Ambassador Rhonda: A Journey of Strength, Faith, and Resilience
At Malibu Moves, we are continually inspired by the incredible stories of individuals who have overcome adversity through the power of movement and community. One such story is that of Rhonda, one of our race ambassadors, whose journey from battling breast cancer to becoming a marathon runner is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Rhonda’s transformative experience, the pivotal role that fitness played in her recovery, and her mission to inspire others to move their bodies and embrace the healing power of physical activity. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, Rhonda’s story will motivate you to keep pushing forward. Plus, we’ll share some practical tips on how you can join Rhonda and others at this year’s Malibu Moves: 5K, Half Marathon & Kids Run.
Rhonda's Battle with Breast Cancer
For Rhonda, life took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As anyone who has faced this diagnosis knows, the battle against cancer is not just physical, but also mental and emotional. Rhonda faced her treatments head-on, including chemotherapy, surgeries, and countless medical appointments. It was a long and exhausting road, but she never lost sight of her goal: to regain her health and live life to the fullest.
In 2019, after finishing her last round of chemotherapy, Rhonda faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her strength and finding a new sense of normalcy.
Like many cancer survivors, she knew that reclaiming her health would require more than just time—it would require a deep commitment to wellness and self-care.
The Role of Faith in Rhonda's Recovery
Throughout her battle with cancer, Rhonda leaned heavily on her faith. Her belief in a higher power gave her the strength to endure the physical pain and emotional stress that came with her treatments. She often speaks about how her faith provided her with the mental resilience to face each day with hope and determination. This unwavering belief became the foundation of her healing journey.
Rhonda’s story resonates deeply with those who have faced similar struggles, reminding us that hope, faith, and community support can make a significant difference in recovery. Her faith played an integral role in helping her stay focused and positive, even when the path ahead seemed uncertain.
Discovering the Power of Running
In 2020, Rhonda made a bold decision—she would take up running as a way to regain her strength and improve her mental health. Running gave her a sense of freedom and control that had been absent during her cancer treatments. It became her personal therapy, allowing her to push her body in ways she hadn’t imagined possible during her recovery.
In 2021, Rhonda took her newfound love for running to the next level by participating in her very first half marathon, a huge milestone in her fitness journey. She completed this race through fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society, channeling her energy into a cause close to her heart. Finishing that half marathon felt like a triumph, not just over the race, but over cancer itself.
From Half Marathon to LA Marathon
As her confidence and endurance grew, Rhonda set her sights on an even bigger challenge: the LA Marathon. In 2022, three years after her last chemotherapy treatment, she completed the marathon, a 26.2-mile test of endurance and mental fortitude. Crossing that finish line was not just about the miles she had run; it was about the obstacles she had overcome, from illness to recovery.
Running became a symbol of Rhonda’s resilience, her determination to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. She now encourages others—especially cancer survivors and those facing life’s challenges—to find healing and empowerment through movement. Her story is a testament to the fact that our bodies are capable of extraordinary things when we push past our limits.
Rhonda’s Role as a Malibu Moves Ambassador
Today, Rhonda is an ambassador for Malibu Moves, where she continues to inspire others to embrace movement as a tool for healing and growth. As a race ambassador, she is committed to sharing her story and encouraging others—no matter their background or fitness level—to participate in this year’s event.
Malibu Moves is more than just a race; it’s a community event designed to promote inclusivity and wellness. Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or just looking to enjoy a scenic 5K along the beautiful Zuma Beach coastline, there’s a place for you at Malibu Moves.
Rhonda’s participation in the event exemplifies the core mission of Malibu Moves: to unite people through movement, regardless of their circumstances. Her story encourages everyone to join in, from competitive runners to casual walkers, and to celebrate the power of resilience, fitness, and community.
Join Rhonda at Malibu Moves: October 26-27, 2024
Are you ready to be part of an unforgettable experience? Join Rhonda and thousands of other participants at Malibu Moves: 5K, Half Marathon & Kids Run, happening on October 26-27, 2024. This event offers something for everyone, from family-friendly fun to challenging endurance races. Whether you're running for a cause, for fun, or for personal growth, Malibu Moves is the perfect place to challenge yourself and connect with a supportive community.
Plus, with a stunning backdrop of the Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views Southern California has to offer.
How to Participate
If Rhonda’s story has inspired you to get involved, here’s how you can join us:
Sign up for Malibu Moves: Register for the 5K, Half Marathon, or Kids Run today and take advantage of early bird pricing. Register here.
Support a Cause: Like Rhonda, you can dedicate your run to a cause. Consider raising funds for our Charity partner the Malibu Education Foundation or another nonprofit close to your heart. Learn more about fundraising opportunities.
Volunteer: Not ready to run? No problem! Volunteers are a vital part of making Malibu Moves a success. Sign up to volunteer and be a part of this inspiring event.
Why Malibu Moves?
Malibu Moves isn’t just about the race; it’s about fostering a community that believes in the transformative power of movement. Participants of all fitness levels are welcome, and the event offers a generous 4-hour time limit, so everyone has a chance to finish their race at their own pace.
With perks like performance race shirts, custom medals, and post-race festivities, Malibu Moves is more than just a race—it’s an experience.
Inspiring Others Through Action
Rhonda’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we stay committed to our goals, embrace challenges, and lean on our community for support. Whether you’ve faced illness, loss, or any kind of adversity, Rhonda’s journey shows that with faith, determination, and a commitment to staying active, we can achieve incredible things.
If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join Rhonda and the entire Malibu Moves community this October. Together, we’ll celebrate resilience, community, and the power of movement.
To learn more about the American Cancer Society and support their mission, visit American Cancer Society.
