Vic cancer patient to run Melbourne marathon
A Melbourne mum who was diagnosed with an incurable cancer last year is on an inspiring mission to complete a life-long dream.
Elise Beaton is about to attempt one challenge that very few people have achieved fully fit - running the Melbourne marathon.
"Some would say it's crazy and stubborn, but I think it's been the best thing for me," Elise said.
A mother to five-year-old Olivia and three-year-old Jed, 33-year-old Elise was diagnosed with stage four melanoma last year.
Her doctor, Ben Brady, found secondary tumours in her lung and groin.
"It was very grim...incurable," Dr Brady said.
Elise started taking a new melanoma drug, and initially she struggled.
"I just went from being a fit, healthy, normal girl to sick in bed," she said.
But recently Dr Brady told her she was cancer-free.
He does not know for how long, so he encouraged her to do something memorable.
"I'm sure he meant go and book a beautiful trip to America and have a fantastic time with your family," Elise said, but she had other ideas.
A far cry from relaxation, Elise is now training three times a week for the 42 kilometre run on October 12.
"I'm doing it not only for myself, but for all those cancer sufferers out there that you know would love to be right next to do me doing it," she said.
Her doctor is dumbfounded, but delighted by her enthusiasm and determination.
"One of the good things that comes out of cancer is that people find these inner strengths they never had," Dr Brady said.
Elise's cancer will probably return but says this marathon will prepare her for that.
"No one should go through it and I'm going to beat it," she said.
