#BraveLikeLiz
Name: Liz
Diagnosis: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Years of Survivorship: 11 years
Location: New York City
Published on April 17th 2026
“Getting involved with Brave Like Gabe and starting to fundraise helped me learn how to talk about cancer and fight the stigma and stereotypes that persist about cancer and people with cancer.”
How has running or staying physically active affected your journey?
“A cancer diagnosis can make people feel betrayed by their body, and I certainly did for a time. But I've found that physical activity helps me feel connected to rather than alienated from my body. By focusing on what I can control (marathon training), I feel empowered and less afraid of things I can't control (my cells and their passion for multiplying). Running, hiking, and practicing yoga are the best tools I have for improving my mental health and outlook on life. I feel hyper vigilant about my health, and when I have anxiety waiting for results of a scan or biopsy, nothing helps me get out of my head more than a run.”
What advice do you have for people on staying fit throughout their recovery?
“Any level of activity counts! No matter your pace or distance, if you run at all you are a runner. Sometimes a run can turn into a walk or sitting on a bench, and that is okay. Chasing PRs is really fun at times, but you can also set a goal of learning to listen to your body.“
What are some of your proudest accomplishments as a cancer survivor?
“Throughout the years, my amazing friends and family have donated countless times when I participated in Brave Like Gabe 5k pop ups and Cycle for Survival here in New York City (to raise funds for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). Most recently, I fundraised $5,000 to run the Tokyo Marathon for Brave Like Gabe! Reaching that amount of funds and traveling so far was incredibly special. During the race, I thought of all the people who donated and who were cheering me on from afar. I'm really proud of this accomplishment, but mostly I am so grateful for my support system and BLG for giving me the opportunity.
I count my survivorship years since my salivary gland cancer treatment, but I've also had basal cell carcinoma twice in the years since. Nothing says ‘well rounded’ like an extremely common and treatable cancer after a rare one. I feel obligated to remind everyone to wear sunscreen and practice sun safety!”
How has Gabe's story impacted you or changed the way you view life as a cancer survivor?
“Gabe's story inspired me to talk to other people about cancer. Like Gabe, I was diagnosed at age 22. Before being diagnosed, I had never even heard of salivary gland cancer and I didn't know anyone else my age with cancer of any kind. Unfortunately, there is so much misinformation and discomfort surrounding cancer that discussing it felt really difficult. Getting involved with Brave Like Gabe and starting to fundraise helped me learn how to talk about cancer and fight the stigma and stereotypes that persist about cancer and people with cancer.”
What does it mean to be #BraveLikeLIZ?
“Being #BraveLikeLiz means choosing action. I am so privileged to celebrate 11 years post-diagnosis, and I choose to stay involved by fundraising and spreading awareness in the hopes that more people can have the same privilege.”
WHAt Are you looking forward to in the near future?
“I'm looking forward to hosting a Brave Like Gabe Pop-Up in New York this June! My partner Zach and I have hosted a 5k the past two years, and we will be trying something different this year. Rather than a 5k, we will have a guided group weightlifting session #liftingonhope“