A MESSAGE FROM Rylee
Hi! I'm Rylee Huet and this October I will be running the Chicago Marathon in support of the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBFT)!
Here's my story...
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was 17 years old. One night at the dinner table my family witnessed me have a grand mal seizure. I went to a neurologist for further testing as I had no epileptic history. A few hours after I got home from my MRI, my parents walked into my room with tears in their eyes. My dad looked at me and said, “Rylee, something showed up that’s not supposed to be there.". My first thoughts were I might not get to go to college, get married or see the world. After consulting a neurosurgeon and neuro-oncologist, it was determined that I had a brain tumor and I would need brain surgery. So, on September 1, 2020, I underwent surgery that successfully removed a ganglioglioma tumor in my right temporal lobe. That day often feels like the start of the rest of my life.
I missed the first couple months of my senior year of high school. I spent that time in physical therapy regaining the strength I'd lost and working through balance and vertigo issues. Once medical appointments died down, I was faced with "what's next?". I could no longer continue the years of training I had put into becoming a collegiate soccer player. Instead, I decided to take a leap of faith and attend Purdue University, over 1,000 miles away from home. Alongside being homesick, I had to learn how to take care of a body that was still fragile, establish my independence and keep up with school. I faced excruciating headaches, dizziness, and focal seizures. I also developed intense health anxiety. I was constantly waiting for the next life changing diagnosis or the return of my tumor. Every scan felt like holding my breath until someone told me everything was still okay. No one prepares you for the lingering physical and emotional challenges that can last for years after treatment. The harsh reality is I never going to be "normal" again.
Today, I am approaching 6 years tumor free and I no longer need annual scans. I graduated from Purdue in 2025 with an engineering degree. The same brain I once thought betrayed me has since created so many opportunities. I love my occupation and I love the life I have built since moving to Indianapolis. Everyday I am grateful to be a "success story" and now I have the chance to give back to the community that helped me get here.
Running has been a source of healing for me since surgery as it's been something my body can safely do. I ran track in high school, continued with Purdue's club track team for three years and now I am checking off my bucket list item of finishing a marathon. I am running not only as a brain tumor survivor, but so that no one has to face life after diagnosis alone. I run for Caleb and Marissa, friends who both fought brain tumors. I run for Dr. Elbabaa, Dr. Smith, Dr. Conrad and all the healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to caring for patients like me. I run for my family and every family carrying the weight of a brain tumor alongside their loved one. Most importantly, I run for the children still battling brain tumors and for all who lost their lives to this terrible disease.
If you are able to donate, please know that it truly makes a difference. I ask that you include a song of your choice in the "notes" section of your donation to be added to my race day playlist. It would mean so much to carry a piece of everyone who supported me across the finish line of my first marathon. Thank you for being a part of my journey and funding hope for the brain tumor community!
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