. Running makes me feel free, and the bigger the race, the greater the challenge, the more fantastic it feels. Traveling halfway around the world to take part in the TCS Sydney Marathon is next level. I entered the lottery not expecting to get in, especially on the first try, but I did. And that’s what this journey is all about: choosing the hard thing, showing up, and getting it done.
You were lucky enough to get selected through the ballot. What made you want to join Team LUNGevity and fundraise, even when you have your own race entry?
Angie Linares
After running with Team LUNGevity for the first time in Chicago, I made a promise to myself that I would do at least one race each year with the team. So, when I got into Sydney through the ballot, my first thought was, “Why not Australia?” Being part of Team LUNGevity has become an important tradition for me, and I’m proud to continue that tradition on the other side of the world.
Ashley Humphrey
LUNGevity works tirelessly to support families like mine as they walk through some of the hardest and most uncertain times of their lives. Partnering with them allows me to feel that I am still honoring my dad, even 10 years after his passing. I am grateful for any opportunity to fundraise for a cause that means so much to me.
Lucian Cioata
Even with my own race entry, I chose to join Team LUNGevity and fundraise because I believe in the mission, and I’m grateful for the camaraderie and support the team has given me. After losing my younger brother to lung cancer in December 2024, I struggled to find direction. And then I found Team LUNGevity. They gave me a community, a purpose, and a way to channel my grief into something meaningful. I wanted to fundraise and give back to the people and families who need that same support.
Every Team LUNGevity runner has a different story, but they all share the same goal: creating a future where no one must face lung cancer alone. As Angie, Ashley, and Lucian prepare to take on Sydney, they’re proving that no distance is too far when you are running for something bigger than yourself.
You can fundraise for lung cancer like Angie, Ashley, and Lucian by participating in one of LUNGevity’s Official Charity Partner events happening year-round, or in any event of your choice through our B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bib) program. Enjoy perks such as guaranteed race entry to closed events, free race registration for select events, team gear, fundraising coaching and resources, and race-day support. Learn more here.